Espar Heat Problems

[Don Rice]

I have a 12 year old forced air Espar furnace on my boat which is extremely difficult to start. If I am lucky it will start on the 3rd or 4th try and I look like I am sending smoke signals out. I have replaced the glow plug with no success. I have been told that it is likely related to insufficient power at start up. At times with the engine running and the alternator working it starts but not all the times. During the start cycle the E-meter shows a power draw which jumps between 12-22 amps. I have 4 -6 volt golf cart batteries as a house bank and they are in good condition. I have looked at the electrical connections and they appear to be good. I am not sure what to look for, however but as they work at times I also assume they are OK.Any suggestions, am I looking in the wrong area?Thanks in advance, Don

 

[Don Alexander]

Volt Drop in Wiring

Don,Mine also occasionally gives trouble. First I discovered that the 15 amp fuse had been getting hot due to the plastic fuseholder having slightly parted under the heat generated by a small amount of corrosion inside.However the main problem is due to the volt drop whilst the glow plug is drawing 18 amps at startup. If possible run additional wiring for pos and neg. If you leave the old wires in place just run new ones beside them. Use the same gauge wire and connect up so both new and old wires are in circuit. This should halve the volt drop and ensure reliable starting.Good luck.Don A