Diesel heater - just for a change.

[Graham_Wright]

A quicky.
Once the flame is ignited, does it self sustain?
I have an unacceptable volts drop between source and heater (which needs to be fixed). The heater will fire up with the engine running (and volts at 13-14 at source) but, after a while, with the engine stopped, the heater shuts down. I assume the flame extinguishes. It is ok on the bench with a local battery.

 

[Graham376]

Make and model would help, does your controller allow you to read fault codes? Bad connections or undersized cables are often the problem on start but, once up and running the glowplug disconnects so less current draw. How long before it shuts down? Any restrictions in air in/out which could cause overheat shut down?

 

[vyv_cox]

I have had exactly these symptoms. It was due to poor connections in the multi pin plug about 30 cm from my Eberspacher D3L. Cleaning them up fixed it.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Make and model would help, does your controller allow you to read fault codes? Bad connections or undersized cables are often the problem on start but, once up and running the glowplug disconnects so less current draw. How long before it shuts down? Any restrictions in air in/out which could cause overheat shut down?

That answers my question - thanks you. Error 8 is the code.
I have found that the pump is fussy about attitude (discussed recently here) and height of suction but the fact that it starts and there is ample fuel should rule that out as a cause. Further investigation now the question has been answered.
One diagnostic addition would be invaluable - a sight gauge/transparent section in the fuel line just prior to the heater input.

E-08

Flame out – low fuel or air in fuel lines

– Check fuel levels in fuel tank – Check fuel filter is full – Check for blockages in fuel supply – Check all fuel connections are good – Possibly low voltage – May need to restart multiple times to refill fuel

 

[ChromeDome]

Most heaters have a battery protection feature to shut them off before the voltage drops too much, hence preventing engine start.

Intermittent voltage drops might make this kick in

 

[Graham_Wright]

Most heaters have a battery protection feature to shut them off before the voltage drops too much, hence preventing engine start.

Intermittent voltage drops might make this kick in

I'm losing 1.5 volts between battery and heater, acceptable when the engine is charging but not otherwise. I need to beef up the leads and check the drop across the breaker or consider a different method of feeding. The runs are quite long.