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Old 09-14-2010, 08:38 PM   #1
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heat

I have had trouble with my Airtronic heat a few times. The problem being that I turn it on and it runs through it's cycle the van heats up then it never kicks back on. At one time I realized my fuel tank was too low, apparently below a 1/4 of a tank the heater will not kick on. This weekend I had the same issue but my tank was full. I thought I was prepared. I fired the heater up it seamed to be working fine and then late night it was not coming back on. All I can figure is that my battery voltage dropped too low it was around 11.7. does this sound like my problem or could it be something else.

I purchased the van used and it has all the Airtronics books but almost no information on how to operate it properly. For example the switch numbered 1 and 2 next to the mini controller I assume is for elevation change but I can't find any literature on it. At what elevation do I change it? Has anyone else had these problems?

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Old 09-14-2010, 11:38 PM   #2
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Re: heat

The switch with the #'s 1 & 2 was for selecting low and high elevation on units before the elevation compensator was available. If I remember correctly, #1 was for below 1,500 meters and #2 was for above 1,500 meters elevation.

The low voltage may be your culprit. Try running the heater when connected to shore power, or with the engine running to increase the voltage and see what happens.

There have been a number of posts about the Espar heater. You can always call Greg at Lubrication Specialist 888-306-4255 for some great advice, he can also supply any Espar parts you might need.

John K.
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Old 09-15-2010, 02:21 PM   #3
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Re: heat

thanks John I'll try that. I have alway been able to count on the solar panels keeping me above 12 volts but I was parked in the shade this weekend.
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Old 09-19-2010, 12:47 PM   #4
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Re: heat

Finn,

I have 2008 with the elevation compensator so my controls may be different. In my van if I hit the heat button on the mini controller the display will read "120" minutes which is a timer. The heater will run for 120 minutes then shut off and the timer will count down. I have a switch to the right of the controller that when switched on overrides the timer and keeps the furnace powered indefinitely. When I flip the switch the back light on the controller comes on and the display shows the current time.

I hope this helps
Cheers,
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Old 09-22-2010, 08:36 PM   #5
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Re: heat

I don't think my Mini controller is tied in with the timer because I have run the system with just the MC in the past and it worked fine. There is a good chance that some of my problem is operator error. I need to get my hands on the directions. The SMB book I have only has directions for propane heat.
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Old 09-22-2010, 10:16 PM   #6
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heat

I run into the same issue once in a while and I'm pretty sure it's a voltage issue. When my batteries are fully topped off, the heat is amazing. If my batteries are a little low, (cold batteries tend to read extra low) the heat wont cycle back on.

Interestingly, it will turn on for a cycle if I manually turn it off and back on.
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Old 09-22-2010, 11:26 PM   #7
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Re: heat

Quote:
Originally Posted by finn
I don't think my Mini controller is tied in with the timer because I have run the system with just the MC in the past and it worked fine. There is a good chance that some of my problem is operator error. I need to get my hands on the directions. The SMB book I have only has directions for propane heat.
I uploaded the owners manual to the Wiki site for you.
Use this link and scroll down to Heating/Cooling
Hope it helps.
http://wiki.sportsmobileforum.com/index ... =Documents
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Old 10-09-2010, 08:42 AM   #8
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Re: heat

Thanks all for the help,

I was finally able to plug the van in on a cold night to see if it is a voltage issue but no luck. I can manually turn the heat on but it won't keep running to maintain the temperature. I don't think the unit has ever been serviced so maybe that is my problem.

Finn
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Old 10-19-2010, 10:52 PM   #9
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Re: heat

Check your air intake and exhaust to make sure they are clean and clear plus check for any kinks in the hoses or metal tubing. Also make sure nothing is jammed up against the unit. Sometimes the fuel lines have to be bled out if you run it low (Fuel below 1/4 tank) and an air bubble gets in the lines. I was able to get it to prime when I did the same thing and it finally started to work correctly after several tries.

I don't know what year your van is but SMB did some of the early installs incorrectly. The pump has to be mounted at a certain angle to work right if I remember correctly. You should hear a clicking if the pump is running.

Then you might be having a glow plug or carbon problem.

When I had the old controller like yours, I always turned it on full blast on fire up then after a few min on run, turned it down to the temp I needed to run all night.
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Old 10-24-2010, 03:12 PM   #10
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Re: heat

I finally pulled the unit out and sent it to Lube Spec to be serviced. Its a 2006 and I don't think it ever has been serviced.

Interesting what you said about fuel pump angle, the bracket that mounts them to the frame had mostly fallen off. I could hear them clicking when the unit was firing up but did't hear it while it was running.

I'll make sure the intake and exhaust are clear when I reinstall it. I'm also changing out the mini controller for an updated thermostat/ controller.

Thanks for the pointers.
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