Knocking noise from heater

[YVRguy]

Well just woke up from our first night on the boat. It wasn't the best sleep because the diesel heater is very noisy - especially in the aft cabin. I'm used to the whirring sound of the heater but there is also a constant knocking sound. Any idea what that is and if/how I can fix it? Thanks in advance.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Yipes ............................

............................... you don't ever want to go to sleep with the heater running ! ! ! !

Should you ever develop a CO leak, there's a good chance you may never wake up. If you're awake, you may have some early warning such as a headache, grogginess, or other malaise. At least you'll hear the CO alarm going off.

I've found the best remedy for cold, damp, winter B.C. nights is the company you keep .

 

[YVRguy]

Wow, thanks for that. As a result of your reply I've discovered the CO2 detector doesn't work. Will be fixing that immediately. Thanks again. Still would like to know about the knocking noise tho...

 

[Rick]

That knocking or tapping noise you are hearing is most likely the fuel pump for the heater. My Artic makes the exact same noise. I countered listening to it by installing a fan in the aft cabin.

You will hear the fan when you start it. Then the fan rpm will drop slightly and you will hear a tapping (fuel pump) sound followed by ignition. Then the fan will switch back to a higher RPM and beging warming the cabin. Unfortunately, well my heater, is not suction fed so the pump runs during operation.

A CO alarm is cheap insurance. A quick inspection that is easy to do is to observe the exaust pipe on the heater when it lights. The unburnt fuel is easily visible in the exhaust. Just watch around the fittings and the thru hull. Also keep in mind the direction of the prevailing wind which is only usually a factor when you are in a slip.

I have had mine since 1996 and other than change out the glow plug.... no worries. Oh and we sleep with our heater running all the time. That is what the alarm is for. IMHO.

 

[Les]

I agree with Rick that in all likelihood it is your fuel pump clicking. Two possibilities to solve your problem--hang the fuel pump on electrical tie straps so that it is not fixed to the bulkhead OR remove fuel pump and pad the bulkhead with sound deadening material (the same as your engine room) and then reinstall fuel pump. I've done it both ways and both work equally well.

 

[YVRguy]

Thanks Les and Rick. That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll let you know how it goes.

Doug