The Eberspacher D1L Compact heater on my boat will not start properly. When switched on, it ticks, I hear the burner starting, it generates a little heat and then cuts out. It does this twice and then shuts down. I also suspect that the exhaust pipe, which is vented outside the hull, is leaking because there is a strong exhaust smell building up in the cockpit locker. It has worked effectively/problem free for many years. I assume the exhaust pipe for an Eberspacher heater should be a snug fit with a jubilee clip securing it tightly. If I need to remove the exhaust pipe to check it but find that it is so tight that I cannot remove it.  Is this usual?  Is there any way of removing the pipe without cutting it?  Is it going to be a problem if a new exhaust pipe is fitted

Question

The Eberspacher D1L Compact heater on my boat will not start properly. When switched on, it ticks, I hear the burner starting, it generates a little heat and then cuts out. It does this twice and then shuts down. I also suspect that the exhaust pipe, which is vented outside the hull, is leaking because there is a strong exhaust smell building up in the cockpit locker. It has worked effectively/problem free for many years. I assume the exhaust pipe for an Eberspacher heater should be a snug fit with a jubilee clip securing it tightly. If I need to remove the exhaust pipe to check it but find that it is so tight that I cannot remove it.  Is this usual?  Is there any way of removing the pipe without cutting it?  Is it going to be a problem if a new exhaust pipe is fitted

This question is related to Eberspacher or Webasto Exhaust 24mm clamp and embellisher.

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Answers (3)

Answered by Butler Technik's David Butler
Posted 11th June, 2025 at 15:42 by David Butler

Hello, I believe you may be describing an Eberspacher D1LC Compact? With 24mm ID exhaiust pipe.

I'm being a little particular because there is also an eartlier D1L heater that utilises smaller 22mm id Exhaust pipe.

After many years the clamps can be difficult to loosen, and it can be difficult to remove exaust pipe from the heater exhaust outlet once the clamp has been removed.

New clamp and exhaust pipe is easy enough to purchase and not too expensive, so don't feel too alarmed if you have to cut the pipe off from the exhaust outlet ( but obviously be careful not to damage the heater exhaust outlet spigot.

Can you hear the heater fuel pump 'ticking' during the start up attempts? Initially from you fault description I think I'd like to proof the fuel supply is functioning.

Thanks

David

sales@butlertechnik.com

Posted 11th June, 2025 at 16:40 by Roddy
Thanks David, Yes you are correct it is the D1LC compact. It was fitted 28 years ago. I will need to measure the exhaust outlet. Do I measure the internal or external diameter of the exhaust outlet or the exhaust pipe? The exhaust pipe is prewrapped in a fibre glass sock (with a larger corrugated ducting overlying it - I assume this larger ducting is to prevent the hot exhaust pipe from touching the hull or wires rather than channel the fumes). The fuel heater pump ticks during the start-up. There were small bubbles in the fuel line which I could see moving along the fuel pipe, so I assume the pump works. I have disconnected the fuel line and removed the bubbles, and reconnected it. But it still goes through the two start-up cycles and then cuts out. The main boat engine starts without any problem so I assume the quality of the fuel is ok. It looks clear. The batteries are fully charged and even with a mains connection, there is still the problem starting the heater.
Posted 11th June, 2025 at 17:17 by David Butler

Hi Roddy, if it's a D1LC Compact then it should have 24mm internal diameter flex exahaut.

if it's a 28 yrs old installation then it's very likely that the exhaust flex has become porous underneath all that insulation, that's quite common. The insulation is used to ensure the exhaust pipe remains hot as this minimises internal condensation, it's secondary purpose only is to prevent heat damage to surrounding components or stray fingers ...

I would definitely renew the exhaust and insulation material. Be careful because 28 yrs old insulation will possibly have asbestos content (new insulation is fibreglass based)

If your heater isn't firing up, and you are happy with the fuel supply, and also the system voltage, then it will need a more formal diagnosis. Interestly the D1LC Compact has readable fault error codes. Can you perhaps send over a photo of your controller to sales@butlertechnik.com ? This will help us learn whether you can retrieve the fault codes yourself, then decide next moves for repairing/servicing.

Thanks again

David

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