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#1
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Vegtherm
Anybody tried the vegtherm inline heater? I've been thinking about buying one, just looking for some input. Thanks
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1981 300D non-turbo 263,000 mi |
#2
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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.
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#3
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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.
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Seth 1984 300D 225K 1985 300D Donor body 1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!! 1980 300SD 311K My New Baby. 1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo |
#4
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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
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Current: 05 E320 CDI 07 GL320 CDI 08 Sprinter 05 Dodge Cummins 01 Dodge Cummins Previous 2004 E55 AMG 2002 C32 AMG (#2) 1995 E300 1978 300D 1987 300D 2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[ 1981 300SD 1983 300SD 1987 300SDL 2002 Jetta TDI 1996 S420 1995 S500 1993 190E 2.6 1992 190E 2.3 1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed |
#5
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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.
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Seth 1984 300D 225K 1985 300D Donor body 1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!! 1980 300SD 311K My New Baby. 1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo |
#6
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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.
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'83 240D with 617.952 and 2.88 '01 VW Beetle TDI '05 Jeep Liberty CRD '89 Toyota 4x4, needs 2L-T '78 280Z with L28ET - 12.86@110 Oil Burner Kartel #35 http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oD/bioclip.jpg |
#7
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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.
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83' 240D 204,000 miles SVO conversion - Heated Pickup Stock Tank, 3 Gallon purge fuel tank, HOH, Coolant heated filter, FPHE, 2 Greasecar Valves. 12V pump for Veg. and stock pump for purge fuel. Injector overflow return to veg. tank. 98' VW TDI Jetta SVO Conversion 154,000 miles/57,000 WVO miles |
#8
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nicely put
I appreciate the perspective.
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----------------- 1980 300D 300K KM - parting out 1979 300D 375K KM - parting out 2 300Ds for sale |
#9
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Thanks!!!!!!
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.
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1981 300D non-turbo 263,000 mi |
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