Espar Blowing Smoke

[Rain City]

Can anyone tell me why they do this? It's running fine and then all of a sudden it stalls out completely and then POOF! Huge puff of smoke and then continues working. Running it too hot? Time for a service? Stop using it?

 

[pdfish]

How often do you use it throughout the year? It’s been a long time since I’ve sold Espars but with this info, I would suggest a really good cleaning. Could just be something simple like carbon buildup. If I remember correctly, the glow pin/plug screen was pretty bad for this.

 

[Corey_lax]

I think most of them can run on kerosene which runs cleaner than diesel. Once you get it cleaned up and running properly.

 

[Rain City]

How often do you use it throughout the year? It’s been a long time since I’ve sold Espars but with this info, I would suggest a really good cleaning. Could just be something simple like carbon buildup. If I remember correctly, the glow pin/plug screen was pretty bad for this.

About a couple dozen times a year. I'll usually turn it on for a half hour in the mooring when I'm on trips. I've had the boat for four years and I've never touched it. Figured I'd have to do something eventually but seems like all I can do with this boat is fix what's broken at the time. The list is endless.

I think most of them can run on kerosene which runs cleaner than diesel. Once you get it cleaned up and running properly.

Mine runs right off the main tank. I wouldn't want to add a fourth fuel type to my operation.

 

[pdfish]

About a couple dozen times a year. I'll usually turn it on for a half hour in the mooring when I'm on trips. I've had the boat for four years and I've never touched it. Figured I'd have to do something eventually but seems like all I can do with this boat is fix what's broken at the time. The list is endless.

Mine runs right off the main tank. I wouldn't want to add a fourth fuel type to my operation.

I remember that they are supposed to be run for a couple hours a month, every month of the year to prevent buildup. And yes, I realize how ridiculous it looks to have an Espar running in 30 degree weather. Been there, done that. I’m still guessing the issue is some sort of buildup or fouling. Start there at least.

 

[Rain City]

I remember that they are supposed to be run for a couple hours a month, every month of the year to prevent buildup. And yes, I realize how ridiculous it looks to have an Espar running in 30 degree weather. Been there, done that. I’m still guessing the issue is some sort of buildup or fouling. Start there at least.

Now if only I could reach it to service it. Must have been installed while the engines were out. Or by a 6 year old.

 

[Damn Ugly]

I have a Wallace diesel/kerosene stove/furnace on my sailboat and had similar issues. I run some Seafoam mixed into the fuel (dedicated tank) and it seemed to help. Definitely using it on a very regular basis keeps it running good - like my ex's it gets cranky with neglect.

 

[Corey_lax]

Now if only I could reach it to service it. Must have been installed while the engines were out. Or by a 6 year old.

I guess the only answer is to pod it

 

[SpringVelocity]

My favorite still has to be when old my inboard sheared off starter bolts in the block. Only way to fix it was pull engine. Seems to be a theme with inboards to put everything from boat that is important, and put it under motor. Not surprised your components for heater are in there...