Leak from diesel heater?

[Magpie1832]

Hi All, I had van on ramp yesterday and all looked ok. I been out all day yesterday gone to van this morning and there is a dribble stain down the drive way. I had a look underneath and there is a little vent on the plastic undertray where the passenger seat is. Behind the plastic is the aux heater. I touched the stain and it's sticky and brown. Any ideas anyone.
Thanks

 

[Dellmassive]

Got a few pic?

 

[Magpie1832]

I've done a couple pics and a small video which I've screen shot vital bits. Its puzzled me but my wife asked whether it is cat wee . We do get a few if them hanging around.
Chris

 

[Dellmassive]

Hmmm.... It's not totally evident.

I think I'd wash/clean it off with brake clean and see if it comes back.

That might give a better idea of the source.

 

[drinfinity]

Easy diagnostic test you can do to distinguish cat wee from diesel. Although cat wee and AdBlue have a similar composition, so harder to tell apart.

 

[Bargy62]

Easy diagnostic test you can do to distinguish cat wee from diesel. Although cat wee and AdBlue have a similar composition, so harder to tell apart.

the taste test

 

[DXX]

If you do find a cat that can limbo under a van and then piss overhead try and get a video.

 

[rod_vw]

Remember that the drain from the fuel filler big rubber surround drains into that area, early vans had a tube to direct that below the plastic under tray but later ones just let it run down. Have you over filled the fuel tank a bit? That may be the cause of what you have seen.

 

[Magpie1832]

Thanks guys,
I'll clean it off best I can this week. I dont use it during the week as I work at end of the road. See if anything comes back. I did fill with diesel but only half way. Other thing is we get foxes on our drive aswell. But heard that stuff stinks. I do know they have been under the van because I've seen them. Plus they're known to chew the wiring underneath. I'll also pour some water over the stain on drive see if it goes away. If it's diesel it will stay there as it eats tarmac.

 

[catfood12]

I reckon that when they installed the diesel heater, they didn't secure the nylon fuel pipe that goes across the van far enough above the DPF heat shield, and after time the pipe has melted through.

Does the diesel heater still work ?

Ask me how I know....

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I reckon that when they installed the diesel heater, they didn't secure the nylon fuel pipe that goes across the van far enough above the DPF heat shield, and after time the pipe has melted through.

Does the diesel heater still work ?

Ask me how I know....

I route the fuel line down from the fuel tank and then across and up to the pump. It doesn't affect the fuel flow. Completely away from heat sources then.
The obvious test to see if it is the heater fuel line is to run the heater! ~>No need for tasting cat/fox pee then.

 

[Magpie1832]

How do you run the heater on it's own. I know it's there but from what I gather it's only used if temp is below 5. I will have a look when I get the chance. I only get to put the van on ramp every other Saturday when it's my Saturday in. Ramps are to busy during the week.

 

[DaveCrampton]

This has got me thinking. I have just installed a diesel heater. I routed the fuel line over the heat shield. It runs through an offcut of old garden hose pipe which runs from the T next to the adblue tank to the heater.
Now you have me worried the garden hose might melt as it is sat on the heat shield on the opposite side to the exhaust.

 

[rod_vw]

How do you run the heater on it's own. I know it's there but from what I gather it's only used if temp is below 5. I will have a look when I get the chance. I only get to put the van on ramp every other Saturday when it's my Saturday in. Ramps are to busy during the week.

You are thinking of the water heater which is on the left side of the van and a factory fitment and works as you have described. @catfood12 was referring to a blown air heater which is normally fitted on the right side so needs the fuel line run from left to right. i.e. all major fuel lines ate down the left side.

 

[Howzat]

This has got me thinking. I have just installed a diesel heater. I routed the fuel line over the heat shield. It runs through an offcut of old garden hose pipe which runs from the T next to the adblue tank to the heater.
Now you have me worried the garden hose might melt as it is sat on the heat shield on the opposite side to the exhaust.

How is your hosepipe holding up @DaveCrampton?
I made the mistake of not doing something like this and my fuel pipe started leaking earlier this year from either melting or chaffing so when I refit one I need a better solution than just running it bare above the heat shield.
Any other tips appreciated.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I route the fuel line down from the fuel tank and then across and up to the pump. It doesn't affect the fuel flow. Completely away from heat sources then.

 

[Howzat]

I saw your post @oldiebut goodie but I'm not sure where you mean when you say "down"?

 

[DaveCrampton]

Well, no leaks so far.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I saw your post @oldiebut goodie but I'm not sure where you mean when you say "down"?

Can't find a pic of underneath and I physically can't get under mine to take a pic. It is quite evident when you are under there.