Mikuni MY30 starting problems

[lumphammer]

Fairly common problem I'm sure, lots of white smoke but no heat and heater shuts down after 2 mins or so. The glow plug is drawing 20+A The fuel pump is clicking away as normal. I've tried running on parafin to no effect. I've taken out glow plug and given it a clean (It actually looked fairly clean just a greyish colour with no real carbon deposits) We've had heater on for a lot this winter, mainly on low power so I'm fairly sure it needs a cleanout and decoke - but Mikuni no longer make or support the MY30 so I can't find a source for a new gasket set so a bit loath to start dismantling.
1) any suggestions for source of gaskets
2) is it feasible to cut my own from gasket material or use a liquid sealant
3) any other reasons why it won't start
4) if I have to give up on this heater what is most reliable source for chinese copy or planar heater

 

[Blue Sunray]

Fairly common problem I'm sure, lots of white smoke but no heat and heater shuts down after 2 mins or so. The glow plug is drawing 20+A The fuel pump is clicking away as normal. I've tried running on parafin to no effect. I've taken out glow plug and given it a clean (It actually looked fairly clean just a greyish colour with no real carbon deposits) We've had heater on for a lot this winter, mainly on low power so I'm fairly sure it needs a cleanout and decoke - but Mikuni no longer make or support the MY30 so I can't find a source for a new gasket set so a bit loath to start dismantling.
1) any suggestions for source of gaskets
2) is it feasible to cut my own from gasket material or use a liquid sealant
3) any other reasons why it won't start
4) if I have to give up on this heater what is most reliable source for chinese copy or planar heater

As to your first point. I got parts from them a couple of years ago so worth a call if you have not already. No immediate use to you but I also picked up a complete heater relatively cheap on Ebay to keep for spares (I've already made some use of this) it would be worth keeping an eye out in case one comes up.

I had problems with an MY30 failing to light up (unlike you no smoke at all), which I eventually solved by replacing the wiring harness (from my ebay spare).

If you have not done so already you should probably check the tow overheat cutouts, IIRC one under a cover on the top and the other by the outlet.

 

[catalina1]

I have found that if heater fails to work after three attempts.
The Red Led light still flashes on the control box.
I usually Re boot by disconnecting completely from battery waiting a few mins reconnect and try again.
If i suspect the heater needs a clean. I will often run engine to make sure the glow plug receives plenty of amps
I would give mikuni in Southampton a call .
They may have parts still available for your model

 

[V1701]

I have the same heater, I think easier to clean than Eber? I've given up running these hot air heaters on anything but full power, I dunno if it's a red diesel thing or what...

 

[Elemental]

I have the same heater, I think easier to clean than Eber? I've given up running these hot air heaters on anything but full power, I dunno if it's a red diesel thing or what...

Give Mikuniheating a call ( +44 (0)23 8052 2345 ) they're very helpful. When mine wouldn't start (same symptoms as yours) they had me send the unit to them and they grit blasted the inside of the combustion chamber and re-assembled it. It now works like new.

 

[pcatterall]

Give Mikuniheating a call ( +44 (0)23 8052 2345 ) they're very helpful. When mine wouldn't start (same symptoms as yours) they had me send the unit to them and they grit blasted the inside of the combustion chamber and re-assembled it. It now works like new.

Fairly common problem I'm sure, lots of white smoke but no heat and heater shuts down after 2 mins or so. The glow plug is drawing 20+A The fuel pump is clicking away as normal. I've tried running on parafin to no effect. I've taken out glow plug and given it a clean (It actually looked fairly clean just a greyish colour with no real carbon deposits) We've had heater on for a lot this winter, mainly on low power so I'm fairly sure it needs a cleanout and decoke - but Mikuni no longer make or support the MY30 so I can't find a source for a new gasket set so a bit loath to start dismantling.
1) any suggestions for source of gaskets
2) is it feasible to cut my own from gasket material or use a liquid sealant
3) any other reasons why it won't start
4) if I have to give up on this heater what is most reliable source for chinese copy or planar heater

Given that the pump is pumping fuel ( white smoke) and the glow plug working the basics seem to be in place just not firing up. With an eber or webasto it would not get to that stage if power was low or there was a fault with a sensor.
At this stage I would be considering opening it up and de gunking ( is there a gauze screen around the glow pin? that could be my first port of call) No reason not to make up your own seals/geaskets.
If you want a cheapo replacement then the Chinese ones do offer amazing prices but none of them seem to have established a particular name for themselves, you will need to take pot luck!