Car coolant heater. How to install a coolant heater

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Starting an engine "cold" is a serious test for any of its systems. A cold start is equal to several tens of kilometers in difficult conditions. Also, the driver and passengers of the car are not very comfortable. So, for all those who live in the cold regions of our country, they need not a leather interior and various options, but a coolant heater. Installing such a device can significantly extend the life of the power unit, save a decent amount of money on fuel, because a cold engine consumes much more.

These devices have become very common in the military. Preheating boilers were installed on almost every military vehicle, which, by the principle of operation, as well as by their purpose, were very similar to coolant heaters.

Advantages of these heaters

Thesedevices are widely used because of their merits. The coolant heater has a simple device and can heat the coolant even in severe frosts. In addition, the device heats the coolant long before the engine is started.

There is a uniform exchange of heat between the elements of the power unit and the coolant. The parts that work in the cylinder-piston group are not subject to wear during the cold start process. These devices provide a stable start even in very severe frosts.

Thanks to these heaters, it is possible to significantly reduce the load on the starter and other components involved in starting. Significantly reduced fuel consumption. The coolant heater has other uses: it can be used to heat the interior or melt the ice on the windows of the car.

Equipment types

Distinguish between fuel heaters, electric and thermal. Let's take a look at each one.

Each group of equipment has its own characteristics and features. Any heater is multifunctional.

Fuel preheater

So, fuel appliances are probably the most popular among car owners.

Their work is based on the energy that is generated in the process of fuel combustion. The advantage of this group of heaters is considered to be complete autonomy. The heater not only warms up the coolant, but also makes the air temperature in the car interior comfortable. Among the most famous manufacturers are Webasto, Teplostar, Eberspacher.

How the fuel heater works

According to the principle of operation, this is a stove that runs on diesel fuel or gasoline. A special pump pumps fuel from the tank into the combustion chamber, where a mixture with air is prepared. The mixture is then ignited using a ceramic pin, which is heated by a small current.

The coolant heats up as it passes through the heat exchanger. When it warms up to 30 degrees, interior ventilation will turn on. When the coolant reaches 70 degrees, the car coolant heater will start working at half capacity.

Many devices have a special summer mode. These devices are turned on in various ways. So, a simple and affordable way is a timer that can be programmed. If the schedule of departures is unstable, then remote control is provided by means of a remote control or a GSM module. For those who choose autonomy, this is a great choice.

Electric heaters

The electric coolant heater is also popular among car owners. The operation of the device is carried out using alternating current from external networks. Often, equipment is connected to 220 V networks. But equipment from 12 V is also starting to enter the market. It is more economical. Such 12-volt devices can be found more often in northern Europe than in our country. The advantage is that the 220V coolant heater does not emit any harmful substances intoatmosphere. Electric current is completely harmless.

These devices are silent, affordable and have a high heating rate. The device is somewhat reminiscent of boilers from the outlet. Such a device is connected either in the cylinder block or in the pipes of the car's cooling system. This group of equipment performs three functions - it heats the coolant, heats the air in the car, and charges the battery. In general, operation from 220 V is a feature of these devices. Among the well-known manufacturers are Defa and domestic companies "Leader", "Severs". The same can be said about the 12V coolant heater. However, it does not charge the battery, and you can power the device from the cigarette lighter.

Working principle

The principle of operation of these devices is similar to the operation of a boiler.

It is believed that the basic set may not be enough to create true comfort. So, it is necessary to purchase an additional separate module with a fan for interior heating. A battery charger is also required if using a 12V device.

If it is not always convenient to turn the heating system on and off in the cold, then you can equip the heater with a remote control or a timer. But the price of such a kit will differ significantly from the basic one. Among the available models, one can single out the Severs-M coolant heater - almost an analogue of the Norwegian Defa. This is an excellent choice that does not depend on the battery level, does notconsumes fuel, has an affordable price in the basic configuration.

Heat accumulator

Finally, the last type - thermal heaters, or batteries. They are also coming to the market very recently. They are very effective, but not very popular. Just like electrical equipment, this coolant heater is powered by a 220 V network. However, its function is not to heat the coolant, but to store it already heated. The device performs several functions. So, thermal energy is accumulated, stored, used for heating.

How does it work?

This is a thermos. It contains the liquid in the same volume as in the car's cooling system. While the engine is running, the fluid in the tank is constantly changing and thus maintains a constant supply of hot coolant. Before the engine is started, by means of the operation of the pump, cold antifreeze is exchanged with hot antifreeze. In just 15 seconds, hot coolant will appear in the cooling system of the car.

The main thing when working with these systems is the regular operation of the car. In Moscow winters, warm antifreeze can keep the temperature up to three days, but in severe frost it is recommended to store hot liquid every day.

DIY coolant heater

If buying a branded device is an expensive pleasure, then there are schemes with which you can do the same yourself. It will be an electrical device. There are many different options. For the heating element, you can take a small piece of pipe with a wall thickness of 0.8mm, nozzles sized 20 mm, metal in sheets, nichrome spiral and pump from GAZelle.

First, the pipe is sawn off. The length of the cut should be about 80 mm.

From metal 1 mm thick, it is necessary to cut plates along the inner diameter of the tube. Two more plates are cut in the same way.

The whole difficulty lies in the manufacture of the heat exchanger. It is recommended to do it using a welding machine. You can also just solder. Asbestos sheets can be used for insulation. It is inserted into the heat exchanger from two sides.

The spiral is cut so that its resistance is from 2.5 to 4 ohms. The lower the resistance, the more it will heat up, but there is a risk of overheating. Two disks with a diameter of 80 m are cut out of paronite, on which a spiral is fixed.

It is also necessary to make the case out of metal. It could be covers. Heating elements are inserted inside the pipe. They must be laid in spirals down. Next, the heaters are laid with asbestos, and covers are installed. To increase thermal insulation, the entire resulting structure is wrapped in foam. Here is the heater. It is powered by 12 V.

Installing a coolant heater

The installation process is simple, but it will take time. For installation, prepare clamps, tees for branching, a bracket, a spring and the device itself. Installation must be carried out in a place where coolant can easily flowdirectly into the tee and the top pipe of the system. That is, it is best to install the device under the hood on the left.

The part should be installed as low as possible, but not lower than the motor protection.

Further, liquid is poured into the device. Antifreeze is drained from the system. A bracket is put on the device, a pipe is inserted into the hole and tightened with a clamp. Next, the drain plug is removed, the pipe is pulled up to it and a fitting is put on, which is then screwed back together with the plug.

The short pipe is removed and divided in two. The tee is lubricated with sealant and the pipes are put on. Then all this is tightened with clamps, the thick pipe is screwed back. Now everything is ready, you can fill in antifreeze and use the device.