Espar Webasto Heater Aux fuel port install w/ 300mm Standpipe

Wondering if anyone out there has either completed this process or knows someone who has.

I'm needing to tap into the stock gas tank with the Espar supplied 300mm standpipe to send fuel to the heater module. Most modern vans and RVs have a secondary aux port pre installed ready for installers to tap into, Tacoma tanks do not.

After calling many local van outfitters and searching the web I quickly realized there wasn't much info and most installers are not interested in touching a Tacoma since they have no experience with the them.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/webasto-heater-install.727092/

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I am glad you started this thread. I am also installing a Webasto petrol heater in my Project M and was looking to add a fuel port to the stock tacoma fuel tank. There seems to be a lack of information out there about what exactly is required to make it happen and any information you might have would be useful. I found the original thread with that aux fuel port that a guy installed for his onboard pressure washer, it sounds like he has had success with running it without any major issues. It seems installing a bulkhead fitting through the pressure cap is the only way to do it, drilling and installing the standpipe supplied with the heater seems like a bad move on a plastic vehicle tank like the tacoma. Dropping the stock tank and adding that aux port via bulkhead fitting seems somewhat straight forward except after talking with several Toyota techs it seems like there maybe an issue eventually messing with the evap system pressure and possibly requiring an expensive fix (replace the whole fuel pump/float assembly) if it ever started to leak air or vapor lock between the track fuel system and the small heater pump. I was trying to track down a replacement fuel pump for my 2017 tacoma and there is a lack of inventory out there. What I could find was priced up around $700 and was rarely in stock. Even the gaskets where hard to find. I'm not a smart man and usually break stuff before fixing it so I try to keep extra parts on hand to prevent down time.

I really would like the simplicity of using the onboard fuel tank for the heater. I am trying to eliminate and fuel inside the 'living area' of the Project M since floor space is already at a premium and fumes and fuel usually don't mix in a sleeping compartment. It however it does seem that there maybe some downsides to achieve that simplicity. I have spoken to several van guys and boat guys about the install and they have all said it's doable and shouldn't be an issue with the bulkhead fitting as long as it is sealed and tests good. Some have also mentioned (and been advocates) of installing a 10L tank elsewhere in the vehicle and just leaving the truck's fuel system alone. If it works fine now don't mess with it and I tend to agree but really only want one fuel tank.

Other options I have looked at are installing a small 10L fuel tank in or around or under the bed area, between the bed body and the composite bed. Using one of the spare tire fuel tanks to tap into (small, only 6L would only run the heater on full for 12hrs, maybe) which in Alaska could be one night. trying to find a filler neck or fuel port to fill these tanks is an issue unless you could some how fill it through a hole you put in the composite bed. Lastly I was looking at installing a small 10L diesel tank in the engine compartment and running a fuel line back to the heater fuel pump. Normally I wouldn't place a fuel cell in an engine compartment but there is a lot of open space under the tacoma hood and diesel fuel is a lot less volatile. Plus the whole thing is removable and could be taken away without and permanent changes to the vehicle.

One thing I also wanted to share was this photo underneath the pressure cap, I assumed it was a flat surface and mounting a bulkhead fitting would be no issue. This has me wondering how it could fit and seal.

 

@ProjectM Any updates? I'm also wanting to install my espar B4L in my camper and was trying to figure out how to install the standpipe into the stock tank.

 

Dave. Ended up with one of the newer B2L AS3 Espar heaters because of it's small size, low draw, and quiet fuel pump and blower motor. The B4's will pump heat but they are also larger. After looking into several options installing a standpipe into the stock tank I decided to go a different route mostly because finicky tank pressure issues (possibly) tapping into the stock tank and throwing EVAP system codes. I just didn't want to have that issue hanging over my head or dealing with it while on a trip. I'm currently building my heater into a 1500 series Pelican case with an external 2.5L tank. It will be portable and tie into my Project M power solution easily.

 

Photos attached:

 

How are you Planning to route the air ducts into the camper?

 

The air ducts will be internal to the pelican case. Exhaust will pass through the case using a marine exhaust bulkhead fitting and then be routed through the truck bed floor and aft near the vehicle exhaust system.

Here is a similar system running a B4 sized heater and is self contained. Depending on your needs this might be a good solution.

https://www.bkmarineservices.com/product-page/planar-portable-44d-diesel-air-heater

 

finished product