Life and servicing of Webasto D4

[Halo]

A recent thread demonstrated that using a catalytic heater can be less than mains electric and a fan heater.
I have always used the fan heater where I can but am now thinking of reversing this and mainly using the Webasto.
One thing I don't know is what effect regular use will have on the life of my Webasto and whether I will need to get it serviced and at what cost. What do the experts think and what are the experiences of other users ?
Martin

 

[pvb]

I think most diesel blown-air heaters will probably last longer with regular use than with sporadic use.

 

[pcatterall]

A recent thread demonstrated that using a catalytic heater can be less than mains electric and a fan heater.
I have always used the fan heater where I can but am now thinking of reversing this and mainly using the Webasto.
One thing I don't know is what effect regular use will have on the life of my Webasto and whether I will need to get it serviced and at what cost. What do the experts think and what are the experiences of other users ?
Martin

Is there really a Webasto D4 ? I deal with Eberspachers mainly but thought that the Webasto would be named an 'Airtop 4000.

Setting aside names, it is generally advised not to let them remain idle for long periods. Having said that there are parts that will wear, fan motor, pump etc. David is the expert on what 'mileage' you may expect there. The combustion chamber if running correctly may need very little cleaning but it is recommended to change this part every few years as cracks can develop and fumes escape.

A lot of the cost implications depend on whether you go down the DIY route ( including searching out your own parts) or rely on professional services

 

[David2452]

Webasto D4?, you must know something I don't. As has been said, like most stuff on a boat they are much better used than left idle to get sticky. Lifespan of the burner varies depending of fuel quality and whether the fuel air ratio is correctly set but I have seen AT3500s used in regularly checked welfare units with galactic hours, on the other hand I have seen sub three year old heaters run on high sulphur diesel that have required new burners, some of my live aboard customers elect for a pre-emptive burner replacement every two or three years. I realise that is probably not definitive but the bottom line is if you install them correctly give them good fuel and set and check the burn ratio correctly they will give good service for many years. Things like drive motor and ECU failures though very painful when they do happen are mercifully rare. Most call outs I attend are due to poorly installed fuel supply systems and corroded electrics causing high resistance.

 

[Momac]

Faults , on all sorts of things on leisure boats, tend to be more often due to lack of use rather than excessive use. I think the diesel heater is no exception and best used regularly.
I always give the heater a good blast on a high setting to clear out any soot before switching it off. Whether this in fact does any good I don't know.
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