Eberspacher failure

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Jonrob

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I have an eberspacher D3 warm air heater on my boat which, on turning the temperature down on the thermostat made the fuel pump
stop 'ticking', and the heater shut down (after the normal cooling period),
On trying to restart ( after turning up the 'stat ) resulted in the heater starting its normal process with the glow plug operating as normal &
the pump 'ticking'. As soon as the unit fired up, the pump stopped, & the heater shut down (again, after the cooling down period)
Any body any ideas? I am loathe to buy a new 'stat if not the cause,
Ta!
Jonrob
 
I have a D4 which was doing exactly the same. Firstly check the filter in the pump to see if it's blocked. Secondly you could try running some Kerosene through it instead of diesel for a few hours as the German eber web site shows some pictures of how well this decokes it.

Alternatively and what I did was to take it apart and wash the combustion chamber in brick acid to clean it out. Cost about £14 for a new set of gaskets/service kit including filter for the pump and only an hour and half work to take it apart, clean it and put it back together. May as well change the glow plug whilst you're at it.
 
I've experienced the same symptoms twice before. The first instance was caused by a weak battery, causing it to go through the motions and then shut down, second time same symptoms but caused by lack of fuel (the pick up pipe was set too high in the tank).

Is any smoke coming from the exhaust outlet when it conks out?
 
thanks for your input KevB & Actionmat
The filter should not be blocked as the unit fires up. As far as running Kerosine through, the unit should not be 'bunged up' as I had a full service less than 18 months ago and owing to the summer we've had, it's had little use.
Actionmat - no problems with batteries as the charger is on, & the unit fires up OK. Loads of fuel,so not that.
White smoke from exhaust as normal when it conks out. but the pump stops 'ticking'.
 
I ha d exactly the same problem a couple of years ago. Sorry to say that it was a fault with the ECU. A known problem with the early type used on Airtronic D4,s.

Good luck , worth trying all other avenues first though.
 
CHI said:
I ha d exactly the same problem a couple of years ago. Sorry to say that it was a fault with the ECU. A known problem with the early type used on Airtronic D4,s.


+1
I had the same problem changed the ECU all good , ran it once a month or so in the summer as recommended no problems. Then when you actually need to use it in the winter stopped working again. I don't think I know anyone that doesn't have problems with eberspachers.?
Click to expand...
 
I do not agree that it is the ECU, if that had died then you would not be getting any smoke on start up. As already mentioned I would be changing the fuel filter, the reason being it (could) be partially blocked/restricted allowing a small amount of fuel through on start up but not allowing enough through for continous running, no fuel = shut down

I understand you say that it had a full service 18 months ago but that did not include the fuel in your tank, a refuel with some suspect fuel in that small filter could easily restrict the flow. I have changed filters that I thought were OK thinking that it would not sort the problem out but it did, for the simple job/task I would just change it and even if it does not solve the issue at least you know you have a clean filter.
 
Peanuts said:
I do not agree that it is the ECU, if that had died then you would not be getting any smoke on start up.
Click to expand...

It still could be, white smoke is simply the product of invcomplete combustion. I hope we can assume (though cannot be certain as none of us did the service) that the combustion chamber is clear of carbon and the glow plug likewise so full ignition failure due to carbon masking is less likely.
If the ECU is getting a non ignite state or because of a fault, is interpreting what it gets as a non start sate or putting out the wrong glowplug voltage the symptoms would be as described. The usual faults in order of occurance when getting these symptoms are:
1) heavily carboned chamber masking burner or plug efficiency. 2) poor fuel delivery or poor fuel quality. 3) defective electronics or analogue electrics on older model. (not limited to but invluding ECU).
 
A lot of good responses here and I do not claim the experience of the Heater Dealer above, however my tuppenceworth is: I have had Eberspachers for 28 years and there are two possible problems to totally eliminate beyond any doubt before shelling out on an ECU. As for a complete decoke, whoever serviced the unit should have raised suspicions had there been any.

Firstly the filter is not an obvious item, it is miniscule, and sometimes awkward to remove from the inlet side of the pulse pump. It does not take very much crud to block it, and the symptoms could well fit. It is possible that the main unit was serviced, but the pump with filter may have been left on the boat. ( assuming the unit was removed to service it.)
Secondly: Despite 'the battery being on charge' the Eberspachers are very sensitive to voltage. The in-line fuse holder on mine is adjacent to the batteries and the compartment is always damp, it is a wooden boat, and seldom completely dry. On my 2kW unit I have to regularly clean up the ends of the fuse and the internal contacts of the fuse holder, as even slight corrosion will create enough volt drop to shut the unit down.
Good luck
 
Last edited:
Sounds very much like a dead flame sensor to me.

As above, check the obvious stuff first, but if that's all ok, check the flame sensor.

If it starts but then shuts down, it could be not 'seeing' that combustion has started and auto shutting down. Had the same fault on a customers webasto some time ago.
 
Hi Peanuts

When my ebber failed i was indeed getting white smoke on start up. The heater went through its usual

procedure but would no continue running hot after 3/4 minutes. Would only continue to blow cold air.

I agree as already said worth a full service and eliminating all other possibilities first though.

I did change the filter, checked the pump would pulse by applying power/removing power/applying power, removed the unit and fully

serviced including replacing the glow plug and mesh screen( which will be damaged by removing the glow plug) but sadly the problem

was the ECU. I believe a common known failure of the early type less robust ECU,s

Cheers
CHI
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all your replies. The main reason I had The service 6 months ago, was the heater was discharging soot deposits.
The heater was removed to the workshop, completely dismantled, cleaned & reassembled using new parts as required & nea exhaust fitted,
Heater Fuel pump removed filter cleaned (with evidence of water). Removed stand pipe t check for obstruction, & heater run to test.
Items fitted - 1 Wick
1 Glow Plug
1 Packing Ring
1 Sealing ring
1Eber. Gasket
2 Jubilee Clips
2 Exhaust Clamps
4 Domestic Batteries

Net Value - £1212.05

I could have bought a new unit for that!!! (you can tell I'm annoyed)
Now I have to start again GRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Jonrob.
 
Yup I agree, But I'm not entirely certain 4 new batteries WERE required.
Even if you remove the batteries cost ( £316) It's still nearly £900 - Go on , how
much for a new D3?
Jonrob
 
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