Are you experiencing an issue with you Espar diesel heater?
Tips and Troubleshooting
Use Manual/Power Mode
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Recommended to run in Power Mode (manual heat setting) rather than relying solely on a thermostat. This provides steady combustion and prevents soot buildup.
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Start the heater at high for 10–15 minutes before lowering to comfort level.
Heater Exercise / “Health Burn”
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Run the heater at full power for 15–20 minutes every 2–4 weeks when not in regular use.
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Prevents carbon and condensation buildup in the combustion chamber.
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Essential before long-term storage or winter season.
Startup & Shutdown Best Practices
Startup:
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Ensure battery voltage is sufficient (≥12 V, ideally 12.4 V+).
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Verify fuel supply and check for no restrictions in intake/exhaust.
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Expect a brief puff of smoke—normal as chamber warms.
Shutdown:
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Always use the controller OFF button.
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Allow full cool-down cycle; never cut power abruptly.
4. Fuel & Power
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Use clean diesel, never use biodiesel or fuel additives.
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Keep fuel tank at least ¼ full to avoid fuel pickup issues.
Common Troubleshooting
Heater won’t start or shuts down early:
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Check battery voltage.
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Check fuel level above 1/4 tank and line for air, there should be air bubbles passing through the fuel line to the diesel heater.
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Inspect intake and exhaust routing, make sure they are not blocked or obstructed.
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Verify manual mode is selected.
Exhaust smell inside van:
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Stop using immediately.
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Inspect exhaust and intake for leaks.
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Contact service if the issue persists.
Fault codes:
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Refer to the manual linked below for full list of codes. Codes indicate issues like fuel line blockage, filter problems, or combustion errors.
Preventative Maintenance
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Every 2–4 weeks: Full-power “health burn.”
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Every 3–6 months: Inspect ducts, exhaust, intake, and battery.
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Every 12–18 months: Professional carbon cleaning and filter check recommended.
Helpful Resources & Video Tutorials