Fuel Heater ??

[AISTQM]

Another question about my new to me 2005 Vectra. There is a switch at main conntrol panel labeled fuel heater. Limited info in the manual.
My questions:

How and when is it used?

Is it 110V and does the MH need to be hooked to shore power or generator?

Does this actually heat the fuel in the tank or is it a confusing name for a glow plug?

Thanks in advance
Bob

[cbeierl]

What model coach and what engine do you have? Where, precisely, is this switch located?

I do not have a 'fuel heater' switch on my 2005 Vectra, but I may be able to help with some more info.

[AISTQM]

Catterpillar C-7. I found out it is 110V now I just need to know how long to leave it on in cold weather. It is located at the main control center and is referenced in the manual.

[cbeierl]

Ah, that sounds like the engine block heater in the upper right corner of your OnePlace panel. The block heater itself is (or should be) plugged into an outlet (which is controlled by that switch in the panel) in your left rear electrical compartment.

The colder it is the longer you'll want to have it on. It won't hurt anything (except your wallet for the electricity bill) to leave it on longer. Also note that it's probably on the inverter (at least it is in my Vectra), so you'll want to make sure that you are plugged into shore power or running the generator when you use it.

I usually try to run it for at least a couple of hours before starting when it's cold out--makes the starting much easier.

[AISTQM]

Thanks for your reply, I looked in the left rear electrical compartment and did not find a receptacle. I am assuming it is wired in somewhere and must be functional when switch on and hooked to shore power or generator.

[cbeierl]

You may want to stick your head in there with a flashlight, as the outlet may be hard to see. On my 36RD the outlet is at the top of the compartment, facing forward, on the front face of the black metal wiring compartment with the solenoids, etc. It's possible that the block heater was never plugged in, in which case the cord may be tucked up out of the way.

You can tell whether the block heater is working by watching your amp display (as long as you're not plugged into a 50amp circuit) on the OnePlace panel when you turn in on. If you are plugged into 50amp you won't see an amp readout, so then you'll need to unplug and use the invertor or the generator and watch the amp display when you switch on the block heater.

[AISTQM]

Thanks again. I'm sure I'll have more questions. New tires next week then changing all fluids so I know where I'm at. This looks like a great MH. Prior one was a Fleetwood Storm.

[cbeierl]

I don't know which model Vectra you have, but I just checked the online wiring diagrams and all 2005 Vectra models have the block heater outlet in the same place in the outside electrical bay.