If you use diesel heaters in your boat, yacht, camper van, or when camping, it’s smart to know when your heater needs a check‑up. Regular use and rough conditions can affect performance over time.
Here are the top signs your diesel heater could be asking for servicing.
1. Heater Won’t Start or Struggles to Turn On
One of the most obvious signs is failure to start. If you press start and nothing happens or it tries and fails, you could have a clogged glow plug, a worn fuel pump, or a failed combustion chamber. If other elements (battery, wiring) seem OK, it’s time to call in a technician.
2. Reduced Heat Output
Not feeling the usual warmth? If your heater runs but the cabin or room still feels cold, the combustion chamber or heat exchanger might be dirty or damaged. Carbon build-up inside the heat exchanger reduces its ability to transfer heat. A full clean or part replacement may be needed.
3. Strange Noises
Grinding, rattling, or banging sounds are a red flag. If coolant leaks into the gas‑air line or the heat exchanger has lost its seal, it can cause grumbling or even a small “explosive” noise inside the unit. That means internal seal failure and needs professional attention.
4. Service Codes on Controller Panel
Many Planar (Autoterm) units display fault codes when something is wrong.
Common ones include:
- Code 01 – Overheated heat exchanger (often >250 °C)
- Code 02 – Intake temperature sensor too hot
- Code 10/11/13 – Blower motor, sensor, or glow plug issues
5. Heater Shuts Off Unexpectedly
If your heater starts, then stops abruptly or doesn’t purge properly, this could mean a blocked fan, worn bearings, or a faulty air blower motor. Consistent stopping during warm-up is not normal.
6. Smells or Smoke from Exhaust
Poor combustion can produce smoke or a fuel smell from the exhaust. It may indicate incomplete burning in the combustion chamber or issues with fuel supply. Never operate the heater if you see flame or smell fuel at the exhaust, the unit should be shut off and inspected.
7. Poor Fuel Efficiency or Erratic Use
If you notice higher diesel usage than before, it may mean the fuel pump isn’t metering fuel correctly or that combustion is not efficient. This could also shorten the heater’s lifespan. A worn fuel pump often needs replacement.
Why Regular Service Matters?
Even if your heater seems to work fine, regular maintenance every year or so is wise, especially before winter camping or long sea or road trips. Winter use helps burn off moisture and carbon. Autoterm recommends running heaters on maximum power for 30 minutes every few weeks, even in summer, to keep things clear and clean.
A proper service may include: cleaning or replacing the heat exchanger, checking or replacing the combustion chamber & gaskets, swapping out the fuel pump, testing the blower and sensors, and reviewing all wiring. These steps catch small issues before they become big failures.
Keep It Running Safe & Warm with Planar Diesel Heaters
At Planar Heaters, we sell high-quality diesel heaters for boats, yachts, camper vans, and camping. Our heaters come with a reliable design and a 2‑year manufacturer’s warranty in Canada and the USA.
We also stock all spare parts online. Not sure which part you need? Give us a call, or request a quote via email. We’re happy to help you find the right part, fast.
Don’t wait for a cold failure. If your heater shows any of these signs or if you’re due for seasonal service, get it checked soon. We sell heaters and parts online and in our shop in Vancouver. Stay warm, stay safe!
