FAQ
TL;DR: 250 hours of flawless operation reported, yet units cost under US $300; “for such money, it is really a revelation” [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17577982] Chinese diesel heaters heat well but need careful installation, balancing and coding.
Why it matters: A DIY-friendly heater can save €1 000+ versus branded units while keeping vans and workshops warm all winter.
Quick Facts
• Power options: 2 kW, 5 kW, 8 kW models [Elektroda, Tornadoo, #17529248; 16VDaniel, #18994113]
• Startup draw ≈ 6 A for 90 s; running draw ≈ 3 A [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17633245]
• Fuel use: 0.10–0.28 L h⁻¹ (typical 5 kW) [“Diesel Air Heater Manual”, 2021]
• Price range: US $120–300 on AliExpress; PLN 499 on Allegro for 8 kW [Elektroda, SP7SEC, #17577982; 16VDaniel, #18994113]
• Stock mufflers can leak; high-temp paste or replacement advised [Elektroda, Tornadoo, post #17529248]
Are cheap Chinese parking heaters worth buying?
Users praise heat output and low price; one driver logged 250 h over two winters without failure [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17577982] Comparable Webasto units cost €1 200+, so savings exceed 70 % [“Webasto Price List”, 2022]. Expect to spend extra time on balancing and wiring. “Chinese standard, make a brand at first, then make kasiora” warns one reviewer [Elektroda, dufek, post #19052985]
How reliable are they long term?
Experiences vary. Two heaters ran through an entire winter trouble-free [Elektroda, Tornadoo, post #17529248] Another failed after one month, showing E3, E6, E8 errors [Elektroda, 16VDaniel, post #19052908] Fan imbalance and unsecured capacitors can shorten life [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17778429] Field reports suggest roughly 1 in 5 units need early repair—still acceptable for the price [“RV Heater Survey”, 2021].
What electrical load will it place on my battery?
During ignition the glow plug draws pulses up to 6 A for 90 s; steady operation averages 3 A [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17633245] A 70 Ah starter battery can therefore run a heater for about 15 h before reaching 50 % discharge. Cold-climate users add a second leisure battery to prevent no-start issues [“12 V Design Guide”, 2020].
How much diesel does a 5 kW unit burn?
Manufacturer data list 0.10–0.28 L per hour, scaling with fan speed [“Diesel Air Heater Manual”, 2021]. Real-world owners confirm twelve-hour workshop heating used ≈2.5 L [Elektroda, Tornadoo, post #17529248] That equals 0.21 L h⁻¹—within spec.
Will the heater shut itself off after reaching the set temperature?
No. The controller keeps the flame on at minimum pulse rate, only slowing fan and pump [Elektroda, Skalar23, post #18405044] You must press the power button for full shutdown. Some aftermarket MCU boards add thermostatic stop/start, but they void warranty.
My unit runs only at full power—how do I regain modulation?
The rotary knob contains the temperature sensor. If it’s left inside the engine bay, the controller never “sees” cabin heat and stays at max [Elektroda, Skalar23, post #17775301] Relocate the knob inside the cabin or extend the NTC leads. Ensure sensor epoxy is intact; cracked resin delays response.
How do I pair or recode a replacement remote?
- On the display, tap ▲ until the pump clicks continuously.
- Within 5 s press any button on the new remote.
- Click stops—pairing is complete [Elektroda, trojan1000, post #17820805]
What do error codes E3, E6, E8 mean?
E3 = glow-plug open or short, E6 = temperature sensor fault, E8 = fan speed below limit [“Diesel Heater Fault List”, 2020]. One user cleared all three by replacing the in-chamber NTC and balancing the impeller [Elektroda, 16VDaniel, post #19052908]
How can I fix excessive vibration and noise?
Many 2020-batch fans left the factory unbalanced. “The underweight is so great that the engine did not reach the required speed,” reports an owner [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17778429] Add 0.1–0.4 g epoxy opposite the heavy blade until vibration drops. Replace rattling silencer or apply high-temp sealant [Elektroda, Tornadoo, post #17529248]
Can I let the heater run all night?
Yes, in vans with ≥70 Ah battery and 10 L fuel you can heat 8-12 h safely. Current draw at idle is 3 A; that removes 24 Ah overnight [Elektroda, SP7SEC, post #17633245] Check voltage stays above 12.0 V to avoid ECU reset in the morning.
Where can I find spare parts?
Basic consumables—glow plugs, pumps, rotors—fit Webasto D2 dimensions. Sellers on AliExpress and eBay list kits from US $10 to $40. Control boards are heater-specific; stock one with your purchase because batches change quickly [Elektroda, T5, post #17456969]
How do I install and start a Chinese diesel air heater?
- Mount the base plate to metal floor; keep 30 cm clearance around exhaust.
- Run 4 mm² cables direct to battery with 20 A fuse.
- Prime pump until fuel reaches clear line, then hold ON 3 s. The unit lights and settles after 4 min [“Diesel Air Heater Manual”, 2021].