Webasto Heater Issue

[YVRguy]

My H34 is equipped with a Webasto heater which has served us well so far when we've been winter sailing. Oddly, when I tried to use it when the weather is not that cold (for example, just to take the chill off the cabin on a cool summer morning) it doesn't seem to work. It starts up fine, I can see a bit of diesel smoke coming from the exhaust which is normal, but nothing but cold air comes out of the vents.

We've had this problem before but it seemed to go away when the weather is genuinely cold. Any idea what this might be? I would like to get use from the heater year round.

 

[LaColla]

My Webasto heater doesn't like it when I shut it down by using the circuit breaker. It needs to go through its own shut down process and I now the thermostat setting to have it shut down on its own prior to hitting the breaker. I've noticed that If I don't do this, it has a difficult time starting up on the next use.

 

[YVRguy]

Thanks for this. I actually just realized my heater is hard wired - there is no breaker. That's a bit odd.

My Webasto heater doesn't like it when I shut it down by using the circuit breaker. It needs to go through its own shut down process and I now the thermostat setting to have it shut down on its own prior to hitting the breaker. I've noticed that If I don't do this, it has a difficult time starting up on the next use.

 

[Maine Sail]

My Webasto heater doesn't like it when I shut it down by using the circuit breaker. It needs to go through its own shut down process and I now the thermostat setting to have it shut down on its own prior to hitting the breaker. I've noticed that If I don't do this, it has a difficult time starting up on the next use.

This is why Webasto and Espars are wired direct to the positive buss and not through a panel breaker.

It sounds like the OP's metering pump is losing prime. This could be from an incorrect installation or just gravity before the pump allowing fuel to drain back into the tank.. It can sometimes take a few on/off cycles to get fuel back to the heater. Best bet is to have a shut off valve near the fuel tank and close it after the heater shuts down. This can help hold the prime better.