Espar Bunk Heater Yearly Preventative Maintenance

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Jerry12, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. Jerry12

    Jerry12 Heavy Load Member

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    [FONT=open_sansregular][h=1]Preventative Maintenance[/h][/FONT]
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    You have probably seen it before: You turn on your Espar, you hear the fan, then the fuel metering pump. So far, so good, right? Then the heater starts smoking out the exhaust and does not light, or maybe it waits until the second cycle to light. This is usually a heater that has a carbonized glow plug/glow pin screen. The glow plug/pin vent hole may also be block. It is also possible the glow pin or plug is less than 100%.

    It's never too early to think about preparing your Espar Heater for the up and coming heating season. Most heater issues are due to lack of some very simple preventative maintenance procedures.

    With some simple diagnosing and maintenance procedures, you can have your Espar Heater running like brand new!
    There is a simple cure for this ailing Espar. Depending on your heater model, you may need a glow pin removal tool to remove the glow pin (Airtronic D2 and B/D4). After the pin/plug is removed, remove the mesh glow pin/ plug screen and ensure the glow plug /glow pin vent hole is open. Replace the glow pin/plug screen with a new one and inspect the plug or pin and replace as necessary. Replacing the pin or plug with new is never a bad idea. You can always have the spare in your tool kit in case of emergency. Click Here for free tips and parts/maintenance and troubleshooting manuals.
    Did you ever put something away for the season working perfectly only to bring it back out not working so perfectly? One quick tip - Run your Espar at least 20 minutes each month. You will be surprised how well your Espar will work when you really need it!
    If this does not cure you ailing Espar, the next step may be to consider purchasing a fault code retrieval device. This device will read the stored fault codes in the heaters electronic control unit. It will also "unlock" and clear a heater that has had too many overheats or too many attempted starts.
    Recommended Periodic Maintenance

    • Remove the glow pin and inspect for carbon build up. Clean or replace.
    • Remove the glow pin screen and inspect for carbon build up. Replace.
    • Make sure vent hole is not clogged.
    • Inspect the ducting, the air intake screen and air outlet for restriction or blockage.
    • Inspect combustion air intake and exhaust for blockage.
    • Operate your heater for a minimum of 20 minutes each month.
    • Maintain your batteries and all electrical connections in good condition. With insufficient power the heater will not start. Low and high voltage cutouts will shut the heater down automatically.
    • Use fuel suitable for the climate (see fuel supplier recommendations). Blending used engine oil with diesel fuel is not permitted
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  3. dustinbrock

    dustinbrock Road Train Member

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    Good read. I have found that plugging the intake and exhaust tube in the summer to be a good idea. I spent $590 getting it cleaned out from all the dust and little white fuzzies flying around.
     
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  4. Viper09

    Viper09 Light Load Member

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    I've got an Espar as part of my Tri-Pak. The guys at TK keep telling me I can't run Howes with the Espar or Tri-Pak csuse it will gum it up? Have you heard of this? Of course, they never mentioned it being a problem until they started carrying a different, and inferior, additive. Just curious.
     
  5. dustinbrock

    dustinbrock Road Train Member

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    Odd. I always thought the opposite..... cold as #### up where I'm from so I always add it so thise dinky little fuel lines don't get gelled. But I have no mechanical knowledge to back up why I do it..... just thought it was common sense.
     
  6. Viper09

    Viper09 Light Load Member

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    Council Bluffs, IA
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    My thinking too. Like I said, it was never an issue till TK started carrying a different brand if additive. Now Howes is terrible according to them. I don't put much stock in the local TK anyway. I just use them cause there's not any different ones clise enough to be feasible.
     
  7. Jerry12

    Jerry12 Heavy Load Member

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    Thermo King told me over usage of fuel additives is harmful, adding too much will create problems. However, adding a Fuel additive is fine when used as directed. Most fuel additives based from the directions are not one bottle and drop its entire contents into the fuel tank. adding the fuel additive by dropping the bottle probably will be a problem...use as directed.
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2014
  8. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    The ThermoKing dealer wants to sell you a stack of parts. These things (the burner can anyway) aren't rocket science. Diesel mist across the glow pin = fire = hot air flowing around the outside. Short of installing a separate tank for No.1 or kerosene, any additives won't make any difference. Glow pin is either good or bad. They don't just wear out. Maintenance involves changing the glow pin screen and clearing the vent hole. That vent hole is critical, and will cause smoking and intermittent no-start with even a little crud in it. It's a PITA, but this job is way easier with the unit out on a workbench than doing it where installed. #3 on the diagram, it's in the top of the glow pin hole between the surface and the threads. A small right angle pick will get the job done.

    The new screen comes with an installation tool. Even with new gaskets to take the can apart, probably less than $20 total. The glow pin socket (removal tool) is about $10 and you'll need to buy that only the first time.

    espar-glow-pin-hole.jpg
     
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  9. Viper09

    Viper09 Light Load Member

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    Thanks RedForeman. Since you seem fairly well versed in these heaters, do you know how to prime them once you reinstall it? I'm fairly well mechanically inclined and I'm thinking about rebuilding mine myself.
     
  10. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    I never needed to prime. Attach the fuel line and turn it on. The electric pump will run fast for a few seconds when you first put it together. Didn't even need to do anything when I replaced the crusty old pump last winter. The line is tiny, so not like there's much fuel to prime in the first place.
     
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  11. Studebaker Hawk

    Studebaker Hawk Road Train Member

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    Been running Webasto Airtop 2000's since the 1990's. I guess I am extraordinarily lucky, I have had 3 different units in 2 tractors over 20 years, never did any "routine" maintenance. The only problem I have ever had was showing a low voltage code, even on a unit wired directly to the batteries as indicated in the manual. I just start the truck for a few minutes get the heater going, then shut the truck off solves that problem.
     
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