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Old 03-14-2010, 11:31 AM   #1
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Espar heater

I just bought a 2006 RB50 with the espar heater and haven't been able to get it to work. I looked through the manuals, but they're no help or I'm missing the pertinent section. I have the small controller vs. the larger thermostat. From my understanding, you simply adjust the heat level and then press the top button (heater). While it will cycle on, the air is not warm. The fan (bottom button) works as well, but once again, only room temp air. Am I missing something? The van was sitting for awhile...is there a trick or a switch I missed? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Jeff

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Old 03-14-2010, 01:24 PM   #2
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Re: Espar heater

There are a few things to check ...

How much fuel is in the tank? Since it pulls fuel from the tank you need enough to reach the aux feed line. Usually over a quarter tank.

Is the external intake clogged?

Is the external exhaust clogged?

Does the glow plug thingy need to be cleaned or replaced?

Are you hearing the fuel pump for the unit ticking to send fuel?

How long have you let it run to see if it will warm up?
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Old 03-14-2010, 09:36 PM   #3
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Re: Espar heater

There is also an altitude switch to deal with on most that were installed that year. Generally (1) is for lower altitude and (2) for higher zones. Before I had SMB install the newer controller, I really never found the exact level that I had to switch to the (2) position. Most of the time it was about 6000'.
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Old 03-14-2010, 09:50 PM   #4
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Re: Espar heater

So the switch to the right of the thermostat with the 1 & 2 is for altitudes? I was wondering what that switch was for. I'll try again on "2" since I'm ranging from 5200-8600 feet elevation.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Old 03-15-2010, 08:17 AM   #5
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Re: Espar heater

The switch did the trick...I have hot air at the "2" setting. Thanks...obviously I'm new to these things including campers and diesels...I'm sure I'll have more 'beginner' questions.
-Jeff
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Old 03-15-2010, 09:20 AM   #6
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Re: Espar heater

For what it's worth, SMB West told me to change the switch at around 5000'
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Old 03-15-2010, 11:19 AM   #7
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Re: Espar heater

Jeff, it's a good idea to run the heater at full bore for 30 minutes once a month to clean out carbon buildup which will foul your heater from time to time. When those units work, they really work well.
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Old 03-15-2010, 08:27 PM   #8
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Re: Espar heater

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
Jeff, it's a good idea to run the heater at full bore for 30 minutes once a month to clean out carbon buildup which will foul your heater from time to time. When those units work, they really work well.
I agree about what Jeffery posted. SMB also told me to start it on high and let it run high for a little while then adjust it down to where you want it. It is gonna take you a bit to get the feel of how it works. You'll also hear a clicking sound (the fuel pump) which is normal.
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Old 10-25-2010, 07:18 PM   #9
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Re: Espar heater

Did you ever sort this out? I'm having similar problems on my 2006
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Old 11-13-2010, 01:11 PM   #10
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Re: Espar heater

Guess my altitude switch is still in operation...even with the new control, if you have the altitude switch use it. Also found Utah clay gets kicked up by the rear tires so as stated you have to keep the intake/exhaust ports clear.
When I turn my timer switch off it defaults to 15 min, so I crank up the thermostat to full and let the heater run on high for the remaining run time. I just open the doors so it runs balls out.
Finn, you might be at a point that the glow plug and screen needs to be replaced/cleaned. And it is important to run it monthly as was posted.
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