Eberspächer heater reliability...workshop

[john_206]

Just bought a boat with an eberspacher heater which isn't working.
It has a temp control knob and a on off pull button. Checked all fuses which are ok and all wires appear connected.

Can anyone give me a rundown procedure on how to check for the fault? The on off knob has a green end which I assume should light up when pulled on but doesn't.

No sound can be heard coming from the motor.
Thanks
John

 

[peteandthira]

I'm sorry, I can't help directly with the answer to your original question. However, if you google "espar" or "eberspacher" you can nearly always get a manual for all their parts, including their controllers.

Pops

 

[peteandthira]

In my view the only problem with Eberspacher, and probably Webasto, heaters is the fuel. If it isn't clean, clear and free from water blobs you will eventually have a problem.

Even additives can foul them up over time. The eber website lists all tested and approved additives - many will clog it up.

Pops

 

[savageseadog]

There's one end with a cap nut on it, it's in there. you'll need to pick it out carefully. Not exact instructions but it's a while since I did it. There is a stroke adjustment which is set by screwing something in and out just note the positions before you do anything.

 

[alb40]

It the fan never starts, then there is another problem other than blocked fuel pump. Glows plugs are a favorite - if they develop a crack in the coil, the heater will not start, lights on etc, but no fan or anything

 

[LeonF]

Must be some truth in the unreliability accusations. I see more posts on here re Eberspachers than I do for any other heating system.

 

[fireball]

Could that not be because there are more ebers installed than other heaters?

 

[duncan]

had mine apart recenty to clean out the gunk - rather obviously it's in the end nearest the fuel tank!

Disconnect pipe, unscrew nut and 'pick' out filter. It's a nylon and gauze arrangement shaped like a thimble so using a pin or similar to lift the edge is the best approach - should come out reasonably easily.

cleaning is easier said than done - it's more than a quick blow through!

 

[temptress]

[ QUOTE ]
I just replaced our 17 year old eberspacher with a new one. Works fine, excellent support during my installation from Krueger Marine and a very happy customer

[/ QUOTE ]

well I had them replace mine and it was only when things went wrong ( about 6 months afterwards) that I found out that they are realy like. It never been right since.

I even resorted to taking the boat to Brighton so I could get work done on the heating system by someone other than Krueger.

 

[tome]

Fair enough, you had a bad experience whereas all mine have been good. This includes nursing the old unit over 4 years where they provided excellent support, reliable mail order service and even some hand-drawn diagrams to assist me

When the unit eventually expired aged 17 they first stripped it down and gave me a quote to repair. I weighed this against a new unit (much lower power consumption was a big issue) and decided to go for new

They provided a complete kit, and credited me for all the pieces I didn't need. They also gave me installation advice freely over the phone, and signed off my self-installed warranty once the new system was commissioned

It's a family run business with which I have no connection, except as a satisfied customer. Perhaps I was lucky to develop a rappore with them?

 

[Sans Bateau]

Tom

This is not an isolated case. I used Kruger for my self install, they were superb!

As the Etap has all the ducting already installed at manufacture, I did not need all the trunking. We discussed the whole installation over the phone and they put together a package to suit my needs.

The Sat I did the install I started about 0900, I had a heater up and running by 1800hrs, thats cos everything I needed was in the box, custom packed for my install! Very very impressed.

 

[Heckler]

contrary to the first reply, i dont have a prob with them, biggest prob is the people that fit them and pretend to be experts. in my experience if you use an adequate electric supply, i.e BIG thick cable, fully charged battery, make sure the main fuse is clean and bright ( they corrode readily) and make sure the fuel supply is fitted in accordance with the instructions, ie black feed no more than a metre long, ends butted in the joining rubbers then they go on for ever and ever. i clean the guaze wick surrounding the glow plug every couple of years and replace when it is raggedy. mine was second hand four years ago and is still going strong and starts everytime.
Stu