Club 80-90 Forums

Re.Diesel heater, I take it that it could burn 'red' diesel or even bio-diesel as I can buy both products easily enough?

And would it run on kerosene [heating oil] 'cos thats even cheaper to buy

Red diesel is fine. It's just normal diesel with Dye added.

I don't know about biodiesel. I know certain engines have issues running it and it can potentially cause damage to seals and pumps but I have no idea how this may or may not effect diesel heaters.

I would refer to the manufacturers website to see if there is any info on there.

Just like to thank everyone involved for this thread , its been very useful and spurred me to get on and sort out the 24v Eber i inherited from somewhere so I can finaly ditch the 240v oil rad and get a bit more winter freedom!

Only the newer heaters like the Airtop 2000ST are certified for use with biodiesel - 'The Air Top 2000 ST heater is also licensed for use with PME (bio-diesel), which complies with DIN EN 14214'

Heating oil and paraffin can be used. Red diesel tends to be a rougher diesel with a different sulphur content and causes the heaters to coke up earlier than with clean fuels. ( A lot of canal boaters were complaining that their heaters were failing, both Eberspachers and Webastos - it was found that they were using low grade red diesel which led to clogged burner pads etc.)
No waste oil can be used, mineral or vegetable or straight vegetable oil.

The Eberspacher Airtronic D2 is not certified for use with biodiesel - 'AIRTRONIC D2 is not certified for use with bio-diesel.
Admixtures of bio-diesel up to a magnitude of approx. 5%, as in some countries, are allowed.'

Thanks Martin and Oldie, interesting stuff indeed.

I asked about heating oil as I dont have gas so use this for heating the house; its currently 57p per litre [it used to be pennies ] and I have read about people complaining about their oil-fired AGA's not working too well of late, evidently its because the EU made the oil companies change the formulation or something so now these people have to add an additive to their oil tank to stop the problem.

Doug.

Is it really worth trying to save a few quid when 5litres of the real deal will last longer than winter!

Very true. Diesel Ebers / Webastos are unbelievably economical.

KINGPRAWN wrote:Is it really worth trying to save a few quid when 5litres of the real deal will last longer than winter!

not sure how much you use yours, but 5l lasts about 1 month... and winter round here is much longer!!

i run mine on red mostly,parafin when i can get it, household heating oil if and when, and in emergency on derv,
but at 1.33 a litre not very often!