Looking for coolant heater

[inhof009]

See title.

I'm building a hydronic floor heating system. Looking for 10kw or better heater because even though I'm insulating well, I'm wanting to brave the northern winters. I don't care which brand or if it's off-brand, so long as it works.

12v system preferred.

I'm in Norfolk, VA, but I'll consider paying to have it shipped if it's a good unit.

[PNW_Steve]

I found mine on eBay.

[o1marc]

You looking for tankless or tank heater? Electric or propane?

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by o1marc

You looking for tankless or tank heater? Electric or propane?

Sorry, forgot to clarify this bit. I'm looking for diesel powered coolant heaters, so I can run it while driving. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the idea of having propane running whilst driving and jostling around.

[cadillackid]

why would you run it while driving? why not run the Bus heaters while driving?

[WIbluebird]

I would try and find a DBW 2010. The Scholastic is only rated for a max output of 26k BTU. The DBW series puts out 46K.

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

why would you run it while driving? why not run the Bus heaters while driving?

I'm unsure as to whether or not the bus's engine at running temperature will be enough to heat the entirety of the bus during harsh winters. That's actually a really good question. My idea was to utilize the heater to augment the engine heat output and to aid in pumping it to the pex manifold distribution. Obviously it'll be used while at rest and for engine pre-heating, but that could arguably be accomplished by propane heaters as well.

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by WIbluebird

I would try and find a DBW 2010. The Scholastic is only rated for a max output of 26k BTU. The DBW series puts out 46K.

Where are you seeing the 26k for scholastic? From here (PDF warning):
http://techwebasto.com/documentation...g-instructions
it says it's rated to 45k BTU.

[WIbluebird]

Originally Posted by inhof009

I'm unsure as to whether or not the bus's engine at running temperature will be enough to heat the entirety of the bus during harsh winters. That's actually a really good question. My idea was to utilize the heater to augment the engine heat output and to aid in pumping it to the pex manifold distribution. Obviously it'll be used while at rest and for engine pre-heating, but that could arguably be accomplished by propane heaters as well.

In my experience driving flat nose FE buses you'll be plenty warm by the drivers area while driving down the road. The back end of the bus will be colder usually due to the distance from the engine. RE buses are like this only in reverse, with the front end being colder.

Removing the school bus windows and insulating floors/ceiling will make a huge difference however. I don't see the need for auxiliary heat while driving but the coolant heaters are great for stationary heat and making cold starts easier.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by inhof009

Where are you seeing the 26k for scholastic? From here (PDF warning):
http://techwebasto.com/documentation...g-instructions
it says it's rated to 45k BTU.

Mine is 45k BTU. As well.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by inhof009

Sorry, forgot to clarify this bit. I'm looking for diesel powered coolant heaters, so I can run it while driving. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the idea of having propane running whilst driving and jostling around.

I would not have any issue running my propane tankless heaters while running down the road. They have a safety shut off if the flame goes out.

[phrogman265]

Originally Posted by inhof009

See title.

I'm building a hydronic floor heating system. Looking for 10kw or better heater because even though I'm insulating well, I'm wanting to brave the northern winters. I don't care which brand or if it's off-brand, so long as it works.

12v system preferred.

I'm in Norfolk, VA, but I'll consider paying to have it shipped if it's a good unit.

I am in Stafford VA, and still have my heater out of my '01 Thomas if you at still interested. It is still in the bus and could meet you in Richmond if you want.

[Iqinsanity]

Why not find a 10kw Liquid cooled diesel generator? Being a motor you’ll never need to worry about an electric pump dying because it will have a mechanical water pump. 10kw of heat through the coolant system would be produced at the same time as 10kw of electricity. It’s very fuel efficient to get both heat and electricity at the same time from a generator.

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by phrogman265

I am in Stafford VA, and still have my heater out of my '01 Thomas if you at still interested. It is still in the bus and could meet you in Richmond if you want.Attachment 39265

Phrog,

Thanks for the offer, but I was actually looking for a diesel fired coolant heater, not one of the under seat heaters that run off of coolant.

There might be some people locally, though, that would be interested in that if you want me to reach out to them!

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by Iqinsanity

Why not find a 10kw Liquid cooled diesel generator? Being a motor you’ll never need to worry about an electric pump dying because it will have a mechanical water pump. 10kw of heat through the coolant system would be produced at the same time as 10kw of electricity. It’s very fuel efficient to get both heat and electricity at the same time from a generator.

Not a bad idea. Although the price of those is more than I've spent on my bus total so far, and we're not looking to install a generator just yet.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by o1marc

I would not have any issue running my propane tankless heaters while running down the road. They have a safety shut off if the flame goes out.

Someone linked a video on here that featured a couple in a "sticks and staples" RV and they converted to a tankless propane demand water heater. (L-10?). They had it vented outside.

They mentioned that at highway speeds they had trouble with the flame getting blown out. IIRC: They said that it would restart four or five times then shut down.

Something to consider.