Diesel heaters are generally very reliable.
But like any other piece of equipment, problems can occur – especially if the installation is not quite optimal, or if the heater has been running for many hours.
Here we go through some of the most common problems with diesel heaters, and what you can typically do about them.
The diesel heater smells of diesel
If you can smell diesel in the boat or camper, there is almost always a specific cause.
For example, it could be:
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a leaking fuel hose
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a poor connection in the fuel system
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poor combustion in the heater
Always start by checking the fuel hoses and connections. Even small leaks can cause a strong smell.
If the heater has been running at low output for a long time, soot can also build up in the combustion chamber. In this case, it may help to run the heater for 10–15 minutes at high output to burn the system clean.
The diesel heater is smoking from the exhaust
Smoke from the exhaust is almost always caused by poor combustion.
Typical causes may include:
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poor-quality diesel
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soot in the combustion chamber
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a faulty glow plug
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insufficient air supply
First, check that the air intake is not blocked and that the exhaust is not pinched or bent.
If the problem persists, it may be necessary to clean the combustion chamber or replace the glow plug.
The diesel heater won't start
If the diesel heater won't start at all, it is often due to an electrical or fuel-related issue.
The most common causes are:
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low battery voltage
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air in the fuel system
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a clogged fuel hose
Diesel heaters require a stable voltage to start correctly.
If the battery is weak, the heater may attempt to start without succeeding.
Therefore, always check:
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battery voltage
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fuel pump
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fuel hoses
The diesel heater stops after a short time
If the heater starts but stops again after a short time, it is often because the system has detected a fault.
For example, it could be:
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voltage too low
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poor air supply
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a faulty temperature sensor
Make sure that:
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the battery is fully charged
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the air intake is clear
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the exhaust is not blocked
The diesel heater is noisy
All diesel heaters make some noise, but loud noise can often be reduced.
Typical causes include:
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vibrations from the fuel pump
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poor installation
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no silencer
The fuel pump should always be mounted on rubber mounts to prevent vibrations from being transmitted to the boat or camper.
An exhaust silencer can also make a big difference.
Do you need a new diesel heater?
If your diesel heater starts poorly, smokes heavily or requires a lot of repairs, it may sometimes be more cost-effective to switch to a newer model.
Modern diesel heaters are typically:
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quieter
-
more efficient
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easier to control via an app or thermostat
👉 Browse diesel heaters here:
https://sejlstroem.dk/pages/dieselfyr