I'm installing a Dickinson diesel heater in my Beneteau 361. I think I have most of the problems licked except for one (maybe two...) The key issue I have is in tapping a new fuel line into my diesel fuel tank. I can't seem to find a part that will tap into the tank in a similar fashion to my engine fuel line. Should I simply drill a hole, put a 90 degree fitting and seal it up? Or is there a special 'connector' that I can use? I'd also be grateful for any other Beneteau 36 owners that have gone through this process to share their experience in installing... Happy Sails, C
Newport Diesel heater install question
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I'm installing a Dickinson diesel heater in my Beneteau 361. I think I have most of the problems licked except for one (maybe two...) The key issue I have is in tapping a new fuel line into my diesel fuel tank. I can't seem to find a part that will tap into the tank in a similar fashion to my engine fuel line. Should I simply drill a hole, put a 90 degree fitting and seal it up? Or is there a special 'connector' that I can use? I'd also be grateful for any other Beneteau 36 owners that have gone through this process to share their experience in installing... Happy Sails, C
Alternate tie in
Rather than tap into the tank why not just tie into the fuel line aft of the primary fuel filter? You could insert a "T" with a valve which would enable you to still make use of the filter yet shut off the fuel to the heater in the summer months. We also have a 361 and I've thought of installing a heater like you plan to. Right now we use the central air/heat unit until the water gets too cold to pull any heat from it. Then we go to two ceramic heaters. Where do you plan on installing it?
Rather than tap into the tank why not just tie into the fuel line aft of the primary fuel filter? You could insert a "T" with a valve which would enable you to still make use of the filter yet shut off the fuel to the heater in the summer months. We also have a 361 and I've thought of installing a heater like you plan to. Right now we use the central air/heat unit until the water gets too cold to pull any heat from it. Then we go to two ceramic heaters. Where do you plan on installing it?
Alternate tie in
Rather than tap into the tank why not just tie into the fuel line aft of the primary fuel filter? You could insert a "T" with a valve which would enable you to still make use of the filter yet shut off the fuel to the heater in the summer months. We also have a 361 and I've thought of installing a heater like you plan to. Right now we use the central air/heat unit until the water gets too cold to pull any heat from it. Then we go to two ceramic heaters. Where do you plan on installing it?
Rather than tap into the tank why not just tie into the fuel line aft of the primary fuel filter? You could insert a "T" with a valve which would enable you to still make use of the filter yet shut off the fuel to the heater in the summer months. We also have a 361 and I've thought of installing a heater like you plan to. Right now we use the central air/heat unit until the water gets too cold to pull any heat from it. Then we go to two ceramic heaters. Where do you plan on installing it?
Have you checked your tank?
Although I did not choose one, an option on my model H410 was a generator. Because of that Hunter built the boat with both the wiring and a second tap on the diesel tank labeled generator. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one there.
Although I did not choose one, an option on my model H410 was a generator. Because of that Hunter built the boat with both the wiring and a second tap on the diesel tank labeled generator. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one there.
Have you checked your tank?
Although I did not choose one, an option on my model H410 was a generator. Because of that Hunter built the boat with both the wiring and a second tap on the diesel tank labeled generator. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one there.
Although I did not choose one, an option on my model H410 was a generator. Because of that Hunter built the boat with both the wiring and a second tap on the diesel tank labeled generator. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one there.
Do not tie into existing lines
Please avoid tying into existing fuel lines. 1. If you tie into the engine's fuel suction line you just may induce a vacuum leak and have aerated fuel for your engine. I have seen a few espar heaters plumbed incorrectly. The heater may work fine but the engine can be sucking air when the heater is not working. Not a good idea if the engine quits and you end up on gthe rock pile. 2. Another reason also, is that you may have a lift pump providing fuel pressure to the engine. The dickinson heater may not be equipped to handle the added pressure. If the Dickenson comes with it's own lift pump, that's the one to use. My experience is with Cummins (27 years) and Espar I know Espar sells fuel tank pick up tubes that are very easily installed. It is just a matter of drilling about a 3/4" hole and installing the tube. Ask the Dickenson dealer what they have available. Take care. Ken
Please avoid tying into existing fuel lines. 1. If you tie into the engine's fuel suction line you just may induce a vacuum leak and have aerated fuel for your engine. I have seen a few espar heaters plumbed incorrectly. The heater may work fine but the engine can be sucking air when the heater is not working. Not a good idea if the engine quits and you end up on gthe rock pile. 2. Another reason also, is that you may have a lift pump providing fuel pressure to the engine. The dickinson heater may not be equipped to handle the added pressure. If the Dickenson comes with it's own lift pump, that's the one to use. My experience is with Cummins (27 years) and Espar I know Espar sells fuel tank pick up tubes that are very easily installed. It is just a matter of drilling about a 3/4" hole and installing the tube. Ask the Dickenson dealer what they have available. Take care. Ken
Do not tie into existing lines
Please avoid tying into existing fuel lines. 1. If you tie into the engine's fuel suction line you just may induce a vacuum leak and have aerated fuel for your engine. I have seen a few espar heaters plumbed incorrectly. The heater may work fine but the engine can be sucking air when the heater is not working. Not a good idea if the engine quits and you end up on gthe rock pile. 2. Another reason also, is that you may have a lift pump providing fuel pressure to the engine. The dickinson heater may not be equipped to handle the added pressure. If the Dickenson comes with it's own lift pump, that's the one to use. My experience is with Cummins (27 years) and Espar I know Espar sells fuel tank pick up tubes that are very easily installed. It is just a matter of drilling about a 3/4" hole and installing the tube. Ask the Dickenson dealer what they have available. Take care. Ken
Please avoid tying into existing fuel lines. 1. If you tie into the engine's fuel suction line you just may induce a vacuum leak and have aerated fuel for your engine. I have seen a few espar heaters plumbed incorrectly. The heater may work fine but the engine can be sucking air when the heater is not working. Not a good idea if the engine quits and you end up on gthe rock pile. 2. Another reason also, is that you may have a lift pump providing fuel pressure to the engine. The dickinson heater may not be equipped to handle the added pressure. If the Dickenson comes with it's own lift pump, that's the one to use. My experience is with Cummins (27 years) and Espar I know Espar sells fuel tank pick up tubes that are very easily installed. It is just a matter of drilling about a 3/4" hole and installing the tube. Ask the Dickenson dealer what they have available. Take care. Ken
My Newport Diesel Stove
I have a Dickinson Newport diesel stove and absolutely love it. Some comments: 1. The stove is mounted against the main bulkhead in the salon. I have a separate gravity-fed 20-litre day tank mounted on the wall of the forward head just through the wall from the stove. That tank is not connected in any way to the main engine diesel tank. I fill the day tank from a jerry-can or at the gas dock through the hatch in the forward head when I am filling the main tank. 2. You need to strip and clean the carb each year of carbon and other crud. I did not do this at first and the stove ran badly. 3. I now light the stove using a small propane torch, heat the chimney first with the flame vertical and then after a cup of diesel has filled the chamber, point the torch down into the chamber. Works like a dream. This stove warms and drys the whole boat if left running during a voyage. Sure is nice after a cold day. Took me a while to figure out it's quirks. Peter
I have a Dickinson Newport diesel stove and absolutely love it. Some comments: 1. The stove is mounted against the main bulkhead in the salon. I have a separate gravity-fed 20-litre day tank mounted on the wall of the forward head just through the wall from the stove. That tank is not connected in any way to the main engine diesel tank. I fill the day tank from a jerry-can or at the gas dock through the hatch in the forward head when I am filling the main tank. 2. You need to strip and clean the carb each year of carbon and other crud. I did not do this at first and the stove ran badly. 3. I now light the stove using a small propane torch, heat the chimney first with the flame vertical and then after a cup of diesel has filled the chamber, point the torch down into the chamber. Works like a dream. This stove warms and drys the whole boat if left running during a voyage. Sure is nice after a cold day. Took me a while to figure out it's quirks. Peter
My Newport Diesel Stove
I have a Dickinson Newport diesel stove and absolutely love it. Some comments: 1. The stove is mounted against the main bulkhead in the salon. I have a separate gravity-fed 20-litre day tank mounted on the wall of the forward head just through the wall from the stove. That tank is not connected in any way to the main engine diesel tank. I fill the day tank from a jerry-can or at the gas dock through the hatch in the forward head when I am filling the main tank. 2. You need to strip and clean the carb each year of carbon and other crud. I did not do this at first and the stove ran badly. 3. I now light the stove using a small propane torch, heat the chimney first with the flame vertical and then after a cup of diesel has filled the chamber, point the torch down into the chamber. Works like a dream. This stove warms and drys the whole boat if left running during a voyage. Sure is nice after a cold day. Took me a while to figure out it's quirks. Peter
I have a Dickinson Newport diesel stove and absolutely love it. Some comments: 1. The stove is mounted against the main bulkhead in the salon. I have a separate gravity-fed 20-litre day tank mounted on the wall of the forward head just through the wall from the stove. That tank is not connected in any way to the main engine diesel tank. I fill the day tank from a jerry-can or at the gas dock through the hatch in the forward head when I am filling the main tank. 2. You need to strip and clean the carb each year of carbon and other crud. I did not do this at first and the stove ran badly. 3. I now light the stove using a small propane torch, heat the chimney first with the flame vertical and then after a cup of diesel has filled the chamber, point the torch down into the chamber. Works like a dream. This stove warms and drys the whole boat if left running during a voyage. Sure is nice after a cold day. Took me a while to figure out it's quirks. Peter
Fuel taps
Oftentimes, manufacturers will also have the auxiliary fuel tap only go down to the 1/3 volume level...so using the heat / genset at anchor, you can't run yourself entirely dry of fuel. Obviously, Peter's idea of using 2 tanks also solves this issue.
Oftentimes, manufacturers will also have the auxiliary fuel tap only go down to the 1/3 volume level...so using the heat / genset at anchor, you can't run yourself entirely dry of fuel. Obviously, Peter's idea of using 2 tanks also solves this issue.
Fuel taps
Oftentimes, manufacturers will also have the auxiliary fuel tap only go down to the 1/3 volume level...so using the heat / genset at anchor, you can't run yourself entirely dry of fuel. Obviously, Peter's idea of using 2 tanks also solves this issue.
Oftentimes, manufacturers will also have the auxiliary fuel tap only go down to the 1/3 volume level...so using the heat / genset at anchor, you can't run yourself entirely dry of fuel. Obviously, Peter's idea of using 2 tanks also solves this issue.
Thanks for the guidance
Thanks for all the good advice. I've got 90% of the hw needed now, and will be installing over the next week or two. I'll try to get some pics up too for those that will follow! One observation I've made is just how "non-standard" parts and systems are for boats. I've spend hours at various marina chandlery's as well as West Marine and got various bits of advice at each place but no really solid procedure in doing this... I bought a 5" whole saw to cut the stack today. It pains me to cut into her!! Stay tuned.
Thanks for all the good advice. I've got 90% of the hw needed now, and will be installing over the next week or two. I'll try to get some pics up too for those that will follow! One observation I've made is just how "non-standard" parts and systems are for boats. I've spend hours at various marina chandlery's as well as West Marine and got various bits of advice at each place but no really solid procedure in doing this... I bought a 5" whole saw to cut the stack today. It pains me to cut into her!! Stay tuned.
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