Chinese Diesel Air Heaters - Part 9 Glow Plug & Atomizing Screen
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
- This is a basic video about the Glow Plug and the Atomizing Screen in the 5KW Chinese |Diesel Air Heaters.
For these heaters to start they -
1. They must have clean fuel.
2. They must have a clean atomizing screen, a working glow plug and a clean air inlet to the glow plug and screen.
If the fuel delivery system is ok, the next common problem for a non start is a Glow Plug and Atomizing Screen issue.
The most common problems here are soot, carbon, dirt and bugs blocking the little combustion start air inlet hole.
Soot, carbon and dirt on the atomizing screen.
Soot, carbon and dirt on the glow plug.
If you consider the glow plug / atomizing screen in a very broad sense as a pilot light, and realize that if you get no ignition here the main burner will NOT light.
You must have an appropriate filter on the combustion air inlet hose to prevent bugs, dirt, stones etc getting sucked into the combustion chamber.
You must use quality fuel and proper in use heater practices.
1. Run the heater on high for 10 to 15 minutes after prolonged use at a minimum setting to burn off any excess soot.
2. Don't try burning silly stuff like engine oil, vegetable oil, or diesel and engine oil mixes. Most oil burns dirty and creates soot and carbon in the heater.
It is rare to have a glow plug problem, apart from soot buildup, unless you crack or break one. Obviously you can not see if it is glowing red but your heater current draw should jump from about 1 amp draw up to 8 to 10 amps draw when the the glow plug indicator light comes up on the controller.
I hope this gives you a little more understanding of these heaters. J
This is a link to one screen supplier with the fastest delivery from China.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/5Pc-Glow-... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I can’t say it enough, “thank you very much for all your time and effort to make these video”. Excellent series!!!
Hi Svmsice, thank you for the positive feedback. J
@@johnmck1147 i have a 24v 5kw chinese diesel heater and i can't find a glow plug for that specific heater any ideas ?
Hi Billy, if you have the common Chinese Diesel heater that is a copy of the German Eberspacher heater there are many suppliers on the internet and eBay. Below is just one link to get you started.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-24V-2KW-5KW-8KW-Chinese-Parking-Heater-Glow-Plug-Ceramic-Pin-Wrenzh-/384588971240?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0
JMcK
Wow! Anyone thinking of buying one of these heaters or anyone who already owns one should watch these videos! You have done your research, and you have a real talent for explaining the workings of these heaters.
Because of your videos, I have corrected some of the mistakes I made when installing mine. For example, my pump was mounted level with the floor of my bus. I have now set it at about a 45-degree angle. I tried setting it straight up and down, but it wouldn't pump the fuel in that position. I fear running it for two weeks in the horizontal position has caused wear that prevents it from pumping at its full pressure. Not to mention I used the priming feature to prime the heater.
I am about to do my three-week review of the heater and if you wouldn't mind I would like to refer people to your channel. All of these heaters should come with a link to your videos.
Hi Luke, thank you for the positive feedback.
Yes, a 45 deg pump angle is probably the best all around angle.
You are most welcome to recommend these videos. I do them purely to help people where I can, as part of a paying it forward philosophy. I would like to think some people in the future will pass on similar helpful knowledge to my grandkids.
John - you saved me. Mounted in my cabin but with glow plug on bottom. Ran rich, carbon build up, leaked fuel, horrible experience. So wish I had watched you first.
That is no good Mike. Thanks for the feedback. JMcK
Just listen to those birds singing , amazing place
I don't actually need one of these heaters right now, but watching your videos I want to buy one just to play with it. Awesome stuff. I'm falling in love with these little things.
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Whilst I've been awed by the info I'm being taught on Chinese diesel heaters, the background birdsong has had me mesmerised!
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You guys have the coolest sounding birds.
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You sir, are my "go to" on anything relative to this heater.
Thanks Admiral. J
Definitely a 'Must Watch' series on these Chinese Knock Offs
I have learned that I was about to be ripped off, if I bought the 8K unit.
Also learned that I need to get a better intake screen, two flow through mufflers & yes I can mount the unit on it's side! -as long as the glow plug is on the uppermost side-
Again, these are the very best tutorials I have ever binge watched!!!
Thanks for the positive post KGB. I am pleased you found the videos helpful. JMcK
Thanks a lot for putting all your time and effort into making these videos John! Appreciate it a lot, really informative and useful!
Your welcome MCPonken. J
Thanks for these videos. I'm learning a lot about these heaters before I buy. Good stuff! 👍
Thanks for the positive feedback Mr B. J
Bloody brilliant John, keep the videos coming and keep doing what you love doing, you do it well.
Thanks for the positive feedback Steven. JMcK
Fantastic!!! Can’t wait to see the rest of the series.
What a great series! You answered every question I had on these devises. Thank you so much John for your effort and sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks for your positive feedback David. J
Thank you for going into such detail!
Your welcome Anthony.
Excellent info John. Chinese Heater guru...
Hi John, I have viewed lots of your great videos & they are very much appreciated.
Thanks for the positive feedback Ian. JMcK
Thanks, appreciate your efforts. I like your improvised tools and practical uses. I have a new heater but your video helped me to understand the inside of the heater and future maintenance.
Glad you liked them J. JMcK
Thanks John
Best video I have seen on this procedure!
Pleased you liked the video Steve. JMcK
Yes thank you from the bottom of my heart. My heater is two years old I cleaned it about the same time last year and had no idea The atomizer screen was even in there. It now starts easier and less battery draw to do so. Again thank you.
Hi CDH, pleased the videos were of some help. JMcK
Wish I had seen this video sooner. Tore my heater apart due to not lightly up, carbon all over from one season of running it. Long story short, I think the atomizer was in the way of the air hole and I had no clue it wasn't supposed to be, so now it will only start on the second attempt (due to the glow plug being preheated from first attempt). I just ordered some new screens, so will be tearing it back down to do this right and put a decent filter on it as well as I have the one that I think is meant to baffle the intake, not actually filter it. UGG is all I can say without turning into a sailor mouth, lol. Thanks for the great video's John McK, you and David M. are life savers!
Glad to know the videos were of some help. JMcK
Fixed it! Put a new atomizer screen in the correct way using a 3/8-24 tap to clean the threads of carbon and use a BIC Soft Feel Pen to carefully push the screen in place where it should sit (had forgotten about the pencil trick shown in your video). BIC pen is 8mm or 5/16 diameter, pulled the ink side out since the cap was glued in place on the other end. Worked like a champ and now the heater is starting the first attempt. Again, thank you so much for the helpful information John McK!
👍, Good for you. JMcK
Quet ingenius your tools ! I will write that onto the unit to remember if I ever need to do that task ! Thank you.
First, what an incredible place to live!! Who else heard the amazing bird songs in the background the whole video? I would love hearing that everyday. Thanks for the great explanation!
Hi Colin, I do live in a great place, six acres on a tidal river with direct access to the ocean in Queensland, with lots of wildlife.
However, sometimes there is a downside. In the 2011 Brisbane flood my house was submerged and I even had a cow take refuge on my roof. JMcK
You are a bloody legend John. Onya.
Thanks Ian. Glad you liked the series. JMcK
Thank you so much for these videos. I've ordered one of these heaters and hadn't a clue about installation and operation of the unit. Now I've got a fighting chance of installing it properly and getting some use out of it.
Your welcome Jim. JMcK
Brilliant series of videos, learnt a lot. Stripped my heater down yesterday and found build up around the gauze and the orifice cleaned it out and now she starts lovely!
Thanks a lot!
Pleased to be of some help Curtus. JMcK
thanks John you video was just brilliant and full of tips and then reading coments had shown me more things to check on , i have the 5kw , am happy when she works great but i have seen so many fault codes that appear then disapear and everycheck turned nothing but now i found your video i will become a pro too, thanks again
Hi Holden, thanks for the feedback. I hope you get some benefit from the videos. JMcK
Another great video!
I have learned so much about these heaters and the do’s and don’t s. I’ve been doing a lot of don’t s!
Hi Guys, pleased you found the videos of some help. JMcK
The manner in which you explain theory and operation is much appreciated, John! First in installation and secondly being able to diagnose when that time arrives. (Everything man made fails. And never according to budget or schedule!) Viewing a 2nd time, mainly to learn if fuel supply line on heater, the metal one, can be cut and reconfigured. My Plan is to install in a box and operate on a roof top of a SUV. A concern I have is also how much weatherproofing it requires in operation. I see it's basically another ICE except that it's product is heat only and not HP so breathing is critical.
Again, like so many other commentors, well done, John. Well done!
Thanks John for your time making this serie. It is a valueble source for owners. I want to let you know you just saved me a €130,- , Thanks
Your welcome Hendrik. JMcK
Hi John Top job video again looking forward to the next one keep then coming Matey thanks. Jeff in uk
Your welcome Jeff
Thank you so much for all your videos John you have helped me so much to understand all about how the heater works and how to keep it working, forever greatful for your time and input that you have given so freely here to help
Thanks for the positive feedback Ojas. JMcK
@@johnmck1147 Your most welcome John and thanks for replying. I've got to the stage of othering my services to supply and fit the heaters now in the UK with your help from this channel here and can offer a better quality and service to customers.. So must thank you for this John
Ojas Newman
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Wow, just when I thought you have covered everything, you make another excellent informative video. Please keep them coming, I enjoy every minute of them.
Thanks for the positive feedback John. J
Thank you for the info on mounting on its side.
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This video was very helpful. I could replace my glow plug and atomizer so easy. Took one hour with replacement and test
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Easy to follow great job, i shall now go try .
Them birds singing is amazing 🥰🥰🥰
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Another great video. Thanks!
Glad you liked it. J
Thank you for your video
Thanks John!
best video yet!
Thank you Victor. JMcK
Very informative. Thank you.
Ghanks Finbarr
Thanks Finbarr
Again, thank you very much sir.
Glad you like them Mr Frog. JMcK
May I add a fine point in replacing the Atomizing Screen to John's excellent video. When installing the new screen, make sure that the spot welds on the screen is located away from the fuel inlet. If the weld is adjacent to the fuel inlet, it can block the fuel from atomizing and creates a lot of white smoke on start up. This was the problem of my new Chinese Diesel Heater which smoke on start up from new. By moving the spot welds 180 degree such that the fuel jet onto the clear area of the screen, the white smoke problem was resolved.
Invaluable!
Excellent video very well explained! I think this is the problem with my heater it won’t fire up and I just checked after watching this that my air filter has fallen off, I will take apart tomorrow 👍
Those birds in the background sound absolutely delightful are you in the middle of a rain forest 😂
Hi Ryan, thanks for the feedback. No air filter will not stop the heater lighting, but a carboned up screen will.
I live in a rural area, not a rain forrest. But I occasionally feed the birds. JMcK
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Subscribed liked and shared. Amazing work on your detail and video quality.
Hi Jaesung, pleased you found the video helpful. JMcK
Thanks John, this is the first time I have needed to change the mesh and is operating fine now. The mesh was very carboned up but I didn't need to use the new gaskets etc, which came with the glow plug kit, as the chamber did not require a clean.
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John I live in Canada and we have ultra low Sulphur diesel fuel. I found that adding kerosene to the heater tank helped in the winter but you have to keep the amounts low. I found that 10%kerosene to 90%diesel is about right. If you don't then you will cook your pump. I also found that the cetane number is only 40 in Canada and is not high enough. It is recommended by espar to have a minimum of 45 for best performance. You can go up as high as 50. Cetane is the naturally found in diesel fuel but depending on the country it will vary. If you use a cetane booster then kerosene is probably not necessary unless the temperature is really cold. I suggest that you check this out. This is the only year I have not had to change the atomizer screen and it is still working like new. Cetane by the way is what makes the diesel burn and adding kerosene to the fuel lowers the cetane number. The higher the number the hotter it burns
Thanks for a serious video
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Great tips much appreciated! Woke up to -1C again this morning only to get an E 03. It'll be 7 - 10 days to deliver replacement glowplug. My bad - should've had a couple spares on hand.
Hi JGB,
It is unusual for glow plug to just stop working.
I suggest you check you check the battery voltage. If your battery is down on voltage or you have voltage drop in the wires due to wire size, the glow plug does not get hot enough to start heater. More info on this in motor home videos.
Cheers. JMcK
@@johnmck1147 okay, I've charged up the battery bank & will give it another go. It is it's 3rd winter on the boat & it's been brilliant for the price paid.
J.Glenn Bauer
If you have, or can borrow a clamp meter you can check if the glow plug is working. It will draw 8 to 10 amps on start up.
As the heater is a few seasons old, you may have carbon build up on the glow plug itself, and atomisation screen. Also if the tiny air hole where the glow plug is inserted is blocked the heater will not start.
Good luck JMcK
First class John
Thanks for the positive feedback Mark.
Thx john
awesome. Thank you!
Your welcome Sig. JMcK
Great videos - the best I have seen about this heater!!
I bought one of these heaters a couple of weeks ago and am in the process of mounting it to heat my small house.
I will be using a treatment in my fuel that will ELIMINATE the problem of carbon formation entirely.
I have used this treatment in my vehicles since 1998. My current car with a 1000cc engine and has now done over 300,000 kms and still has original exhaust system, has never had the carby off or head off - nor ever been tuned, Starts instantly and has maintained power output and does not smoke at all. Plugs are changed about every 50,000 kms and oil changes about 20,000 kms - all due to the benefits of this treatment. Engine runs smoother and has about t0% more power and 10% better fuel economy than original as a result of more complete combustion..
I have used this treatment in kero wick lamps with no sooting of the glass and Kero primus stoves with no sooting of pan bottoms. In fact when I first tried it the kettle bottom was sooted and the soot burned off where the flame impinged on the bottom.
I have also used it in my boat diesel fuel where it prevents algal growth (diesel bug).
Hi Alan,
Thanks for the feedback. Are you able to tell us what sort of treatment you use?. JMcK
@@johnmck1147 Hi John, if you would like to e-mail me at alan dot mountford at outlook dot com then I will send you the details of the treatment
@@johnmck1147 I can give you the details about the fuel treatment I use if you would like to contact me at the address I supplied in my first reply to your comment
The treatment is in the form of a tablet which dissolves in the fuel. One tablet treats 70 litres of fuel.
I can post you a couple of tablets for you to test for yourself if you like.
This product has been around since the second world war. In fact it was a second world war war secret but was never available to the public until the 1990's.
After the war only big utilities used it - such as US Railways and Coastguard etc.
It has been tested by numerous government testing agencies around the world and shown to work as claimed.
The product carries a NZ$10,000,000 warranty against engine damage.
@@alanmountford5574 is there a reason why you won’t share the name on here? I am curious to know if you don’t mind.
@@albertanasoul - e-mmail me at the address I have given and I am happy to tell you
Thank you
Your welcome. JMcK
Thank you so much for all the time you put into these videos! They are SO helpful, thorough and well done, with the added perk that you can hear Aussie birdsong in the background. I hope you and yours are okay, by the way. I'm watching the coverage of the fires with horror from the other side of the world ♡
Thanks for the positive feedback Nettle. JMcK
Hi Pete,
There is no good vibration, and anything you can do to lessen serious vibration is a good thing. The heaters themselves are very robust with just one moving part, however the electronics are not so robust. Just a very vulnerable circuit board with a plastic top cover held in place with one screw and a clip. It would not take too much travelling over hard Australian corrugated dirt roads to damage the CB.
The genuine Eberspacher have a much more robust ECU.
Australian outback dirt roads can be pretty viscous. Only an Aussie or visitor to the outback can appreciate the vehicle damage caused by these roads.
Anything you can do to lessen the bone shaking vibration will pay dividends. J
Great info.....Foresty Forest sent me.
Thanks again John, i'm getting E-10, even though i have only had the heater on mo more than an hour in total. When i put the exhaust tube on i used some sealing stuff and i think it may have gotten niside somehow so will strip down the beast and check that air hole.
Hi Gary, E-10 is a funny code, and probably not caused by your exhaust.
First try a full reset. Remove power from heater for a good two minutes, reconnect and try again.
Another cause for E-10 is flooded burn chamber, caused by over priming, or fuel tank higher than heater and fuel seeping into heater when heater turned off. If tank above heater install fuel shut off valve in fuel line before pump, and turn off when not in use.
That rubbish vinyl fuel line now supplied with some heaters can cause E-10 issues if more than about 300 mm long. Suggest you use proper black fuel line on suction side from tank to shut off valve to filter to pump. Then use narrow bore hard nylon fuel line from pump to heater. JMcK
@@johnmck1147 Thanks very much John. I spent 3 hours on the heater tonight and fixed the problem. I took it apart and it was absolutely filthy inside, i think i may have been sold a used one since i have hardly had mine on, probably less than 30 minutes total when it was working. I cleaned the burn chamber and the long pipe bit that goes in it, made sure the air inlet by the glowplug was clear, put it all back together and got a nice clean burn after a few minutes but then an E8. I noticed the voltage dropping from 12.6 to 12.3 while the ehater was running so i turned up the oltage output on my transformer to 13V, the ehater then dropped that to 12.5 during use and now it works perfectly. It heated up my 10x10x6ft shed by 3 degrees in just 3 minutes at full blast. Thanks again for sharing your expertise, your videos have helped so many people, i see you quoted and linked to all over the internet regarding these devices. Have a great weekend sir.
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Thanks
Yourself, and "Lowered Expectations" channel are probably the best resources on the Diesel Heater subject. I keep coming back to your videos.
If you're still into it, could you explain your technique for tuning the RPM and Hz settings on the controller? Much appreciated.
Hi WS,
It is now some five years since I did these videos, and in the beginning I would give suggestions as you ask, It is not hard to change the settings when you go past the password. (A number of sites publish the common password)
However this ability caused many issues, as there is no reset back to factory settings button, when people got into trouble.
In 99% of cases, I have found the factory settings to be best….And experience has taught me not to give advice on this matter.
Sorry, I can't go further here for you.. JMcK
Just installed my diesel heater. Second run...X glow plug shorted code. Sure enough it was registering slight continuity on the plug wires. Bought a 12mm deep well 1/4" socket and cut a slot in it, swapped it out and it's now working like a champ.
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Hey John, thanks for making these videos. Do you know if the Eberspacher glow plugs are compatible with the Chinese diesel heater? The connection looks different but it would be easy to modify. The cheap Chinese plugs have a poor reputation for reliability.
sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Allan Derek Instablaster ;)
@Kade Kyson i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Kade Kyson it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account!
@Allan Derek No problem =)
Do you have a video with the electrical portion of diagnosing some of these units? I am getting a start fault code of the ignition plug. I did some testing with the voltmeter. I do not have continuity on my golf log and I am only getting about 6 V whenever I try to do a start up. I’m thinking my voltage is the issue. The unit is getting 12 V at the supply
I am watching all of your videos - thank you! I purchased A 5k unit off amazon for 140$. Then saw a better one on ebay for 112$ - then got an offer for the same one for 85$... but I didn't buy it because I thought I only need 1 and have 2 coming in! lol (but I may get it anyway at that price! : - )
PS: PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE - LINK ANY AND ALL PRODUCTS AND PARTS. YOU CAN EVEN MAKE MONEY IF YOU GET AN AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK AND LINK ALL THE BITS AND BOBS - IT WILL MAKE PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO ARE PREPPING TO INSTALL, IT WILL MAKE IT MUCH MUCH EASIER TO GET THE THINGS WE NEED - EXAMPLE: REMOTE BATTERY 27A - LINK - EXAMPLE - ATOMIZER SCREEN - EXAMPLE - GLOW PLUG REMOVAL TOOL/S - ETC
(Even if nothing else but the link for the item in google search - so we can see exactly what it is we need to be looking for...)
THANK YOU!
Hi CS,
Thanks for the feedback.
I am reluctant to put in links to these heaters or parts because after a few months the sellers are no longer there, or no longer sell the parts.
Not ONE of my past suppliers are still there, or still sell the parts I bought just months ago.
The sellers seem to buy a batch of heaters or parts and when they are sold they move on to some other product.
But I share your frustration, and I will see if I can find some sort of solution. Even if it is listing how I personally search for parts.
My goal with these videos is to try and give help to the DIY person who will buy these cheap heaters online and will self install without the technical support they would get if purchasing a brand name heater from a retail store. I am not seeking kickback commissions.
Have you seen the special tools video?
Best wishes. JMcK
@@johnmck1147 First of all, THANK YOU for your hard work and methodical technical tutorials! I have 2 heaters on the way and I am sure I will have a much better time installing them after watching ALL of your videos! : - )
As for the links - just put links to the general item name on Google. Like example the A27 Battery or the Atomizer - that way people can search on their own with confidence that they are looking in the right direction...
And... finally, just a thought; as you put such meticulous hard work into this series (and should get compensated somehow) I would suggest you get an Amazon Affiliate Account and find some steady suppliers of the heaters, as well as the other parts, tools etc and link them. When people watch your video and then click on the link to buy, for example, the "Glow Plug Socket Wrench, specially designed with the slot cut out for the wires," you can get a small cut of the transaction - and everyone wins...
Just my thoughts, and again...! YOU THE MAN! - Thank you again and keep them coming!
Camping Sequoia
Thanks for that info and feedback. JMcK
Fantastic series of videos, John. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to create and post these. The information you have shared is extremely helpful.I have ordered a 5KW heater to install in a camper van. I would like to place the heater on the floor behind the driver's seat and the fuel tank in the very back of the van for easy fueling. The distance between the tank and heater is approximately 11 feet. I hope to locate the pump and filter very near the tank. Can you tell me if there are limitations I should be aware of for the distance between heater, pump and tank, and the variation in height between the heater, pump and fuel tank? Thanks in advance.
Hi Mathew, I added a reply, but it came up separately. It is in this section.
Good video, only place I have found 7mm bolts is on bbs wheels . (Split rims)
To David Dempster,
I received your query on email, but it does not show up here.
But in answer to your question regarding spares, I buy them on eBay. However, with some items you need to search under Eberspacher spares. These heaters are a clone of the Eberspacher and many parts are interchangeable.
If you have a particular item you are chasing I may have a link.
One issue why I am sometimes reluctant to put a link, is unlike, say Amazon or Banggood, who are in for the long haul, many eBay sellers come and go in short order. Often, I suspect, the same seller just changing their name to avoid returns and warranty.
I have sometimes gone back to a seller a month later to buy more of an item only to find the item or the seller no longer available.
Cheers. JMcK
what a legend
Wow! Thanks Nathaniel. Glad you liked the videos. JMcK
Just a quick question, how well do these heaters handle extreme vibration. Am looking at mounting one in a camper trailer that does 10s if thousands of K a year over corrugated roads. It will either be hard mounted on the trailer or i can make a box set up that can be removed sitting on low density rubber to absorb the shock loads ? Your serious is fantastic so much good information
I got two heaters called all in one. 5kw the short ones. Heater no 1 works fine and heater no 2 works fine. No 2 has the old 3 blade controller head and board and no 1 has the newest style. On no 2 heater startup there are 3 quick pulses then a pause then the normal pulse rate. Right there after I get a wiff of diesel smoke smell whitch goes away. The other one doesnt do that. No smell at startup. Both heaters are moved in and out from the same install for testing. The exhaust goes out a 2 meter pipe up in the air. The smell it comming from the heat exchange I surmize. Plan is to tear it down and inspect. Im waiting on gaskets. Also no2 has a fan noise, not rubbung but more of a groweling sound , can only be heard at the air intake. That's my story. These heaters are nice. I like tinkering with stuff like this. Now I want it to snow so I can sit there with blasting hot air on my face and grin from ear to ear. Tally Hoe Mate Crazy Dave Sea Yaa
Thanks for the feedback Crazy Dave.
Have you seen the video on Gaskets? JMcK
OK, well that is my job for tomorrow. Thanks John
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John webasto units ,have a burn screen some with two hole some with one. In the end of the burn chamber,, i(it’s a flat disc type in the end of burn chamber)which soots up to was wondering if the Chinese ones have them.??? , great videos mate that will help a lot of people 👍❤️
Yes John, there is a circular screen at the top of the burn chamber a bit like a flattened donut (hight wise, not flat wise). If not too carboned up it can be burnt out with MAP gas. But you can't get at it without grinding off the burner tube weld so as to seperate the screen from the tube.
This is the main burner atomising screen which burns after the glow plug ignites the "pilot flame".
I have not found any source that sells these screens as a spare part. But not important these days as after replacing the screen you need to TIG weld the tube back with a lot of time and effort. More than the cost of a new knock off heater if you paid labour. You can buy a replacement burner now on ebay cheap. J
Thanks for the info John, have seen eBay sellers of these parts but as you say be cheaper to buy a new burn chamber ,rather than buy and try to fit one 👍
Thanks for the video, i wanted to know how far to push the screen back in my heater, if you do not push it in all the way the heater will not light very well and smokes a lot because the diesel is not igniting.
what is the resistance supposed ot be on these kyocera 12 volt glow pins?
Brilliant videos. I’ve been watching the videos with a keen eye on if the units will run on biodiesel (Proper bio) my primary concern is the trace amounts of methanol left in the fuel which from experience eats away at certain types of rubber. I noted the concern about running kero and Lube for the fuel pump. Having watched everything thus far I’m going to bet the fuel pump is a rubber disk with an actuator and pretty sure it would get destroyed pretty quick with biodiesel. I wonder if you can advise on the fuel pumps regarding replacements, alternative replacements you might have seen while shopping about. I’m guessing that the supplied pump is sealed in manufacture with the two halves pressed together preventing disassembly? (This is an edit - and the next video is....fuel pump lol, I’ll watch that next)
Hi Mr FG,
Yes the fuel pumps are sealed at manufacturer and can not be opened without destroying the pump.
There are no alternate pumps that I know of. These are dosing pumps always delivering a fixed dose at each pulse. This dose is known by the ECU that runs the unit and the changing the dose rate by the ECU is how the heater works.
Newer fuel pumps I have cut open have what appears to be a type of plastic piston sealing ring.
I do not think bio diesel would affect the fuel pump and if it did it would be over a long period of time, also replacement fuel pumps for these Chinese copy heaters are relatively cheap.
If I was in your shoes I would try running the heater on bio diesel if that is what you wish to do and see how it performs. I would be grateful to know the outcome.
Remember you will need to be aware of fuel line issues.
Good luck. JMcK
Just started to use it and it worked great for two days then it started to smoke during startup ! It only has 3 hrs of run time! Could it be bad or old fuel? And is the glow plug need cleaning?
High Mathew, all sounds ok. Keep filter and pump as near to the tank as possible and as low as possible so it does not have to suck hard. The heater will be low in your setup so the pump does not have to lift fuel high. If you use the thin hard nylon fuel line normally supplied and pay close attention to all the connections I don't see any issue. I have run the thin nylon fuel hose more than 15 feet in a boat without issues. J
My heater came with a soft 1/4 inch (6mm?) clear tubing. How does that compare with the thin hard white nylon fuel line?
IncandescentDaD
Please watch video no 11. Your soft tubing will work if the distances are short and you do not get carbon build up on the burner screens. The fuel pumps on these heaters pulse fuel, unlike other pumps that flow fuel. Soft fuel line absorbs the pulses and hence the force of the delivered fuel. Also the ECU counts the pulses to match fuel delivery and fan speed to get a correct fuel air mix. If soft fuel is absorbing some of that pulse force, you can get an incorrect burn.
Soft line will work in many installs but for best operation use a hard fuel line.
@@johnmck1147 Thank you very much, John. I just watched no. 11 and it was excellent. I asked in a comment there if you could post the technical specifications as written on the side of the tubing so that we who were saddled with the inappropriate hose could find the correct one. Thanks again!
IncandescentDaD Info as requested.
The nylon tube is 4 mm dia x 1 mm wall. It has an internal bore of 2 mm.
Working temp. Is 35°C to 120°C. Working pressure 4.5 MPa
4mm fuel hose also works for short runs and eliminates all the joiners, but use the stiff heavy wall type, not the soft fluffy type. JMcK
John my heater is starting but blowing lots of white smoke. I have narrowed down the issue to the glow plug only receiving 4.5V to an 8V glow plug. The unit itself is not suffering any voltage drop, on start it dropped from 13V to 12.6V which I believe is quite acceptable? Would you in all your assessment of these heaters be inclined to believe the issue is with a faulty motherboard? What other suggestions do you have for voltage drop for the glow plug only?
Can these heater be installed less than 90 degrees on its side? For example sideways on a sloping cab floor?
Hi mate. I’ve been so impressed with your videos on theses heaters and found it very informative 😀 I’ve got one myself and been so frustrated that it only smokes and won’t fire 🔥🙈 Since watching your videos I’ve discovered that the little mesh filter is blocked and the glow plug is dirty 😫 Can you suggest how I can clean the end of my glow plug please 😃 I’ve orders new mesh filters and an air intake 👍🏻 Cheers for any help Stevie.
Thanks for the feedback Stevie. I just use fine grit sandpaper on the glow plug. Be careful though as the glow plugs are very fragile. JMcK
what is the electrical resistance of a good glow plug?
So, if im getting white smoke and internal temp is only getting to 65 deg, its most likely explained in this video on how too fix it
Just got a new one from ebay and im not getting power to the controller. Checked fuse and I'm getting 12v to the ecu but no voltage to the controller? What else can i Check
Do you happen to have a link to new Glow Plugs?
Hi, I got an E-03 code on first use. Based on what I’ve seen so far, it appears to be the glow plug. Any suggestions?
I recently bought a 5/8kw diesel heater that worked like a dream for 2 nights...the 3rd night it didn't want to fire up. I thought it was a fuel problem as had various error messages showing E04 stating check if fuel pump is broken or E03 stating check ignition plug open or short circuit but still nothing.
After viewing your video I started disassembling the unit only to find the glow plug was loose.
I checked the gauze which was clean & the air inlet hole was also clean. A lot of unburnt diesel in the chamber but I did have the fuel pump pumping for ages before disassembly trying to fire her up.
Assembled the unit & it started almost straight away. Why would a loose glow plug prevent it from starting? It was less than a quarter turn loose.
Hi Strangedays, the glow plug is a two wire item and does not need a good case earth in order for it to light up. You could have had an air leakage issue past the glow plug, or you may have a defective glow plug with a lose internal connection, and tightening the plug improved the electrical connection. If the later is the case, your problem is likely to return in the future. Sorry I could not offer a definite reason. JMcK
John could you use a diesel additive like a cleaner mixed in with the diesel or for that matter a few ml per fill of petrol along with the diesel to keep the burn chamber clean ?
Hi James, I have not tried this personally so I can not make any comment. I personally would have concerns.
However, with a good install with few restrictions this is never an issue. JMcK
Hi John , would you know if there's different voltage for the glow plugs ? I've got a new one it has red pop in silicone cover ,the heater I have had a blue silicone rubber , I think the blue means 24v type as I've seen 12v or 24v plugs available , which seems odd as I am running it on 12 v system , maybe mine needs a 24 v model glow plug , the one I bought is throwing an error 3 code , the heater is a 5kw,on the electric box it says 12v - 24v that's the bit that confuses me Thanks
John thanks.
I bought the Vevor 2 kw heater with the 3 button controller. I’m running it at P 3.0 and it heats my big Sprinter van ok but does smoke a little. White smoke.
How can I achieve a cleaner burn?
Hi Aaron,
Assuming your heater is new and you are using good quality diesel without additives, white smoke is mostly caused by a poor burn. This generally is from a bad fuel air mix, caused by restrictions in the exhaust or the combustion air inlet. Suggest you look at your install.
Some white smoke on initial start is not uncommon and is caused by some fuel residue left in the heater from previous use, but it stops after a short while when the heater gets hot.
If your heater is not new, white smoke indicates that it is starting to get excessive carbon deposits and it is time for a service.
White smoke always occurs when bad fuel is used or fuel with any “oil” type additive.
White smoke will occur when the heater is used at altitude due to a fuel air ratio mix imbalance due to the reduced oxygen content in the air at high altitude. The Genuine German heaters come with a high altitude adjustment in the controller, but at the time of writing this I know of no Chinese copy heaters that have this feature. J McK
Thanks very much!
Does the glow plug always stay lit?
Or does it go out once the thing is combusting.
The glow plug only stays on for a short time until burner is lit. JMcK
Thank you for such detailed information. Can I ask what bird is singing in the back ground during this video? It's beautiful :)
Thanks again.
Hi Rhinogear, thanks for the feedback. The two birds hanging around in the background are the Australian Magpie, and the Australian Butcher Bird. JMcK
👍😊
Hi John, if I were going to make the tool to loosen the plug myself, what size/ specification of plumping tool should I look for?
Hi Jordon, Just as in the video. You want a 12 mm tube or socket spanner. You then cut a slot out of one side. Please watch video again. JMcK
My heater shows 9volts on the LCD screen but won't start because it needs 12 volts. When u power the van engine on it will start because it pulls 12 volts with the help of the alternateor. How do I fix? Do I need new leisure battery?
Recently opened mine up to clean out the soot, didn't even know there was a "screen" inside that part.
Unit seems to be running again though.
Yes, Perhaps you missed the screen. It is hard to see. JMcK
My heater gives a diesel odour on start up and shut down is this normal
Hi. A quick question. Does the glo plug have a coating on it?
No Mr S, it just looks smooth ceramic. But it is very brittle. JMcK