Ongoing Eberspacher D3L problems

[Hadenough]

I have a D3L Eber from about 1986. Came with the new (30 year old) boat and at first would attempt to fire up with lots of grey smoke from the exhaust. After perhaps my fourth attempt to start it it refused to do anything but give two clicks when switched on. It is now on the work bench in test rig mode. I have stripped and decoked it (it was totally clogged up) and I have serviced it with new gaskets. felt rings etc.
It still will not start. I have plenty of power so am confident it is not a voltage issue and I am running it on white diesel on the test bed.
When switched on there is a three second pause, a click from the control box / relay unit, then after another three seconds another click and then nothing. Although shortly after there is a slight seepage of smoke from the exhaust so something seems to be happening. I obtained a new control box but it made no difference. I have tested the overheat switch and trip and have continuity across these. I have also checked all of the terminals to the internal PCB.
There are also two relays, a universal 5 pin, double contact relay, pins 85 86 87 87b 30, this tests ok. However, there is another Eberspacher relay (ref 25 1482 89 20 01) which is I think the glow plug control relay. These are available but fairly expensive so I'd like to know if I can test it. The pins are referenced 30 31 87 15. I'm no electrician but get by, can I test this relay with a multi meter? Any other suggestions welcome.

 

[pvb]

When switched on there is a three second pause, a click from the control box / relay unit, then after another three seconds another click and then nothing. Although shortly after there is a slight seepage of smoke from the exhaust so something seems to be happening.

How long does the fan run for before stopping?

 

[Hadenough]

It doesn't. All I get is the two clicks from somewhere in the control box /relay.

 

[pcatterall]

So it was trying to work and now after your overhaul it wont?
The clicks sound like the ecu recognising power... the internal tests failing.. then clicking off. The wisp of smoke may indicate the glow plug warming a bit of residue. So long since I worked on D3Ls Is there a huge resistance coil inside your heater body, I thought that some models had this and others used a relay. can you confirm it is a D3l not a D3LC and I will check my stock of old relays.

 

[pvb]

It doesn't. All I get is the two clicks from somewhere in the control box /relay.

Have you seen the troubleshooting manual? It suggests causes and remedies for various symptoms. Download it here...
http://www.espar.com/www/espar.com/tech_manuals/ARCHIVE models/Air heaters/D3L/D3L TS EN and FR.pdf

 

[[27631]]

mmmmmmmmmmm....its in german.......but thanks for the link.I have a 5 kw one ..needs resurrecting.

 

[Tradewinds]

Look again. It's in German, English, Swedish and French throughout

 

[[27631]]

my apologies..so it is.......thank you.

 

[ukmctc]

have you checked the cut off switches it has two of them, these stick.
check also for a short in the circuit board, these split and get loads of problems, the board is very expensive for what it is, buy yourself a new D4 it would be cheaper than sorting your D3L.

 

[Hadenough]

So it was trying to work and now after your overhaul it wont?
The clicks sound like the ecu recognising power... the internal tests failing.. then clicking off. The wisp of smoke may indicate the glow plug warming a bit of residue. So long since I worked on D3Ls Is there a huge resistance coil inside your heater body, I thought that some models had this and others used a relay. can you confirm it is a D3l not a D3LC and I will check my stock of old relays.

No, it started the two click business while installed and before removal / overhaul. It is definitely a D3L. Not sure about the resistance coil, as far as I am aware there is just the glow plug "inside" the heater body.