Espar Heater Problems

[pwhitbeck]

Thanks Greg - appreciate it!

Pete

[pwhitbeck]

Any recommendations on a fault code reader?

The one I find through Espar is $350...

Thanks.

Peter

[daveb]

Is the reason for lack of use because the vehicle is not used frequently?

[pwhitbeck]

When we use it we are generally out for around six weeks at a time.

In between that it can sit for a month or two. I start it and drive it regularly but forget to run the Espar.

Usually I can get it going with a couple of tries but this time no luck - probably because not enough diesel in my tank. Then I ran into the F50 code which stopped everything.

Peter

[daveb]

Well you can't run it if the tank is low...that'll screw you. But one thing I found is my Hydronic will throw codes but if you don't touch the control panel it will restart on its own. Now with some codes a failed start can happen. I have driven for 15 minutes and seen an over heat code only to hear it fire up 30 minutes later as the vehicle sits. One of the problems I had at the beginning was after a code I would turned it off. Mistake, let it cycle. Now low fuel in another story.

For me the van sitting it isn't an issue. I simply fire it up before I leave out and go on my way. Pre heating the engine only helps. I do have solar so I'm not worried about low voltage.

Also you are talking about the water heater. This thread is about the cab heater...a different issue.

I did have issues with dirt and dust but I really think it was more user issues with me. After Greg repaired it (which might not have been needed) it has worked great. Just don't run it out of fuel.

Here was the post I made:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1729

[LanduytG]

Originally Posted by pwhitbeck

Any recommendations on a fault code reader?

The one I find through Espar is $350...

Thanks.

Peter

Yes you want to use the one in the link that I had in the earlier post. This will take place of the controller you have now. Remove the original mini controller and put this in its place. Wires the same way.

http://www.lubricationspecialist.com/ti ... g-control/


Greg

[pwhitbeck]

Thanks guys.

I'm ordering the new controller today.

Hopefully the trip will continue with less drama from here on in - chased out of Tuolumne and the Eastern Sierra by fires and chased out of Zion by flooding...

Best,

Peter

[Carl]

Just finished a few week trouble shooting exercise with the D-4 furnace that ended with a bad ECU that got replaced out of warranty for about $600. Found out several things that may be of interest. The D-4 is overkill in a van and a very capable heater. First known fact is that carbon buildup is normally the problem. Best cure is to use heater monthly a little and let it cycle thru a 10-15 minute period of use. Each year or two I would then simply get a small amount of kerosene and run thru system by hooking up to input side of fuel pump. Next is that many vehicles have a high altitude control unit plugged into them which prevents you from reading error codes. Simply need to unplug it.
Bottom line is that these are great heaters and other than a rare issue like a bad ECU, you should be in good shape if you address carbon issue.

[Tapatio]

For the collective knowledge base. Make sure you add some kind of air filter to the intake pipe, especially if you do any off-road travel. Dirt and dust kills engines. I added a simple lawn mower filter to mine. Cheap and easily replaceable.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pk-...&blockType=G17

[Zeta]

Battery voltage is critical too. Under 12v yous in trouble.

Z