Vegtherm - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

browntrout · #1 04-02-2006, 08:53 PM

Anybody tried the vegtherm inline heater? I've been thinking about buying one, just looking for some input. Thanks

1985 300SD Sady · #2 04-02-2006, 10:03 PM

this forum > http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/159605551 has a nearly endless supply of reviews on not only the vegtherm but other options of 12v fuel heating.

sailor15015 · #3 04-02-2006, 10:51 PM

I have one and I'm very pleased with its performace. I was worried about the amp draw but neither one of my converted cars have been affected. I have it after my filter and before the ip. I also added a gp heater before the filter to ease the flow through the filter. I would have liked to use another Vegtherm but I know that would be way overloading the alternator. All in all I'd say its a good heater.

greasybenz · #4 04-02-2006, 11:12 PM

a glowplug heater is just as if not more efficient then a vegtherm. Cheaper too! Costs about $60 to make one, compare that to a vegtherm. Also the glowplug heater allows you to switch over in under 2 minutes.

http://smallglowplugheater.blogspot.com/2005/12/small-glow-plug-heater.html

sailor15015 · #5 04-02-2006, 11:52 PM

I agree it does work as well but disagree on the cost. I probably built mine for $25, actually less because I used a used gp. As long as you keep the gp immensed in oil it'll run for a while without burning out. You can find all the fittings at your local hardware store and Autozone has Bosch gp's for $9.99 ea. Just make sure to use high-temp gasket sealant around all the fittings. Pipe thread tape won't hold up to the extreme temps, and believe me they get extreme. Some have reported massive crisps of veg oil collecting on the tip of the plug but I've never had that happen to me.

Old300D · #6 04-03-2006, 01:35 PM

I built and used a glow plug heater when I ran SVO. I recently took it apart, and it was packed full of crispy burnt crap. NEVER USE A GLOWPLUG HEATER WITHOUT A POST-FILTER. It will fill your pump with burnt oil.

A vegetherm is safer because it is temperature limited and has a greater surface area heating the oil and it reduces the spot temperature -- no burnt oil.

GeneralStark · #7 04-03-2006, 02:55 PM

Having used both glow plug type heaters and the Vegtherm in my TDI, I think the Vegtherm is worth the extra cost, and it comes with a warranty. The GP heaters do collect burned veg. oil residue, you have to replace the glowplugs so the initial cost is short term, and if your system is plumbed in a way that allows petro. diesel or water (which shouldn't be in your fuel anyway) to come in contact with the glow plug (even in small amounts), the diesel will boil off creating a vapor lock in your system. The Vegtherm is well designed and tested, does not need to be maintained with new heating elements, can be used with diesel, veg. oil, biodiesel, and blends of all the above. My two cents.

orthotomeo · #8 04-03-2006, 03:58 PM

I appreciate the perspective.

browntrout · #9 04-03-2006, 06:24 PM

Hey, thanks for the input. I hadn't even considered the glow plug method, because of the problems I've heard about. The main reason I was thinking about a Vegtherm, was because of the warranty and that it's been developed and tested by what I think is a reputable company. I've been on the yahoo groups forums before, I was just looking for some input from the folks here. I'll probably end up forking over the loot for one.