Alternative Energy: 12 Volt Stainless Steel Resistance Wire Fuel Filter Heater for WVO SVO and Biodiesel

Use caution with these heaters. They get hot. Always use a fuse and do not mount them where they can contact anything that can burn.

Tools and Parts:
1. High temp tape $13 McMasterCarr #7643A481
2. Metal tape (the thicker, the better don't be cheap) 10-20$ from the home store or plumbing supply. Make sure it is rated for minimum of 250 degrees.
3. Fiberglass rope 32 cents/ft McMasterCarr # 8818K43
4. 200 watt heater element from my fuel line heater article

Build a 200 watt heater element using the instructions in my fuel line heater article, but add the 3/16 fiberglass rope to the wire as if you were building an injector line heater. Make sure to cover all of the center connection with high temp tape because the fiberglass will not be able to cover it.

Wrap the metal tape backwards around the filter. The sticky side needs to be out. You can wrap the filter with paper before you wrap the tape to create some extra space. It will help the the heater to slide off of the filter. Center the heater element and wrap it around the metal tape (see pic). Have a length of high temp tape near by to secure the element. Secure the first heater wire and move on to the second.

Wrap the entire fiberglass with high temp tape. Make sure the copper wires have enough tape to hold them securely. Do not pull the tape too tight or the heater will shrink when it is removed from the filter. Do not leave it off of the filter any longer than necessary. When you need to change the filter, just slip off the heater.

Install the heater by grounding the center wire. Apply 12v to one of the end wires for a 100watt heater or power both wires for a 200 watt heater.