Coolant heater
Coolant heater
I found a g@s one once in a 560SEL, but no diesels. The closest diesel one I've ever found was a cab air heater in an Iveco.
They aren't very reliable. When I worked at Swift they earned the nickname Webastards from all the Mechanics. Frequently coking the temperature sensor, difficult to prime and smoke like a steam engine when they first start.
I have a NOS Espar D5W (hydronic) that I've been meaning to install in something. A few friends of mine have Espar hydronic heaters in their Cummins powered Dodge trucks and they love them.
Yes, they do break down - most of the time it's just the glow plug that fouls up. Install it in an easily accessible location - easier said than done, I know.
Yes, they do smoke at first and make noise when running - but that was never a concern of mine.
Beers,
Matt