AquaHot diesel usage

[IFlyABus]

So I have had my Bus setup for winter for over a month now. Wrapped the outside in Reflectix to reduce the wind underneath. Using the AquaHot almost exclusively for heat, minus a week or so when the webasto motor was going out, so I used electric and a propane space heater while I waited for parts.

I'd say I have been using the AquaHot since early October, and have put 25 gallons in the tank using a 5 gallon can. The diesel level in the tank is still up in the neck of the filler, visible when I shine a light in there. Yet the gauge inside is showing half a tank. How can the fluid level be so high in the filler neck, yet the gauge inside reflects about 75 gallons of diesel used?

[select55]

Originally Posted by IFlyABus

So I have had my Bus setup for winter for over a month now. Wrapped the outside in Reflectix to reduce the wind underneath. Using the AquaHot almost exclusively for heat, minus a week or so when the webasto motor was going out, so I used electric and a propane space heater while I waited for parts.

I'd say I have been using the AquaHot since early October, and have put 25 gallons in the tank using a 5 gallon can. The diesel level in the tank is still up in the neck of the filler, visible when I shine a light in there. Yet the gauge inside is showing half a tank. How can the fluid level be so high in the filler neck, yet the gauge inside reflects about 75 gallons of diesel used?

how full was the tank when u parked? If it was full to gunnels then perhaps you have a drooping fill hose and the filler hose is not draining into the tank.iam sure if you use the diesel every day it will have used at least 75 gallons by now

[Lv2Roam2]

Do your gauges require an actual engine start/run to accurately reset?

[IFlyABus]

Well, I filled it up and drove 5 miles before I parked it back in late August. Put 30 gals in since then (added 5 more tonight), and it's right at the half mark.

Doesn't seem realistic that I have used 105 gals just sitting here for 3 months. We used the AquaHot for water back when it was warm, and heat and water now that it's colder. Assuming it runs for 6 hours a day (that's a LOT of heating time, IMHO), that's 63 gals a month at 0.35 GPH. Then again, I did run the engine and generator once a month for at least 30 minutes, so I guess those sucked some diesel down too. Maybe the gauge is accurate after all. Just seems weird that I can touch diesel with my finger after using that much.

Originally Posted by select55

how full was the tank when u parked? If it was full to gunnels then perhaps you have a drooping fill hose and the filler hose is not draining into the tank.iam sure if you use the diesel every day it will have used at least 75 gallons by now

[IFlyABus]

Thought about that. Turned ignition on and off, same. Started and ran engine for 10 mins, same. Looks like I have simply used more diesel than I anticipated.

Originally Posted by Lv2Roam2

Do your gauges require an actual engine start/run to accurately reset?

[select55]

AH on diesel is not $$$$ efficient ;;Lets say u ran it 7 hours per day x60 days =147 gallons of fuel
I use the electric side of mine and the roof heat pumps and add in a electric heater if it gets too cool but in South California its only goes to 40-42 at nite and 65-70 daytime(currently)

[IFlyABus]

LOL yeah, try doing that when it is 10º outside. The heat pumps would run 24 hours a day, and would cost around $400 a month while never getting the RV above 50º inside.

Originally Posted by select55

AH on diesel is not $$$$ efficient ;;Lets say u ran it 7 hours per day x60 days =147 gallons of fuel
I use the electric side of mine and the roof heat pumps and add in a electric heater if it gets too cool but in South California its only goes to 40-42 at nite and 65-70 daytime(currently)

[Rkesselus]

If you can see diesel in the filler neck have you tried to put more in just to see if it runs over and is really full. It is possible to have an air pocket in a hose that make a turn or two. Trying to put more fuel in will answer that question.

[IFlyABus]

Well, I have put 30 gallons in thus far, and the level never seems to change. This, while the gauge has continued to drop. Makes me wonder if there is a baffle inside the tank, keeping the forward or upper portion full. But that makes no sense from a design standpoint.

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

If you can see diesel in the filler neck have you tried to put more in just to see if it runs over and is really full. It is possible to have an air pocket in a hose that make a turn or two. Trying to put more fuel in will answer that question.

[select55]

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

If you can see diesel in the filler neck have you tried to put more in just to see if it runs over and is really full. It is possible to have an air pocket in a hose that make a turn or two. Trying to put more fuel in will answer that question.

the bus hose runs straight in.I have one As I suggested earlier it most likely has a droop in it and thats why u can see fuel in the filler hose

[IFlyABus]

That might be it. But it's the same on both sides. Strange. But not the end of the world, now that I know what's going on.

Thanks for all the replies!

Originally Posted by select55

the bus hose runs straight in.I have one As I suggested earlier it most likely has a droop in it and thats why u can see fuel in the filler hose

[jlturner]

https://mastertechrv.com/aqua-hot-service/

This article is very detailed on how the Aqua-Hot works and what to expect in fuel usage/maintenance, etc.

A lot of good information for first time owners.


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[IFlyABus]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing! With a 0.35º nozzle, it will obviously burn .35 gallons per hour running steady. But we're keeping records to see how much we have used all winter, so we'll have a better measure for next year. Actually, planning on being somewhere warmer for next winter!

Originally Posted by jlturner

https://mastertechrv.com/aqua-hot-service/

This article is very detailed on how the Aqua-Hot works and what to expect in fuel usage/maintenance, etc.

A lot of good information for first time owners. Attachment 149011


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[jlturner]

I'm trying to track the same info. Keep us posted of your results!
Thanks


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