Eberspacher giving grief

[robmcg]

The eberspacher onboard has started acting out. It goes through the startup cycle but fails to fire up. It tries twice on each cycle but to no avail. So far I have taken it apart, cleaned the heat exchanger, cleaned the burner (not much soot in either). Checked the glow plug which looked clean and intact. Replaced the gauze by the glow plug (that was sooty). Reassembled with new gaskets. I have also checked the little gauze filter in the end of the fuel pump which was quite clogged. In fact, the fuel pump sounded 'weak' so that's been replaced too but alas no dice. Since installing the new fuel pump, which has a much stronger clicking noise in operation than the old one, there is some gurgling from the burner unit, almost like a spitting noise during startup cycle. Any thoughts? I am now suspecting ECU failure or possibly an air leak somewhere on the fuel side?

 

[LittleSister]

Any thoughts? I am now suspecting ECU failure ☹ or possibly an air leak somewhere on the fuel side?

I can't offer any informed comment on the Eber itself, but it strikes me the possibility of an air leak (along with some other fuel issues, such as blockage, deteriorated fuel, etc.) is more easily, and cheaply, addressed than the ECU.

Run a new fuel supply from a small portable container to to the Eber via the new fuel pump. Consider using paraffin, rather than diesel, as some report hotter, or at least better, burning with that. Run a new fuel pipe from the new fuel pump to the Eber. In any case make sure the new or existing fuel line from pump to Eber is full before starting by repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the pump electrical supply until fuel emerges at the Eber end.

 

[peteK]

Gurgling noise can be exhaust full of water or diesel from over priming.

 

[vyv_cox]

When I had similar symptoms the cause was poor electrical connections. Does it start if the engine is running or battery charger on? These can be clues.

On mine, a 3 DL, there is a multi-pin plug about 12 inches from the unit. I cleaned the pins in this which solved the problem.

 

[Tomaret]

When I had similar symptoms the cause was poor electrical connections. Does it start if the engine is running or battery charger on? These can be clues.

On mine, a 3 DL, there is a multi-pin plug about 12 inches from the unit. I cleaned the pins in this which solved the problem.

Can’t pretend to have Vyv’s technical expertise, but I can say that when my heater goes through the same routine without firing up, I can solve the immediate problem by starting the engine, starting the heater then turning off the engine.

 

[robmcg]

No obvious voltage issues. Three new house batteries. Doesn't want to go even if you plug in the battery charger. Seems to be going through the motions but no heat at the end of it. I will check the multi plug for any signs of corrosion. How many start attempts does it need to reprime the system and purge all the air out? It's an Airtronic D4 if that helps.

 

[Plum]

The eberspacher onboard has started acting out. It goes through the startup cycle but fails to fire up. It tries twice on each cycle but to no avail. So far I have taken it apart, cleaned the heat exchanger, cleaned the burner (not much soot in either). Checked the glow plug which looked clean and intact. Replaced the gauze by the glow plug (that was sooty). Reassembled with new gaskets. I have also checked the little gauze filter in the end of the fuel pump which was quite clogged. In fact, the fuel pump sounded 'weak' so that's been replaced too but alas no dice. Since installing the new fuel pump, which has a much stronger clicking noise in operation than the old one, there is some gurgling from the burner unit, almost like a spitting noise during startup cycle. Any thoughts? I am now suspecting ECU failure ☹ or possibly an air leak somewhere on the fuel side?

have you looked here? Faults 1

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[stuartwineberg]

As is always worth mentioning this company Site guide
despite the name provide a very comprehensive troubleshooting service on their site

 

[robmcg]

I've looked through the stuff on the Tonk website. Very comprehensive but still no flame ?.

 

[NormanS]

If it's trying to start, but not igniting, you will get clouds of smoke from the exhaust, provided that it's getting fuel, so check outside when it's trying to start. If it's getting fuel, but not igniting, it's probably a voltage problem, so check all electrical connections.

 

[Graham376]

When I had similar symptoms the cause was poor electrical connections. Does it start if the engine is running or battery charger on? These can be clues.

On mine, a 3 DL, there is a multi-pin plug about 12 inches from the unit. I cleaned the pins in this which solved the problem.

I cut our plug off and used block connector which also solved the problem. As several have said, most Eber faults are down to low voltage or bad connection.