Bunk Heater Broke

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TravR1, Jan 25, 2022.

  1. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    Truck broke again.

    Says "Flame Lost"

    Mechanics aren't telling me anything. They just fixed it along with a check engine light. Now both problems are back 1 week later.

    It feels terrific in my truck this morning out here in WY. Very comfortable, ambient temperatures, ideal for restful sleep. Can't eat my breakfast bar because it's frozen.

    Is there any trick I can try when it says flame lost where maybe I can get it working for at least a little while?

    I think company turned off opti-idler for heating because truck will only work battery mode in winter. And even when truck turns on to charge the battery, I get no heat at all.
     
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  3. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Tell them to modify the settings to let you idle, or you quit.
     
  4. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    I wonder if it's because they can't get parts.

    Someone at a FJ told me a lot of the pumps are down and stay down for so long because they can't get parts.

    I don't mind using the bunk heater only. But if it isn't going to work, I'd appreciate it if they let me idle.

    Its kind of cold outside.
     
  5. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    Last winter my bunk heater broke, so I just idled my truck. Didn't 'ask' my company. When it's -18 outside with a -41 wind chill factor and no working bunk heater, I'm not gonna sit there with no heat. Never had a problem with it with my company. They didn't expect me to sit there and freeze either.
     
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  6. loudtom

    loudtom Road Train Member

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    I'm guessing if you had it serviced, they would have checked the intake for blockages and cleaned up or replaced the screen on the inside. If they got it to work, but it's broken again, I'd look into the fuel delivery. Mine has a clear tube from the fuel tank, so I can watch any air bubbles move every time the heater makes its clicking noise. I don't use mine often, but every fall I have to reprime the system, and it usually takes about 3 cycles before it starts running like it's supposed to. To do this, I crank it to full heat and turn it on until it gets a code. Then I turn it off, wait a few minutes for it to shut down the fan, and fire it up again. By the 3rd time, there is almost no air in the line and it will continue to run all night.

    I've never had to take mine apart, but they look fairly simple and there should be a ton of videos on the subject. For loss of flame, you need power to the glow plug, fuel to be sprayed, fresh air flow, and a clear exhaust path.

    In the meantime, maybe consider a cheap space heater to run off the inverter. Your truck will constantly be turning on and off, but you should stay warm.

    Espar issues...
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2022
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  7. tallguy66

    tallguy66 Medium Load Member

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    Mine did that in Nebraska a couple of weeks ago. After a combination of idling the truck for about an hour, constantly turning the bunk heater on off, and cranking it to like 93 degrees it cleared up and haven’t had the issue since.
     
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  8. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Probably needs an overhaul. The complete kit is like $180. Takes a few hours to pull, overhaul, back in.

    If you can get it to fire, turn the heat all the way up. Run it as hot as it will go. It will sort of clean itself. Probably gonna need to open windows, it may cook you out.
     
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  9. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    I haven't tried that, cranking it all the way up. Sort of like giving it a regen.

    Maybe I can just do it while driving.
     
  10. loudtom

    loudtom Road Train Member

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    My bunk heater won't work while driving. When I set the parking brake, it will resume operation.
     
  11. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Make the shop or mechanics explain the problem to you. Are you actually saying not one person said anything other than "Hello" and then "here are your keys"? Ask questions and don't just drive away after they say "it's throwing a code" and then "I think it's OK." Instead of driving away stay parked and use the heater before you leave.
     
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