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Old 12-03-2016, 06:36 PM   #1
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Exclamation Issue with heating system D5 and Comfort hot

My van is almost a year old. Love it except have had a horrific time with the heater. I am heading to sportsmobile west for emergency visit #4.

To date they have replaced diesel heater twice, the altimeter and changed out the pipe on the exhaust. When it started working intermittently Jim Rixen sent me a new pump, which has not resolved the problem.

i was told the first diesel heater had a gasket blow (unique situation). When it broke again I was researched on this forum and saw a similar thread where another repair shop figured out it was a bent hose. Mine was also bent so they straightened the hose and replaced the diesel heater and the altimeter in case that was the problem. Unfortunately they forgot to fill with antifreeze so I woke up to the CO alarm.

Just recently the pump started making strange noises, they sent a new one but that did not solve it. I am heading there monday as now neither heaters will work.

My question--I live full time in my van with my cat. Heat is crucial. I have lost all faith in the espar d5 system with Jim Rixen's comfort system. Neither sportsmobile or Jim have been able to diagnose the problem.

Is anyone using the same system? How is it working for you? How often do you use it?

I am trying to figure out is the system is no good, sportsmobile does not know how to install it properly or this is really a rare situation. Any input appreciated.

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Old 12-03-2016, 06:51 PM   #2
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Sometimes the businesses that sells to places like Sportsmobile know of issues the RV dealerships don't. You might try Greg at Lubrication Specialists. Worth a shot.

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Old 12-03-2016, 07:20 PM   #3
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Exclamation Espar heater Comfort Hot System solf by Jim Rixen, known issues

Thanks for the info. I am not sure if it is the espar or the comfort system that SMB West gets from jim Rixen. I have spoken to him several times. I am still under warranty so hopefully this visit they can figure it out.

I just finished reading the other thread about the heater problems. It did not give me very much hope as it seems SMB does not know how to fix the issues and they are constant. Not comforting for someone who lives full time in their van.

Would love to hear from someone who is using the espar/comfort hot system sold and install by Jim Rixen Enterprises.
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Old 12-03-2016, 07:44 PM   #4
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If it comes to it, consider a D2 or D4 Airtronic as a separate system for space heat. Keep the D5 for hot water and engine heating if so plumbed.
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Old 12-03-2016, 07:44 PM   #5
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Had our D5 installed by SMB Texas, picked it up in September, have used in 6-8 times with the lowest outside temp at 28 degrees, works first time - every time, and we absolutely love it.

I know this is not much help for you, but just want to assure you that when the components and installation are correct it works very well.
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Old 12-03-2016, 07:55 PM   #6
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Do you have the comfort hot electric system that functions with the espar system? That is what SMB West uses, don't know if Texas does also.

I do not know if it is the espar D5 or Jim Rixens comfort hot combo that is the culprit. The new pump they sent is bosch. That did not solve it either but there is some issue with the pump. Both the electric and diesel are separate system but share the pump. Since neither is working, and I replaced the pump the problem is deeper. Perhaps wiring or intake/outtake into the pump?

Please give me an update when you have used it more. Mine worked great for about 4 months, then has broken about every 2-4 months from there.
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Old 12-03-2016, 07:57 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by 1der View Post
If it comes to it, consider a D2 or D4 Airtronic as a separate system for space heat. Keep the D5 for hot water and engine heating if so plumbed.
Thanks for the suggestions. If this does not get resolved I will need to replace. Like I said I live full time with my cat so heat is crucial.
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Old 12-03-2016, 08:01 PM   #8
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DaveB has the two systems in his van. If you are in a well insulated non poptop and are in 25* or higher weather normally, the D 2 should be fine.
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Old 12-03-2016, 08:04 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1der View Post
DaveB has the two systems in his van. If you are in a well insulated non poptop and are in 25* or higher weather normally, the D 2 should be fine.
I have a pop up top so wanted a stronger heater. SMB West really sold me on this heater being the best option. Still hopeful.....right now being kept warm by my $16 electric heater from Home Depot--pathetic
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Old 12-16-2016, 08:09 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Fremebe View Post
My van is almost a year old. Love it except have had a horrific time with the heater. I am heading to sportsmobile west for emergency visit #4.

To date they have replaced diesel heater twice, the altimeter and changed out the pipe on the exhaust. When it started working intermittently Jim Rixen sent me a new pump, which has not resolved the problem.

i was told the first diesel heater had a gasket blow (unique situation). When it broke again I was researched on this forum and saw a similar thread where another repair shop figured out it was a bent hose. Mine was also bent so they straightened the hose and replaced the diesel heater and the altimeter in case that was the problem. Unfortunately they forgot to fill with antifreeze so I woke up to the CO alarm.

Just recently the pump started making strange noises, they sent a new one but that did not solve it. I am heading there monday as now neither heaters will work.

My question--I live full time in my van with my cat. Heat is crucial. I have lost all faith in the espar d5 system with Jim Rixen's comfort system. Neither sportsmobile or Jim have been able to diagnose the problem.

Is anyone using the same system? How is it working for you? How often do you use it?

I am trying to figure out is the system is no good, sportsmobile does not know how to install it properly or this is really a rare situation. Any input appreciated.
Follow up: Figured out the current and previous issues. From the original build the altimeter wires crossed. So when in low elevation choked the system and caused the heater to fail. When they changed the heater did not check altimeter. Went to high elevation and now flooded the system with fuel causing the excessive smoke issue. Second visit they changed heater and altimeter and would have been done. However they forgot to refill with antifreeze causing the system to run dry, which caused the pump to malfunction. Now have a new heater, altimeter and pump. So far..so good.

It was frustrating to have all these problems but it can say sportsmobile was quick in getting my van in and doing the work. Hopefully smooth sailing from here on out. This has been my only major problem after moving into my van a year ago.
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