Overpowering Diesel Smell

[Kels]

Me again
A bit panicked as tried to start the heater and it’s saying fan disconnected. A horrible smell of diesel coming from where the boiler and batteries are. Haven’t used the boiler. Photo shows the set up where the smell is coming from. Has just started pissing down too and the smell is really overpowering.
Please help.

 

[gus-lopez]

surely that is a gas/electric Truma?

 

[pappajohn]

Are the Batteries hot?
You could be confusing the smell of overcharged/faulty batteries for diesel.....but I reckon you'd be the first to do that.

 

[GeoffnDee]

I think that may be a Truma Ultrastore hot water boiler (not Combi) and Kels Motorhome may have a separate diesel blown air heater fitted that could have a supply pipe or filter leaking

 

[Kels]

I think that may be a Truma Ultrastore hot water boiler (not Combi) and Kels Motorhome may have a separate diesel blown air heater fitted that could have a supply pipe or filter leaking

It is separate yes but just noticed the smell coming from there most. Had to abandon it til morning and stay at friends. Gutted. Only started van life 6 days ago.

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[GeoffnDee]

I do not Know the model / make/ year of Motorhome you have , but if it is Fiat Ducato based check that the engine fuel filter housing (under the bonnet) is not leaking diesel which is then running backwards under the Motorhome

 

[dunnah01]

Me again
A bit panicked as tried to start the heater and it’s saying fan disconnected. A horrible smell of diesel coming from where the boiler and batteries are. Haven’t used the boiler. Photo shows the set up where the smell is coming from. Has just started pissing down too and the smell is really overpowering.
Please help.



View attachment 986937

If the fan isn't connected then combustion will struggle to start and neat diesel will go through the burner and out of the exhaust. Is the exhaust under the van near where your photo is taken or is there a floor vent near there

 

[Lenny HB]

Are the two blue boxes Lithium batteries as if so they need the wiring sorting and need fusing properly.

 

[Kels]

If the fan isn't connected then combustion will struggle to start and neat diesel will go through the burner and out of the exhaust. Is the exhaust under the van near where your photo is taken or is there a floor vent near there

Yes it is under there

 

[Kels]

If the fan isn't connected then combustion will struggle to start and neat diesel will go through the burner and out of the exhaust. Is the exhaust under the van near where your photo is taken or is there a floor vent near there

Will I find the fan under the bonnet?

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[Kels]

Will have a look thanks. It is a ducato

 

[Tombola]

Will I find the fan under the bonnet?

He means the fan in the diesel heater, have you had it heating before ? Did it work OK.

Take a picture of the diesel heater and cabling if you can, follow the fat black ducting to it. (The pic posted above is just the hot water heater, and runs on gas.)

There should be cables to the power,(battery) and a cable to the control.panel.

 

[GeoffnDee]

I think that the heater may be the type , found on e-bay , that can be fitted in tractor/lorry cabs and has a separate fuel supply via a plastic container, if so , you need to trace the fuel lines from this container to the heater checking for leaks at the joints at its fuel pump etc.
It would also be worth checking that the air intake (which may have a filter on it ) is clear , it should be near the heater exhaust outlet under the Motorhome , if this is the type of blown air heating fitted I think you may find the fan is on the inlet side.