Eberspacher not starting

[Pasarell]

I've just acquired my first Eberspacher 3DL with my boat. Not sure how old but it all appears in good condition although it does not start. The heater is mounted in a cockpit locker and it has 2 controls in the main cabin, a rotary thermostat and a main control switch with off, heat and vent settings.
The fan runs happily on vent setting and a green light comes on the thermostat. When set to heat both red and green lights come on the thermostat and the fan runs for about 10 seconds then cuts out with both lights going off.

I've not done much investigation yet other than check the manual doesn't say anything about this specifically so I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction to look.

Battery it takes power from is 110AH, fully charged and in good condition.
I've done a search about Eberspacher on here and read many threads but not found anything that covers this.
All suggestions gratefully received

 

[robertj]

First of all I don't have one but know a live aboard who does.
He will tell me that the eber is a pain to start as the voltage has to be just right, not too much not too little. He regularly has to drain his well charge batties to a lower voltage to get it to start initially. Once it's fired up it becomes less picky about higher voltages and will funtion fine.

Not sure if problem but hope it helps

 

[steve28]

i would think the glowplug is the first place to look.

Steve

 

[Bilgediver]

I've just acquired my first Eberspacher 3DL with my boat. Not sure how old but it all appears in good condition although it does not start. The heater is mounted in a cockpit locker and it has 2 controls in the main cabin, a rotary thermostat and a main control switch with off, heat and vent settings.
The fan runs happily on vent setting and a green light comes on the thermostat. When set to heat both red and green lights come on the thermostat and the fan runs for about 10 seconds then cuts out with both lights going off.

I've not done much investigation yet other than check the manual doesn't say anything about this specifically so I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction to look.

Battery it takes power from is 110AH, fully charged and in good condition.
I've done a search about Eberspacher on here and read many threads but not found anything that covers this.
All suggestions gratefully received

Check the voltage at the Eber with a voltmeter during the start cycle. If it drops to around 12V start your engine and see if this makes enough of a difference for it to start. A few folk have commented on how they seem to like full voltage for starting but I am surprised a new one is so picky. Is it possible the supply cable is too small a cross section for the start current??

 

[SAMYL]

They really need a basin full of amps to get going, ie to fire up the glow plug so check EVERY connection from the battery to the unit, even fuse holders if there are any.
Any poor contact will drop the voltage and supplied current.
As bilgediver suggests start the engine as well to up the power.

If it has not been run for some time check that fuel is actually getting to the heater, it may have dropped back through gravity over time. Take a wire lead from your battery and touch the pump contact several times to make it tick and pump fuel through.

 

[Pasarell]

Eberspacher

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Bilgediver - I'll try it with the engine running as 20A draw during start up is a big take from any battery!
In case I gave the wrong impression it is not a new unit - just new to me!

 

[Pasarell]

Thanks for the advice. Started the Eberspacher with the engine running this evening and it started, and kept running, first time. "Problem" was actually voltage too low during the start phase.

 

[mattnj]

cables to it are not large enough, or connections are corroded i would guess. Mine draws 16amps on boot up for about 1minute, then about 3amps, had to beef up the cables for it to start without engine running.

 

[pagoda]

cables to it are not large enough, or connections are corroded i would guess. Mine draws 16amps on boot up for about 1minute, then about 3amps, had to beef up the cables for it to start without engine running.

I agree fully with this. Enlist somebody to start the heater while you are next to it. Check the voltage between the centre conductor on the glow plug and the body. While it is trying to start, you need just over 12V if at all possible. I discovered rather inadequate wiring- dropping almost 3volts in the line -or in the harness somewhere. The main battery voltage itself did not drop much at all. You could always pull & clean all the spade block connectors in the harness?
I solved the issue by running a (fused) 6mm2 cable direct from the battery to the glowplug, via a 40A relay. The original "power" to the glowplug simply operates the relay now - at 100mA. It works reliably now with 12.2V at the plug during start-up.
If your main battery dips under 10.5V I think the Eber automatically refuses to start, but in that case the battery is a bit tired!
Ebers are fundamentally simple- enough amps for the glow plug, enough diesel and a clean ignition mesh screen round the glowplug.

Graeme