Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

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Rik
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Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Rik »

Hey all!

Some time ago I removed the original eberspacher diesel heater from underneath my van. The green button next to the steering wheel (pic) is still functional, but I would like to remove it anyway, because the whole assembly is heavy and needlessly complicated. I can't fathom how to remove it though, any tips?

Also, the cold start pull thingy (pic) gives me a really annoying rattle at high rpm (highway speed). It sounds like metal to metal but not sure. I can't see an obvious way to pull this system apart either. Has any of you had something similar before? Thanks!


Image
1986 tintop called Rutger. 1.6d (CS), 4 spd (ABF). Self-converted to camper in the Netherlands.

davidoft1
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by davidoft1 »

Pretty certain the green knob pulls off then undo the escutcheon plate

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Rik
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Rik »

davidoft1 wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 10:26 Pretty certain the green knob pulls off then undo the escutcheon plate

The green knob does indeed pull off. Am I right in saying you need a special tool to undo it?
1986 tintop called Rutger. 1.6d (CS), 4 spd (ABF). Self-converted to camper in the Netherlands.

Burtybassett
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Burtybassett »

Rik wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 06:35 Hey all!

Some time ago I removed the original eberspacher diesel heater from underneath my van. The green button next to the steering wheel (pic) is still functional, but I would like to remove it anyway, because the whole assembly is heavy and needlessly complicated. I can't fathom how to remove it though, any tips?

Also, the cold start pull thingy (pic) gives me a really annoying rattle at high rpm (highway speed). It sounds like metal to metal but not sure. I can't see an obvious way to pull this system apart either. Has any of you had something similar before? Thanks!


Image

Have you still got the heater ??
1983 1.9TDi Westfalia Vanagon, 5 Speed (AAP) - Now Tax & MOT exempt   :D

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Rik
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Rik »

Burtybassett wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 18:19
Have you still got the heater ??

No, it was in pretty bad condition (spitting out thick brown smoke and sparks). I had it on Dutch marketplace for over a month and got no interest so I just threw it away... Did I waist valuable parts? :shock:
1986 tintop called Rutger. 1.6d (CS), 4 spd (ABF). Self-converted to camper in the Netherlands.

Burtybassett
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Burtybassett »

Rik wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 18:45
Burtybassett wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 18:19
Have you still got the heater ??

No, it was in pretty bad condition (spitting out thick brown smoke and sparks). I had it on Dutch marketplace for over a month and got no interest so I just threw it away... Did I waist valuable parts? :shock:

Dunno mate...
Was just enquiring as I want to put a heater in my Westie and still haven't decided on Diesel or LPG...all I know is I really don't want a Chinese one
1983 1.9TDi Westfalia Vanagon, 5 Speed (AAP) - Now Tax & MOT exempt   :D

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Rik
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Rik »

Burtybassett wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 18:54
Dunno mate...
Was just enquiring as I want to put a heater in my Westie and still haven't decided on Diesel or LPG...all I know is I really don't want a Chinese one

I wouldnt advise the original one for camping though, if that's what you're doing. I installed a chinese one and am very happy with it. The original one is in my opinion completely unsuitable for camping. It automatically shuts off after I believe 10 mins, its very loud and consumes a lot of electricity and fuel. I plumbed the chinese one into the diesel outlet originally used for the eberspacher, and running on low it is very quiet and consumes 7W and ~0.12 L/h while raising the temp in my moderately insulated van about 18 C.

Normally I wouldn't endorse chinese low quality products, but I feel like it really is the best option if you're on a tight budget. Of course a similar product from a known brand is far better.

We're getting off track here, but I love talking about heaters 😅
1986 tintop called Rutger. 1.6d (CS), 4 spd (ABF). Self-converted to camper in the Netherlands.

Burtybassett
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Burtybassett »

Never off track when it comes to all things campervan.
To be honest, I've looked at diesel heaters nearly bought a couple but didn't as people have put me off saying the pumps 'tick' when in use - even the 'quiet ones.

As I've got an underslung gas tank and a reasonably reliable local filling station near me...I'm considering a Whale - fitting it under the van.
Someday....when I can get around to sorting it out.
1983 1.9TDi Westfalia Vanagon, 5 Speed (AAP) - Now Tax & MOT exempt   :D

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Rik
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by Rik »

I don't know about the quiet ones, but yes my pump ticks. It's hung underneath the van and its still the loudest thing when running the heater. To be honest, I don't mind it that much. To be able to heat the van and dry out the interior for a few hours every evening extends our camping season to year-round, so it's definately worth it. Might buy a quiet pump in the future, so I'll have my current one as a spare.

Looked at the whale things, nice stuff!
1986 tintop called Rutger. 1.6d (CS), 4 spd (ABF). Self-converted to camper in the Netherlands.

davidoft1
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Re: Diesel heater knob removal & annoying rattle

Post by davidoft1 »

Rik wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 18:14
davidoft1 wrote: 17 Jul 2024, 10:26 Pretty certain the green knob pulls off then undo the escutcheon plate

The green knob does indeed pull off. Am I right in saying you need a special tool to undo it?

There are special tools but a couple of small screwdrivers usually do the job

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