Kenlowe Hotstart Installation

[Banshee]

The temps are certainly dropping in the morns. I have no doubt that it will be single figures when I wake up. I've just got back from a Neighbourhood Watch patrol of the estate and my bloody hands are numb to hell!!!

I've got a brew on and I'm looking through the literature that came with my Kenlowe Hotstart as I want to start utilising it for when it gets super super cold for early morning veg starts.

I also can't wait to be able to jump straight in the cab and switch the heaters on to clear the windows in under a min as the engine will already be at operating temperature :thumb2

A few questions, some testing then the install and back here with some pics!!! :naughty

Questions

Is anyone else on here running one? I've been advised that if the pump has never been ran or not run for a long time then you'll need to open the pump up and pre lube it to prevent it from jamming up? Is this true and easy enough to do?

Last question, Does the Terrano have a heater tap or circulation valve? If so I'll need to get around this as the heater is also a pump and will circulate the hot coolant around the fuel filter mod I've done too so the veg will be toasty :naughty

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

Circulation valve will be the thermostat no?

 

[solarman216]

there is certainly a water control valve on the T2 heater, controlled from the hot /cold lever on the dash, not sure if this is what you are referring to? Rick

 

[jims-terrano]

I think Rick has hit the nail on the head. Just remember to leave control on hot.

 

[Banshee]

Circulation valve will be the thermostat no?

If that is the case, the stat will only open when the water reaches 82 degrees as that's what my stat is rated too. The Kenlowe has an internal pump though, surely if this starts to run when the timer comes on in the morning, it will fail or I'll end up springing a leak somewhere due to pressure build up? Or am I missing something?

there is certainly a water control valve on the T2 heater, controlled from the hot /cold lever on the dash, not sure if this is what you are referring to? Rick

Didn't know about this one Rick, will leaving the heater on the hot setting suffice as Jim has suggested?

 

[jims-terrano]

I can’t say as I’d of thought the thermostat would cause a pressure build up as the kenlow pump is only doing what the engine water pump would be doing surely?

 

[elty001]

would assume there is some sort of thermal cut out on the kenlowe unit:nenau
Basically all it is doing is warming the coolant and circulating it around the block just like the water pump does.
On start up from cold the coolant only circulates around the block until it reaches 82 degrees then the stat opens and coolant flows through the radiator.
If the coolant temp reaches 82 degrees with the kenlowe then the stat will open and circulate through the rad and any excess pressure would vent into the header tank.
I reckon Kenlowe will have this sussed as they have been selling these units for years.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

My brain just clicked into gear B, I have a matrix with heat exchanger in the back of my truck, I'm changing mine because (like everything else inside my truck) it leaks, I'm gonna start stripping the dash out this afternoon, any pics you want etc. let me know :thumb2

 

[Banshee]

Just found this gem from Uncle Rustic in a previous thread (Long may his memory live!!!!!!!);

The Temperature of 65c shouldn't be enough to open the thermostat on the radiator, so no wasted heat here, but there will be a slight flow due to the small hole that allows air out of the thermostat. So only the engine block and interior heater will get the heat, so nothing wasted.
The car water pump, is only a vane pump, and will not stop water passing through it.
I assume it goes in line with the interior heater, but which side is best, to the interior heater, or from it? I guess depends on how easy to fit and secure.
Eventually all will get hot so shouldn't matter, but if the interior heater gets hot, then there will be some convection of warm air that should help to clear the screen.

Seems I shouldn't worry about the stat then

Will be performing a bench test tonight and will report back with videos

Also for future reference, I have uploaded the information sheet and fitting instructions here should anybody be interested, may be of use in a few years time when someone else gets their hands on a Banshee bargain and picks one up for a tenner at the side of the road

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fnmllliiuxrvvjp/Kenlowe Hotstart Instructions.pdf?dl=0

 

[Banshee]

Another set of instructions for the later type of round 3 pin type mains plug;

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oan4xjn166f8xrv/Kenlowe Hotstart Newer Type 3KW.pdf?dl=0

 

[solarman216]

The Hot Start incorporates a vane type pump same as engine water pump, so there is little or no pressure build up, and the water will flow through the Kenlow when the engine is running, just remember that it will not work if the heater control is on COLD, Rick

 

[kitchenman]

Had a Kenlow, in the late 80's when it snowed down here and went down to -10C, thanks to global warming not that cold any more
Did the job well and the motor did seize, remember to run it for a few seconds every week, pain in the butt freeing it

 

[Banshee]

Had a Kenlow, in the late 80's when it snowed down here and went down to -10C, thanks to global warming not that cold any more
Did the job well and the motor did seize, remember to run it for a few seconds every week, pain in the butt freeing it

Thanks Kitchenman!!!!

I wired the heater up and yep, you guessed it, the pump was stuck.

Time to get the tools out...............

Here's the element and pump, as stated before, not the biggest and strongest of pumps and it was very very stiff until I started twisting it with finger and thumb

Nice and free now and I've lubed the shaft :spanking:

 

[jims-terrano]

Is this a mains powered gadget? It’s going to be interesting the results you get with it.

 

[solarman216]

They work well, pump is water lubricated so a good AF is a must, and lets see your electric bill at end of winter! Rick

 

[Banshee]

They work well, pump is water lubricated so a good AF is a must, and lets see your electric bill at end of winter! Rick

Shhhhhhh :augie Don't tell the misses

 

[Davey Boy]

This is interesting.
I’m going to install my Russian LFBros heater in time for the white stuff.
Will let you know how it goes.
Davey

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

good thread, got me thinking of adding one to our vehicles.

also looking at whilst have a mains connection installing a
semi fixed mini battery charger, after all this time of year
running lights n heater, battery gets a hammering.

On Cmax forum a CTEK charger port hardwired to battery
was suggested.

suppose most likely park car nose in on drive to keep lead
short or maybe use Anderson connections if not caravan
round blue plugs.

 

[solarman216]

It is not your lights,heater etc that takes it out of the battery, your battery serves only one basic job and that is to start the engine, once running all else is from the alternator, so doing maintenance so it starts within 2 seconds will make the battery last many years, unless you leave the lights on and flatten it, once will shorten it's life by up to 50% enough said Rick

 

[jims-terrano]

Richard, those Ctek charge controllers are supposed to be the dogs round things mate and recommended for Smart Alternators. Dam expensive though.