Diesel heater - there has to be a better solution

[dougxn]

I recently had some issues with my diesel heater on my R27(2015). I ended up pulling it, cleaning it and replacing parts and exhaust hoses.

Hidden behind the passenger seat steps is the heater, exhaust pipe, intake pipe and 100 feet of wires. Plus, attached to the exhaust, a condensation trap, which I presume capturing condensation in the low part of the exhaust and dripping it into the hull.

Once in awhile the heater blows out a bunch of black smoke, because they apparently do not work like a regular heater, but need to be run at full blast and then turned off. This is what I have come to understand after reading hours of trivia on the internet.

What I didn’t know is that when it blows of the burner build up is not only does it emit diesel particles out the exhaust, but also inside the hull and thus into the cabin.

If this is wrong, please correct me! But this is one crappy design! I have seen way too many people trying to fix their diesel heaters.

Either there is a better solution or a better placement? What’s your experience ‍♂️

 

[Submariner]

I recently had some issues with my diesel heater on my R27(2015). I ended up pulling it, cleaning it and replacing parts and exhaust hoses.

Hidden behind the passenger seat steps is the heater, exhaust pipe, intake pipe and 100 feet of wires. Plus, attached to the exhaust, a condensation trap, which I presume capturing condensation in the low part of the exhaust and dripping it into the hull.

Once in awhile the heater blows out a bunch of black smoke, because they apparently do not work like a regular heater, but need to be run at full blast and then turned off. This is what I have come to understand after reading hours of trivia on the internet.

What I didn’t know is that when it blows of the burner build up is not only does it emit diesel particles out the exhaust, but also inside the hull and thus into the cabin.

If this is wrong, please correct me! But this is one crappy design! I have seen way too many people trying to fix their diesel heaters.

Either there is a better solution or a better placement? What’s your experience ‍♂️

I have a Webasto AIrtop STC2000. It doesn't ever blow smoke inside the cabin. When reconnecting the exhaust hose to the heater, it's important to use a high-temp sealant of sorts to keep the smoke out of the cabin. I've replaced one heater on another R27-OB (2019 model) and had to do this.

I have a 2021 R27, which is a gas powered outboard. This gives me an advantage in that I have a 5 gallon diesel tank dedicated to my heater since I can't tap off my fuel tank (gas). I switched to Kerosene 3 years ago and never looked back. It's a lot cleaner, burns cleaner, doesn't leave soot, and has a much longer shelf life than diesel. I also installed a water separator (since I have an external tank, a water separator is nice to have to prevent condensation from getting in the fuel line).