Webasto Install BJ74 13BT (1 Viewer)

[Malahki]

Been meaning to post his for a while but with winter here again I figured its time. For anyone who doesnt know a Webasto is a diesel powered coolant heater. This particular model is the Thermo 50, which is the 24V version of the TSL17.

The biggest issue mounting it on a BJ74 is location. Space is tight in the engine compartment but you also want to mount it as low in the cooling system as possible. I built this custom bracket to allow me to mount it to existing threaded holes in the frame below the fan shroud

A little overkill on the bracket but its the materials I had on hand

 

[Malahki]

Next up was T'n into the lower rad hose and then the heater line off the rear of the head. T'd into the fuel line feeding the injection pump and ran the air intake and exhaust

Mounted the Webasto fuel pump on rubber to the frame and the air intake facing the rear of the vehicle. It will all be protected once the skid plates are back in place

Here is where I routed the coolant line into the head. I had already eliminated my rear cab heater that normally goes here otherwise a T is required

 

[Malahki]

I cut a hole in the one skid plate and routed the exhaust through it and attached the tube with L brackets and metal hose clamps going back. I intentionally pointed exhaust towards the oil pan to utilize that heat to help warm the motor oil.
Not the best picture and keep in mind the front skid plate is not in place

 

[Malahki]

The wiring harness comes up the side of the fan shroud and around the outside of the engine bay over to the batteries and into the cab

 

[Malahki]

Finally I mounted the 7 day timer under the ashtray and was finished!!

 

[cruiserdan]

What's the red thingy on the transmission shifter?

 

[Malahki]

The results are every bit as good as you can expect!! In less then 30 minutes even on the coldest day the needle of the dash temp gauge will rise off the bottom and the cab heater will be blowing warm air. Engine starts warmer then when its parked in the garage over night but its a good idea to have a glow screen over ride switch or disconnect the temp sensor at the thermostat housing other wise the preheat will not activate. Of course you still want it to as your fuel is still entering the engine cold.

Obviously the Webasto is great for over night parking or when your going to leave it for a few days and not have to plug it in. I actually eliminated my ability to plug it in all together because it was a circulating block heater using the same coolant lines. The Webasto is also great for around town when you go into a store or a movie theater for an hour or two. Just hit the manual ON button and walk away. When the coolant temp drops it will kick on and run until you shut it off or hit low voltage. I have left it run for hours without issue. Never a cold start and always a warm heater when you get back

 

[Malahki]

What's the red thingy on the transmission shifter?

It is the remote for my winch

 

[stayalert]

Awesome install. I would love to install a Webasto in my BJ74……Do you have any interesting in fabricating another bracket while its fresh in your mind????

 

[cruiserpilot]

I have mounted a webasto in my 60 with a 12HT. I know you are going to put in a skid plate, but that is a pretty sensitive
area for any kind of wet/muddy conditions. You will want to really keep an eye on the exhaust opening. I had mine fill with mud
and freeze solid 3" up the exhaust while on the dempster hwy this fall. Perhaps a neoprene cover, something like a winch
cover to keep the mud and crap off it. You have it in the engine fan spray area maybe?
I might be paranoid, but just hoping to save you some pain if it is in a contaminated location. Super nice installation, though! J

 

[Malahki]

Awesome install. I would love to install a Webasto in my BJ74……Do you have any interesting in fabricating another bracket while its fresh in your mind????

Wish i could help you but I have more time into that bracket then I care to admit and a to do list a mile long

 

[Malahki]

I have mounted a webasto in my 60 with a 12HT. I know you are going to put in a skid plate, but that is a pretty sensitive
area for any kind of wet/muddy conditions. You will want to really keep an eye on the exhaust opening. I had mine fill with mud
and freeze solid 3" up the exhaust while on the dempster hwy this fall. Perhaps a neoprene cover, something like a winch
cover to keep the mud and crap off it. You have it in the engine fan spray area maybe?
I might be paranoid, but just hoping to save you some pain if it is in a contaminated location. Super nice installation, though! J

Here is a pic with the skid plate installed. As you can see the Webasto is very well protected. Ive been running it for over a year now in all kinds of conditions from snow and slush to muddy gravel roads without an issue. If I am going to play on really muddy trails I can remove the exhaust tube in about 5 minutes and cap the exhuast port on the Webasto

 

[Malahki]

Thought I'd give this thread a bump for all the 70 series owners struggling this winter. I am on my second winter with the Webasto and still not a single issue. My 13BT has been starting perfectly despite the -20 to -25 celcius (-5 to -15 Fahrenheit) the last couple weeks here in Alberta, Canada. One more added benefit not previously mentioned is I can leave the Webasto running even with the motor running to help keep the engine temps up. Of course a good winter front goes a long way too!

 

[cruiserpilot]

Thanks for the bump. Ironic for me, just got around this morning to removing mine for repair. Just too much
other stuff going on. Glad it still working for you. I've got a LHD BJ74 I've acquired since you started this. It is
awaiting inspection then once it's on the road I'll be putting a webasto into it for sure.
Any good connections on dealers selling in Alberta right now? I found mine in a flyer from some company in Edmonton,
but lost the paper work to remember who they were. I got my kit for $750. If you find one please send a pm.. J

 

[Malahki]

I bought mine privately off of kijiji (new in box with timer) for $900. Was yours $750 with timer? Thats a great price!! I am currently shopping for a TSL17 / Thermo Top C (12V) for my HDJ81 and so far have found Eskimo in Calgary and Edmonton to be the cheapest. They supply all of the other big dealers Their regular list price is $1080 with the new style oval shaped timer. The new timer is a little more complicated to use but has a lot of added benefits

 

[stayalert]

Anything you'd consider changing about the install now that you've lived with it a while? I'm sourcing a thermo 50 for my BJ74....

 

[cruiserpilot]

No timer for me. That's why cheaper. I try to keep it simple, kinda like me...
since it has an internal thermostat if I want to leave it on then I do and it cycles on
and off depending in temp of coolant. Seems to work as advertised. In the morning
it only takes like you said, 30 minutes to warm up, since I'm not going anywhere without
a cup of coffee so it takes as long as it takes to get up to temp.

 

[Malahki]

Anything you'd consider changing about the install now that you've lived with it a while? I'm sourcing a thermo 50 for my BJ74....

Honestly this is one of the few times I wouldnt change a thing.

 

[Malahki]

No timer for me. That's why cheaper. I try to keep it simple, kinda like me...
since it has an internal thermostat if I want to leave it on then I do and it cycles on
and off depending in temp of coolant. Seems to work as advertised. In the morning
it only takes like you said, 30 minutes to warm up, since I'm not going anywhere without
a cup of coffee so it takes as long as it takes to get up to temp.

Nothing wrong with that. The timer was a must for me when working long shifts out of town. Last thing I want to do when i get back is wait..

 

[decoco]

Thought I'd give this thread a bump for all the 70 series owners struggling this winter. I am on my second winter with the Webasto and still not a single issue. My 13BT has been starting perfectly despite the -20 to -25 celcius (-5 to -15 Fahrenheit) the last couple weeks here in Alberta, Canada. One more added benefit not previously mentioned is I can leave the Webasto running even with the motor running to help keep the engine temps up. Of course a good winter front goes a long way too!View attachment 1366060 View attachment 1366061

Where did you get that grille blanket ?