Sunster 5KW 12V Hydronic Liquid Heater

1. Overview

The Sunster 5KW 12V Hydronic Liquid Heater is designed to provide efficient heating for various vehicles, including family cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, agricultural vehicles, and vans. This device utilizes the vehicle's 12V battery power and either gasoline or diesel fuel to circulate heat through the engine and water circulation system. It operates on the principle of combustion and heat exchange, offering functions such as manual start, timed start, remote control, and mobile remote start for flexible heating needs. The heater is engineered to run stably in environments as cold as -40°C.

Important Note: Diesel and gasoline fuels cannot be mixed simultaneously. If you need to change the fuel type, ensure all original fuel is consumed before introducing a different type.

Figure 1: Sunster 5KW 12V Hydronic Liquid Heater and its components.

2. Specifications

Figure 2: Detailed product information including dimensions and specifications.

Figure 3: Accredited CE Certificate.

3. Setup and Installation

Warning: Installation, repair, and maintenance of this heater require professional knowledge and specialized tools. Incorrect installation can lead to damage or accidents. It is recommended to seek professional assistance if you are unsure.

For a visual guide, please refer to the installation tutorial video below:

3.1. Package Contents

Before beginning installation, verify all components are present:

• 1 x Plumbing heater (Host)
• 1 x Controller (LCD Switch)
• 1 x Remote control
• 1 x Oil pump clamp
• 1 x Hose
• 1 x Air Filter
• 1 x Silencer
• 1 x Heater relay
• 1 x Oil pump
• 1 x Oil Filter
• 1 x Water pump
• 1 x Fixed Plate
• 1 x Tubing (fuel lines)
• 1 x Manual
• 1 x Exhaust pipe
• 1 x Harness (wiring)
• 1 x Tubing (water lines)
• 1 Set Screw Accessory Kit

Figure 4: All components included in the heater package.

3.2. General Installation Precautions

• The installation position of the water pump and host should be lower than the original water kettle, PTC, and warm air tank of the vehicle.
• The oil pump outlet should be installed at a 45° angle upwards, preferably close to the main engine.
• The exhaust pipe should face towards the rear of the vehicle, and should not face the direction of vehicle travel or the ground. It is prohibited to come into contact with flammable materials.
• The intake pipe can only be connected to the original air filter, and it is forbidden to use obstructions to cover it. It must not be in the same direction as the exhaust pipe.
• To ensure that the heater can provide normal heating in cold winter, use the corresponding diesel model according to local temperature; do not use inferior diesel.
• After installation, check all connecting parts for proper connection, oil leakage, or blockages.

Figure 5: Visual guide for installation precautions.

3.3. Component-Specific Installation

1. Securing the Main Unit:

   Attach the mounting bracket to the main heater unit using the provided screws and washers. Secure the assembled unit to a stable surface in the vehicle, ensuring it is mounted firmly.

2. Water Circulation System:

   Secure the water pump. Measure and cut the water hoses to size. Connect one hose from the vehicle's water tank (simulated) to the water pump, and another from the water pump to the heater's water inlet. Connect the water outlet of the heater back to the vehicle's water tank. Ensure all connections are secured with clamps. The water pump should be installed at least 20cm below the engine level, and water flow direction must match the vehicle's original water pump.

   

   Figure 6: Heater ports for water, air, and fuel.

3. Power Cable System:

   Connect the main power harness to the heater unit. Ensure secure installation of the connectors. Connect the fuel pump and relay to the appropriate connectors on the harness. Connect the vehicle-mounted heater blower. The positive and negative terminals of the wiring harness must be directly connected to the vehicle battery to ensure continuous power.

4. Oil Pipe Set (Fuel System):

   Connect the fuel pipe to the fuel pump, securing with clamps. Trim the fuel pipe as required. Secure the fuel filter to a stable surface. Connect the fuel pump to the fuel filter, and the fuel filter to the fuel pickup unit (fuel tank). Ensure all connections are tight to prevent air leakage. The metering oil pump should be installed with an upward inclination of the oil nozzle, ideally between 15° and 35°.

5. Intake and Exhaust Pipes:

   Install the air filter onto the air intake pipe. Install the muffler onto the exhaust pipe. Connect the air intake pipe to the heater's air inlet and the exhaust pipe to the heater's exhaust port. Secure all connections with clamps. The exhaust pipe connection must remain vertical. The exhaust port should not face airflow or be blocked by dirt. The air intake duct should be between 20cm and 1.5m in length.

4. Operating Instructions

The heater can be controlled via the LCD switch or the wireless remote control (A2301-R2301 models).

4.1. Controller Overview

Figure 7: LCD Switch and Wireless Remote Control.

• LCD Switch: Features a specific data display area and buttons for On/Off, Add (+), Minus (-), and Set.
• Wireless Remote Control: Includes buttons for On/Off, Add (+), Minus (-), Set, and Query.

4.2. Basic Operation

1. Power On/Off:

   • To turn on: Press and hold the [Power On/Off] button for 3 seconds. The current water temperature will be displayed.
   • To turn off: Press and hold the [Power On/Off] button for 3 seconds.

2. Data Adjustment:

   • Use the [Add (+)] key to increase values or navigate to the next item.
   • Use the [Minus (-)] key to decrease values or navigate to the previous item.

3. Remote Control Pairing:

   Press the remote control power button to turn on. Press the query button for 5 seconds until the interface displays "-pp-". Simultaneously, press the power button once on the remote. The current time will be displayed. Press the setting button for 3 seconds to enter the "-pp-" interface. The switch and remote control will automatically connect and then exit the current page.

4.3. Advanced Settings (Power-on Interface Project Settings)

• Project 1 (Current Time): After power on, press the power button to display the current time.
• Project 2 (T-01): Set the time for the first automatic start.
• Project 3 (t-02): Set the second automatic start time.
• Project 4 (Running Time): Adjust the running time from 10 minutes to 4 hours (in 10-minute increments). The machine will automatically shut down when the countdown ends (default 40 minutes).
• Project 5 (Operating Water Temperature): Set the target water temperature between 5°C and 85°C (in 5°C increments). The heater will automatically shut down when the target temperature is reached (default 70°C).
• Project 6 (Self-Start Switch): Display A-ON for ON, A-OF for OFF. The heater will stop at 85°C (water pump continues to run) and restart heating when temperature drops below 60°C.
• Project 8 (Voice Function): Switch voice broadcast language (CN: Chinese, EN: English, RU: Russian, OF: Voice Off). Use the [Settings] button to set, [Add (+)]/[Minus (-)] to modify. Press and hold [Settings] for 3 seconds to save and exit.

4.4. Engineering Mode

When the device is powered on, press and hold the [Add (+)] and [Minus (-)] keys simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter engineering mode. Use the [Add (+)] key to increment items and the [Minus (-)] key to decrement. The display area shows data items such as heater mainboard version, current operating mode, housing temperature, exhaust temperature, power supply voltage, and water pump current.

5. Maintenance

• After winter use, remove the heater from the vehicle for cleaning and maintenance.
• If thermal efficiency decreases significantly, or if there are ignition difficulties or other faults, identify and eliminate the cause promptly.
• Clean carbon deposits from the cooling fins on the inner wall of the water jacket and the combustion chamber.
• Keep the oil tank, oil pipes, and oil filtering device clean and unobstructed. Clean regularly as needed.
• Use an anti-freeze solution or a mixture suitable for the ambient temperature as the coolant medium in the parking heater circulation system.
• During seasons when the heater is not in use, disconnect its power supply and keep it clean and dry. Avoid immersing the heater in water, rain, or prolonged direct sunlight.
• Activate the heating function 1-2 times a month, with each heating lasting at least 5 minutes, to maintain optimal performance.
• Have the heating system checked and maintained by authorized dealers at least once every two years.

6. Troubleshooting

If the heater malfunctions, first check if the plug connection of the fuse box is intact and secure.

6.1. Common Fault Codes

6.2. Measures for Heater Failure

• Heater shuts down on its own / Cannot be turned on / Shuts down during heating process:
  • Check power supply and grounding connections.
  • Ensure adequate cooling liquid is present and add according to manufacturer's requirements.
  • If the heater's shell temperature is too high after installation, loosen the outlet pipe for venting until complete. Then reconnect the water pipe and tighten the clamp after anti-freeze solution flows out.
• No combustion phenomenon after starting or restarting / Flame extinguished during running:
  • Check for oil circuit supply problems.

7. User Tips

• Always ensure the fuel type matches the heater's specifications (gasoline or diesel) and avoid mixing them.
• Regularly check for any leaks in the water or fuel lines to prevent operational issues.
• For optimal performance and longevity, adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule, including annual checks and cleaning.
• If the heater is not equipped with a flame sensor internally (new models), ensure all connections are secure and monitor operation closely.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or to obtain a new operating manual if yours is lost, please contact your authorized Sunster dealer or the official Sunster support channels. Always refer to the official user manual (PDF) for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your product. A PDF version of the user manual is available for download from the seller's product page or by contacting customer support.