TriPac APU heater problems

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mhlvc, Oct 11, 2023.

  1. mhlvc

    mhlvc Light Load Member

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    -It blows a lot of thick white smoke once I turn it on
    -If the truck is off - the heater doesn't even turn on, just cycles on and off and shuts down
    -If the truck is running for about 10-15mins and I turn on the heater - the heater turns on and works. Then I shut off the truck. After a few hours (battery goes low?) the heater shuts down, and I have to turn on truck again and restart the heater.

    Any ideas what’s going on? I’m close to ordering the Espar maintenance kit and replacing the gaskets, cleaning the glow plug, and replacing the glow plug stainer/screen.
    Im thinking that would take care of the white smoke, but still not sure why it only turns on while the truck is running and shuts off after s while?
     
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  3. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    Do you have Apu? Possibly shuts off to prevent dead batteries.
     
  4. mhlvc

    mhlvc Light Load Member

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    Yea
     
  5. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    Apu should start once it draws down batteries. Espar bunk heater smoking since it has carbon buildup. A new mesh screen and cleaning vent hole should solve that. You might want to turn it on to the max heat setting and let it run like that at least an hour. It should burn out carbon
     
    86scotty Thanks this.
  6. mhlvc

    mhlvc Light Load Member

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    Whats the reason the heater wont fully start working unless the truck runs for a while - the carbon buildup? And why does the heater shut off after a few hours? The APU isnt kicking in therefore it shuts down? The batteries are 2 years old so doubt theyre the issue
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  7. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    Does Apu start at all when bunk heater is on for few hours? If it doesn't start and batteries get too low it might shut off bunk heater
     
  8. mhlvc

    mhlvc Light Load Member

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    I believe it starts and runs a bit and turns off abruptly almost as if something is blocking it from running its cycle fully to the point where it charges the batteries like it should.
     
  9. Hyweighman

    Hyweighman Medium Load Member

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    When was the last service done on apu?. Could be air or fuel filter
     
  10. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    Do the service on bunk heater first and go from there.
     
    JoeyJunk Thanks this.
  11. mhlvc

    mhlvc Light Load Member

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    I did it 3 years ago but barely put on any hours on it since then, since I did local. Even my AC on it doesn't work. It turns on but shuts off after a few mins with codes:
    93 Low Pressure Cut Out
    6 Failed Water Temperature Sensor WT1
    18 Shutdown High Engine Coolant Temperature

    Not sure if that has any play here as well with the heater but maybe? Will most likely plug it in my laptop and see if it brings up any codes with the heater mode
     
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