Peterbilt 579 Smartair system

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Jatspl, Oct 8, 2023.

  1. Jatspl

    Jatspl Bobtail Member

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    Last night was the first night I needed the heat with my Smartair system. It would work for maybe 10 minutes then shut off and not come back on. I tried just heat and the auto setting with the same result. Any ideas?
     
  2. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

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    Does it use a diesel esbar heater? Check the glow plug and screen.
     
  3. FLHT

    FLHT Road Train Member

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    I would like to know if you can find anyone who can fix them..
    Dealers around here can change parts but can't diagnose.
    No esbar on the one next to me.
    I do know that you must use them high dollar gel cell batterie's.
     
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2023
  4. Jatspl

    Jatspl Bobtail Member

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    It’s electric
     
  5. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

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    Install a diesel bunk heater. Electric sucks at making heat efficientally
     
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  6. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    All Pete’s with Smart air use an Esbar for heat.

    If the system runs, try running some kerosene thru it overnight. Disconnect the fuel line at the tank and just dunk it into a gallon jug of straight K1 kerosene. See if it stays running. May take a couple start up cycles.

    Replacing the glow pin and inlet screen are also good advice.
     
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  7. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Ive found with that type of bunk heater the number 1 issue is no one runs them over the summer. So the fuel sits there 6+ months and goes bad in the lines and ends up clogging stuff up. If it wont run at all you may need to service the unit and have everything cleaned. As a rule its always good to run them for an hour or so every month just to get the fuel to move. Especially if you use biodiesel. That stuff is natorious for destorying filters if it sits long enough.

    Checking for bad fuel fouling things up is usually the fastest and easiest thing to rule out.
     
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  8. North Pole Nightmare

    North Pole Nightmare Heavy Load Member

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    I just drove a 2021 t680 with the espar,it had been sitting a long time.It was a little noisy for the first hour but settled down and ran great after that.I found out if I turned the ign key on or opened a door,the heater would automatically shut down.
     
  9. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    With an Espar I’ve found that setting the thermostat to 90 or better right when you turn it on helps it to fire better, and I let mine run for a few minutes maxed out like that before I turn it down to a lower temp.
     
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  10. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    No doubt I have done the same thing. I also start mine once every couple months as well for a couple minutes just to keep it running true. Also run fuel additive and I believe it helps keep it clean as well but that is me hoping I think. Ha Ha Just started it up last night and it took a few minutes to kick in all the way. These heaters can run me out of the truck pretty fast even on low.