- Warms engine and cabin at the same time — no separate heater needed for each
- Full heat output in 20–30 minutes from a cold start
- Works down to -40°F (-40°C) — Kyocera ceramic glow plug starts reliably in extreme cold
- Choose 12V or 24V — fits cars, trucks, RVs, and boats on either system
- CE, RoHS & FCC certified — third-party tested, not a self-certified Amazon brand
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Vvkb |
| Model | Apollo-C1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Heat Output | 5KW (17,000 BTU/hr) |
| Voltage | 12V or 24V |
| Working Voltage | 10.5–15V (12V) / 18–32V (24V) |
| Fuel Consumption | 0.30–0.61 L/hr (partial to full power) |
| Electric Draw | 18–28W (excluding pump) |
| Dimensions | 214 × 106 × 168mm |
| Net Weight | 2.9kg (6.4 lb) |
| Min. Coolant Volume | 4 liters |
| Ambient Temperature | -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to +60°C) |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, FCC |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why Not the Cheap "Water Heater" — and Why Not the $1,500 Webasto
Most cheap diesel "water heaters" on Amazon are air heaters with an improvised water heat exchanger bolted on. They were not designed for coolant circulation from the ground up — the heat exchanger corrodes, the pump fails, and the combustion calibration was built for heating air, not liquid. You get a product that pretends to be a coolant heater.
The Apollo C1 is purpose-built as a coolant heater. The combustion chamber, heat exchanger, circulation pump, and fuel delivery system are all engineered together for one job — heating coolant reliably at -40°F (-40°C), year after year.
The Webasto Thermo Top EVO does the same job at $1,200–$1,700. That premium buys you a European dealer network and factory-fit options. The Apollo C1 carries CE, RoHS, and FCC certification, uses a Kyocera ceramic glow plug and Tyco automotive-grade connectors — at $869 with free shipping.
What's in the Box
Everything needed for a standard installation is included in the box:
Main components:
- Apollo-C1 heater unit
- Water circulation pump with bracket
- Fuel pump (metering pump) with bracket
- Digital controller with remote control
- Wiring harness
Installation accessories:
- 3m coolant hose (φ18mm)
- Stainless steel exhaust pipe (φ24mm)
- Air intake pipe (φ25mm)
- Exhaust muffler
- Fuel filter
- Fuel standpipe
- Elbow connection fittings
- Mounting brackets
- Clamps, nuts, and hardware
Connect the fuel line to your existing diesel tank — nothing else to buy for a standard installation.
Installation Overview
The Apollo C1 installs in 2–4 hours with basic mechanical skills. These four points are specific to this model — read them before you start.
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Use the included PA12 fuel tubing — not standard rubber hose. Standard rubber degrades with diesel over time. Keep the run from your tank to the fuel pump under 1.2m; the pump-to-heater run can be up to 5.8m.
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Your coolant circuit needs at least 4 liters of fluid. Smaller circuits can cause the overheat sensor to trip during startup. Check your coolant volume before installation.
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The Apollo C1 can tilt up to 30° and rotate up to 90° on its axis. This gives you flexibility in tight engine bays. The one position to avoid: do not mount it with the exhaust outlet facing forward toward the direction of travel.
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Prime the fuel line before first ignition. The heater runs three automatic start attempts. If it fails all three, a fault code appears — this is normal on first startup when the fuel line is empty, not a defect.
Watch the full installation walkthrough: Apollo C1 installation video
Frequently Asked Questions
My heater attempts to start three times but doesn't ignite — is it defective?
lmost certainly not. On first installation, the fuel line is empty and needs priming. The Apollo C1 runs three automatic ignition cycles to build fuel pressure — this is normal behavior, not a fault. Wait 5 minutes, then restart. If it fails after 3–4 attempts, check for air leaks in the fuel line between the tank and the pump.
What do the Apollo C1 fault codes mean?
The Apollo C1 uses a binary flash system — the status light flashes in groups of 5, where a long flash = 1 and a short flash = 0. The three most common codes are: 01101 (failed to ignite — usually air in fuel line on first use), 11110 (overheating — check coolant level and flow rate), and 10010 (glow plug circuit open — inspect the connection or replace the glow plug). The full fault code guide is on the Vvkb website, and the complete table is in the installation manual included in the box.
How long does the glow plug last and when should I replace it?
With regular use, plan for replacement every 2–3 years. Carbon buildup is the main cause of early failure — running the heater at full power for 5–10 minutes before shutdown burns off residue and extends glow plug life. Replacement glow plugs (Part No. 9812HD50P005) are available directly from Vvkb.
Will the Apollo C1 work with my existing cabin heater and dashboard controls?
Yes. The Apollo C1 heats your coolant to 140–176°F (60–80°C) and feeds it through your existing cooling circuit. Your cabin heating — dashboard controls, blower fan, vents — works exactly as it does when the engine is running. The Apollo C1's controller manages the burner; your vehicle's existing controls handle air distribution.
Can I run it on biodiesel or winter diesel blend?
Winter diesel blends work with no adjustments. For biodiesel, the Apollo C1 supports blends up to B10 (10% FAME biodiesel). Pure biodiesel is not compatible — it affects the air-to-fuel calibration and causes ignition failures. If switching between fuel types, run the heater for 15 minutes to flush the fuel lines before switching.
How does the Apollo C1 compare to a Webasto Thermo Top at $1,200+?
Both deliver 5KW and connect to your vehicle's cooling circuit the same way. The Webasto has a longer dealer network and more factory-fit options for European vehicles. The Apollo C1 carries CE, RoHS, and FCC certification, uses Kyocera ceramic glow plug technology, and is priced at $869 with free shipping — roughly half the cost. Replacement parts ship directly from Vvkb.
Will 5KW pre-warm a diesel engine enough to prevent cold-start damage at -40°F?
Yes, for most passenger vehicles and light trucks. The Apollo C1 heats coolant to 140–176°F (60–80°C) — the same operating temperature your engine reaches under normal conditions. This eliminates the oil thickening and cylinder wear caused by cold starts. For engines above 6 liters, or heavy trucks and equipment, the 12KW Apollo C3 handles the larger coolant volume.
Apollo C1 Diesel Engine Heater — Complete Kit Walkthrough
This video walks through every component in the Apollo C1 kit — heater unit, water pump, fuel pump, exhaust pipe, controller, and all installation hardware. Watch it before you start your installation.
How to Disassemble and Service the Apollo C1
When it's time to replace the glow plug or clean the combustion chamber, this video shows you exactly how to disassemble the Apollo C1 — step by step, no guesswork.
