LP-fired Coolant Heater Idea!!!

[wired1000]

why 20-80 psi? Your cooling system will not handle that.

According to Eccotemp L5 specifications on their website, the heater needs 20-80 psi. I'm not sure if this is required for a pressure switch to activate the heat (it's supposed to shut off if the water pressure stops) or if this is more of a recommendation so the "shower" will work. I had previously found this pump:

Input: 9V-12V
Output: 7.0L/m (110GPH)
Cut off: 4M (12ft) @12V
Pressure: 5.8 psi
Current: 940mA@12
Intake: 17.0mm/13.2mm Dia.
Outlet: 12mm/6mm Dia.
Life span: > 20,000hrs @ 1600rpm~10,00rpm
Noise: << 42dB
Working Temp:0- 65'C
Size(L*W*D): 3.72"x1.68"x2.2" (93mm X 42mm X 55mm)
Weight (net): 12.0oz


Maybe I'll give that a shot? If there is some kind of pressure switch in the heater, I could probably override it somehow...

 

[SimonG]

sounds like it would be a neat project, well above my pay grade

 

[wired1000]

yeah, unfortunately it's this or buy a gas-powered vehicle... neither is a cheap option.

 

[wired1000]

why 20-80 psi? Your cooling system will not handle that.

If you had to guess, what would you say the max pressure of the cooling system is?

 

[Darwin T]

the radiator cap has a psi rating, right? i am not a mechanic, but i play one on TV. just kidding i have a great mechanic and i just had to get a new radiator cap and he told me what to tell the auto parts guy. i beleive it was around 120 if i remember right, so 20 to 80 should be OK (remember i am just guessing).

 

[MidnightDuramax]

I believe that the cap on the coolant sysytem is rated for only 15psi. I'm not 100% but im pretty sure thats whats most if not all coolant systems are rated to handle.

 

[Darwin T]

well i guessed wrong see i am not a mechanic.