Diesel Heater R-27 OB

P

PLBart

Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2020
Messages
14
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
How do you access the diesel forced air heater in a 2020 R-27 OB
 
The webasto heater unit is under the helm seat. Easiest way is remove the 4 screws on the wood trim that hold the microwave in. Then pull off the wood trim and slide the microwave out. You can also remove the helm seat but that’s more work IMO.
 
PLBart":3d5br10k said:
How do you access the diesel forced air heater in a 2020 R-27 OB
Click to expand...

If it's a 2021 model or newer R27-OB that you have, you can pull the seat off. This is what it looks like underneath where the diesel heater is located. It's next to the white exhaust fan (helm defrost fan). There's probably a dozen screws that hold it down.

View 1 of the helm seat removed
http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=78911

View 2 of the helm seat removed (diesel furnace)
http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=78908
 
PLBart":7oavfgkq said:
How do you access the diesel forced air heater in a 2020 R-27 OB
Click to expand...

Hello,

Above are both great ways to access the heater, if you are having to work on the unit I would remove the seat for the most access. Otherwise if inspecting removing the microwave would be much easier and quicker. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
 
After looking at the helm seat on our 2020 there is no cutout under the seat. Sounds like the 2021's have the access cutout. Whoever engineered that never planned on having to do maintenance or repairs on the heater. Looks like this winter I will be making the access upgrade. Designer/engineers should have to work on anything they install.
 
PL, did you actually remove the seat or just try to peak under it. I think if you take out all the screws and remove the seat/mechanism you will have excellent access to the heater. Please post photos otherwise. Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Tippetknot":dl44qlsk said:
PL, did you actually remove the seat or just try to peak under it. I think if you take out all the screws and remove the seat/mechanism you will have excellent access to the heater. Please post photos otherwise. Good luck.
Click to expand...

For the R27-OB, there are two different helm seats. 2021 and newer, RT raised the entire starboard side. Dinette, helm chair, I'd guess a good 4-6 inches. It provides more height in the cave for an adult to be able to sleep in there and roll over.

Because of the extra height, the helm seat on 2021's is different. Previous models have the seat flip back and forth for dinette or helm. The 2021's have the seat that pulls out towards port, as it pulls out it also pulls up. So the helm seat actually sticks out in the isle way about 6" when in the raised position. When the seat is pushed down, it sinks into the top of the fiberglass box that the microwave is in. Because the cave is taller, to get the helm seat down it has to actually lower below the fiberglass. Thus, the top is completely cut-out under the seat. A dozen screws and the seat comes completely out providing great access to the Webasto heater below. This is a fantastic design in my opinion.
 
2021 design sounds much better, the 2020 version is a design miss. The Pullman birth is very low in height.
 
So has anyone cut better access to the heater for the 27OB prior to 2021? We have a 2019 and it's very challenging to get the heater out. In fact I spent the better part of an hour in my first attempt. Seems when the unit was installed the exhaust from the heater to the hull was installed with zero play to move it away from the heater. Working with one hand blindly is reminds me of all the aircraft I've worked on!
 
IFLY2":14nhlk40 said:
So has anyone cut better access to the heater for the 27OB prior to 2021? We have a 2019 and it's very challenging to get the heater out. In fact I spent the better part of an hour in my first attempt. Seems when the unit was installed the exhaust from the heater to the hull was installed with zero play to move it away from the heater. Working with one hand blindly is reminds me of all the aircraft I've worked on!
Click to expand...

You may be able to access it from within the cave. I've got the 2021 version, with the cutout seat. But also inside my cave their is a false ceiling with some carpeted panels that come out allowing some access forward towards where the heater is. I know the cave is totally different on an 2021 as opposed to earlier versions, so you may or may not have this.

Here's a couple of pic's sent to me by an owner of an RT27-OB, 2018 model who created some access ports.

https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/autoglide?pgid=kxcmp6wc-cefce371-7186-428f-b355-f4ccc62a39f1

https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/autoglide?pgid=kxcmp6wc-d48edee9-3175-49ee-813b-620d7b61b2fe
 
Thanks Martin, It looks like cutting an 'inspection' panel is the answer for much better access. I'm headed to the boat this am to give it on more try to remove the heater. The fit is so tight I can not remove the exhaust tubbing. I've also discovered that I need to check the filler cap for an "O" ring that may be missing and allowing water to enter the diesel tank. Thanks again for the info.

Mike
 
Mike, have you been able to look at a sample of fuel to see if it contaminated? You can get some idea by emptying a fuel filter in to a jar. Or, use a siphon pump, like for oil, to drain all fuel, add new fuel? If you filters show water, or I'd they is black crud in them you have a fuel problem.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
 
johnbenj, I was able yesterday to remove the Webasto heater. We suspect it's a fuel issue and in addition, an error code of F11 made its appearance. After consulting with Ranger Tug (they've been great) and Sure Marine in Ballard, thought it was best to remove the heater and have it serviced. The plan at this point is to remove all the diesel, change the filter again and add in new diesel. When I changed the filter recently, there was no evidence of water, however during the start cycle, the heater made sizzling sounds and emitted a lot of smoke, blue/black and white. The diesel was treated if your wondering. Seems these heaters need to be run at a high temperature often for a few minutes before shut down to keep them clean. The only time that procedure occurred was when the heater flashed its warning to be run for 20 minutes when it has not been run for 20 or 30 days. (That is what Webasto has the heater do.) Armed with that information, in the future I will be diligent to operate it differently! I've also discovered the diesel cap can leak water into the tank, either the O-ring is missing, (o-ring is installed) a gasket may be missing under the cap or possible over tightening can distort the O-ring. It may be best to switch over to kerosene, is now under consideration.

So in a day or two I'll have about 4 gallons of diesel that may or may not have water in for sale at a great price!

Thanks

Mike
 
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