"Engine Preheat" vs. "Engine Heater"

[Pete Masterson]

As another responder explained, the pre-heat switch turns on the
AquaHot engine heater. The pump is 12v and it fires up the diesel-
fuel burner in the AH. I'm told 2 or 3 hours is enough lead time for
zero degree weather. (Longer if colder, I suppose.)

The "engine heater" red lighted switch is 120v and powers an electric
block heater. I used it last spring when I was in this area with cold
weather. I'd let it run overnight but it still took many starter
motor runs and much stumbling before the diesel finally started up.

The ether canister in my engine compartment seems to be empty. Looks
like the original that's been in place for the last dozen years. It's
a red canister just above the bulk oil fill that you can see from the
curb-side grill/door.

I'm not-so-sure the Series 60 will start without pre-heat/block
heater help. I tried a start a few days ago (highs in the 40s)
without any preheating, etc. and I got a lot of smoke and stumbling,
but I could not get it to "go" and run for any length of time (at
best, it would stumble along for 15-20 seconds then die). A couple of
days later, in an afternoon where the highs were in the low 70s, it
started right up.

Since I plan to leave this area next Friday AM, I plan to turn on the
block heater in the evening and let it run overnight. I'll turn on
the pre-heat switch at around 5 AM with a planned 8 AM departure.

I note that in September I accidently drained the fuel line between
the Racor and the engine -- and could not start -- called the ERS and
the technician used ether to get the engine going. (Once started, the
fuel pump was able to refill the fuel line.)

The technician (from a DD-specific diesel shop) explained that you
should turn on the key and wait 20 or 30 seconds before putting ether
into the system and hitting the starter. It's not clearly documented,
but the Series 60 does have a 'glow plug' that automatically
activates for a few seconds just after the key is turned to the on
position. If you insert the ether too soon, it could explode due to
the glow plugs. (And that would be the start of a very bad day.) So,
the suggestion to avoid ether is a good one and should only be used
as a last resort.

The technician removed a sensor on the air intake (upper right as you
face the engine looking in from the curb-side grill/door) to hand-
spray ether into the engine.

Interesting comment about Texas ... I'm on my way there after we
leave Colorado. I hope the weather improves...

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
1995 Wanderlodge WBDA 42
On the road at Idaho Springs, CO where every thing is frozen this
morning after snow all day yesterday...


On Oct 21, 2007, at 8:32 PM, bumpersbird wrote:

> Pete,
>
> I'm giving my coach the pre winter shake down. I turned on the dash
> engine heat and am waiting to see what it does. I belive it's a 12V
> heater and/or runs through the inverters? Not sure myself but Im will
> ask my BB Guru.
> The engine heat switch under the sink is a 120V system. There is a
> breaker marked; engine heater, in the the main breaker box.
> I was told never to use the cold engine start switch! It is for the
> ETHER INJECTION. The series 60 may not like starting cold but it will
> do so down to -20 so I am told. I don't know about that, but as in
> your case mine starts but not without protest. That switch is left
> over from the 8V92 days. NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT :}
> Coach is in the nest after a wicked and too eventful trip to TEXAS!
>
> Kurt Horvath
> Bumpersbird
> '95 PT-42 WLWB
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
> wrote:
>>
>> As I watch the snow accumulate outside the window, I realize that
> I
>> have two switches that would seem to refer to the same function:
>>
>> On the panel on the left above the driver's head, I have
> an "engine
>> preheat" switch with a green light that comes on when the switch
> is
>> activated. I also have a red, home-style switch on a panel just
> below
>> the galley sink, next to the Konstant Hot switch that
> reads "engine
>> heater" and the switch glows red when it's turned on.
>>
>> Do these switches turn on the same thing? The owner's manual
> mentions
>> (without much detail, of course) that the AquaHot system will heat
>> the engine for cold starting.
>>
>> Therefore, do I turn on both switches or will only one do the job?
>> Does anyone have a feel for how much time it takes to warm the
> engine
>> in freezing temperatures... last spring when we spent a week in
> the
>> Denver area with temperature lows frequently dropping into the
>> mid-20s, I turned on the "engine heater" switch about 10-12 hours
>> before departure. After many tries and much stumbling the Series
> 60
>> finally but reluctantly came to life.
>>
>> I'm thinking I'll turn on the switch(es) about 24 hours before my
>> planned departure this time... or should I turn it on sooner?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Pete Masterson
>> aeonix1@...
>> 1995 Wanderlodge WBDA 42
>> On the road at Idaho Springs, CO
>>
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