URGENT - Burning Smell and Boiler Making a Noise Although Switched Off!

[PhilandMena]

So, I'm about to go and turn on the hot water again today. First, I've run both the cold taps and the shower on cold, then run both the hot taps and shower. They're all running smooth with no spluttering and the pump is running fine. I have a Webasto Dual Top Evo 6 STD control panel which runs the heater on diesel, see pic. Does this mean that it also runs the hot water on diesel, please? I guess it must do because, yesterday, the gas was unconnected and we weren't on hook up and water was boiling!

I have exactly the same Webasto Control. The dial on the right controls temperature when the heating is on. The dial on the left has a number of settings. The very far right (Clockwise) setting is for the boiler when the outside temperature is below 6 degrees and stops the automatic drain from opening by keeping it above 6 deg. The setting next to that, working backwards now is for both hot water and heating to work together. (I don't use it as it takes to long.) next setting is heating, next setting hot water to 70deg, next setting hot water to 40deg. Next setting is off, next setting opens and closes the drain valve which you need to do in the winter. The heater fan uses a fair amount of battery so make sure your battery id fully charged and I would only put the heating on until your warm and then switch it off. You may need a second battery and solar if your planning to use your heating a lot.

 

[HKF]

I have exactly the same Webasto Control. The dial on the right controls temperature when the heating is on. The dial on the left has a number of settings. The very far right (Clockwise) setting is for the boiler when the outside temperature is below 6 degrees and stops the automatic drain from opening by keeping it above 6 deg. The setting next to that, working backwards now is for both hot water and heating to work together. (I don't use it as it takes to long.) next setting is heating, next setting hot water to 70deg, next setting hot water to 40deg. Next setting is off, next setting opens and closes the drain valve which you need to do in the winter. The heater fan uses a fair amount of battery so make sure your battery id fully charged and I would only put the heating on until your warm and then switch it off. You may need a second battery and solar if your planning to use your heating a lot.

Thank you so very much for your wonderfully clear explanation! The only difference for me is that our heating runs on diesel. I've made a file for all things useful and your text above will go in that file! Thank you again

 

[PhilandMena]

Thank you so very much for your wonderfully clear explanation! The only difference for me is that our heating runs on diesel. I've made a file for all things useful and your text above will go in that file! Thank you again

Yes my Webesto also runs on diesel but the fan that distributes the hot air around the van runs on electricity.

 

[HKF]

Yes my Webesto also runs on diesel but the fan that distributes the hot air around the van runs on electricity.

Does your hot water also run on diesel, please? Yesterday, when our water was boiling, our gas wasn't connected and we weren't hooked up, so I'm trying to figure out if it was the leisure battery or diesel that was heating the water.

 

[PhilandMena]

Yes . The Webesto system is a diesel heater that heats both hot water and produces hot air to be circulated around the van by an electric fan which is part of the Webasto heater. You should be able to see some little outlets at floor level which will be where the hot air comes from.

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[HKF]

Yes . The Webesto system is a diesel heater that heats both hot water and produces hot air to be circulated around the van by an electric fan which is part of the Webasto heater. You should be able to see some little outlets at floor level which will be where the hot air comes from.

Oh WOW!! Thank you so much. That's really good to know So, the only thing we need as for is the hob and oven (which I think will only be used for toast!!) and the fridge if we don't have electric (it's a 3-way one). Thank you

 

[PhilandMena]

Oh WOW!! Thank you so much. That's really good to know So, the only thing we need as for is the hob and oven (which I think will only be used for toast!!) and the fridge if we don't have electric (it's a 3-way one). Thank you

The hob and the oven will use gas. The 3 way fridge (leave it set on auto) will use gas when there is no electricity and the van is pitched up. It will use 12 volts when the engine is running, i.e. when driving from a to b. do not use when pitched up as not good for engine. when on hook up the fridge will use 240 Volts.

 

[HKF]

The hob and the oven will use gas. The 3 way fridge (leave it set on auto) will use gas when there is no electricity and the van is pitched up. It will use 12 volts when the engine is running, i.e. when driving from a to b. do not use when pitched up as not good for engine. when on hook up the fridge will use 240 Volts.

Hi PhilandMena We're hoping to go to Spain very soon, which will be our first long journey and only our fourth time out ever, so i was starting to panic about our heating and hot water system again. Then I came across the file I'd saved with all the info you gave me on this thread and it's given me so much confidence in managing this system, so I wanted to thank you again!

I want to test the system before we go away and I'm wondering if you can guide me through this process, please? My plan is to empty all the water out of the system (if there is any), then fill it all up again with fresh water. Switch on the main control panel and switch the pump and electrics on. Then wait a short while to make sure the boiler is full, before running the cold taps until they run smooth (without spluttering), then run the hot until they run smooth. Then, I'm going to put the Webasto control panel left knob all the way round to 3 o'clock (water and heating). At this point, do I need to wait before turning the right hand temperature knob the full temp, or is it ok to do it straight away, please?

Does the above look right or am I missing something, please? Should I be able to hear anything happening? Is there anything I need to look out for, please? Thank you so much for any help you can give me!

 

[PhilandMena]

Its more or less correct. Make sure any drian plugs you have open are closed. Open taps (to let air out when pump is switched on), start filling up with fresh water. After a minute switch on your water pump and after a short while you will hear its tone change as water is drawn into the pump and starts to fill the boiler and the cold water pipes. As soon as water starts coming out of the cold water taps you can turn them off. The hot water pipe will take a little longer and you may get an initial burst of pressurised air. Confirm you have a full flow which will tell you your boiler is full and you can now turn off the hot tap. Now is the time to turn your webesto on. if heating, half way round for the temperature dial should be sufficiant. (Make sure your on EHU if possible as a few amps are going to be taken from the battery. Or, just put the hot water on to 70 Deg and check water temp after 20 minutes or so.

 

[Spriddler]

As per PhilandMena, but to emphasise that on mine the boiler won't fill unless I run the hot tap(s) to let the air out of the boiler.

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[HKF]

Its more or less correct. Make sure any drian plugs you have open are closed. Open taps (to let air out when pump is switched on), start filling up with fresh water. After a minute switch on your water pump and after a short while you will hear its tone change as water is drawn into the pump and starts to fill the boiler and the cold water pipes. As soon as water starts coming out of the cold water taps you can turn them off. The hot water pipe will take a little longer and you may get an initial burst of pressurised air. Confirm you have a full flow which will tell you your boiler is full and you can now turn off the hot tap. Now is the time to turn your webesto on. if heating, half way round for the temperature dial should be sufficiant. (Make sure your on EHU if possible as a few amps are going to be taken from the battery. Or, just put the hot water on to 70 Deg and check water temp after 20 minutes or so.

Thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me and for your clear instructions. It's starting to get a little dark here now, so I'll wait until tomorrow and get the job done! I'll let you know how I get on. Thank you again!!

 

[HKF]

As per PhilandMena, but to emphasise that on mine the boiler won't fill unless I run the hot tap(s) to let the air out of the boiler.

Thank you so much for this additional info. Very much appreciated!

 

[HKF]

The rain has been so constant here I've not been able to get out for long at all. However, I put the MH on EHU and then did something a bit stupid. I know (because the previous owner told me so) that our boiler drains automatically when the temperature gets too low yet, for some stupid reason, I turned the left hand knob (which had been at OFF) anti-clockwise, to the DRAIN setting. It was a little reluctant and I only held it for a split second before it automatically went back to OFF. I though, ok, it must already have drained (we've had a couple of night with heavy frosts) and stood there wondering what to do next. All of a sudden, something starting making a noise. It sounded like the fan on the heater - the one I heard right at the start of this thread. I stood there, frozen to the spot, thinking, oh god, what have I done?!?! After about a minute, it stopped, and I looked at the panel again. OMG, everything is flashing green!!! What on earth is happening? Does anyone know? It's still on EHU. Was the whirring the sound of the boiler emptying and now everything flashing to tell me the boiler is empty? I have no idea. Can anyone help? PhilandMena, can you help this idiot again, please??

What I was trying to do was empty the boiler and the water tank and fill it all up again and put the heating on, just to get used to the process before we actually go away and to make sure it's working. Once I knew what to do, I was going to write it all down so I can follow my own instructions in the future and not rely on others. However, here I am again asking dumb ass questions!!! LOL

 

[Tea Bag]

Thank you so much. So, when I fill the water tank, I need to leave the pump on until it stops making a noise before I switch the hot water on? Is that right, please?

Unfortunately all the manuals are in French and I don't speak French. Don't hammer me for this, please. I'm on the verge of selling the van as it is, as it just seems too complicated and too much of a responsibility for me at the moment. I'm trying hard to get to grips with it but it's things lie this that are just too much. I'm out of my depth

Hi..
Keep the faith.... In no time at all using cooker/heater/ fridge etc, will all become second nature. Its the NEXT stage you have to worry about................... LEAVING stuff behind when going away ............... Word of caution...... NEVER go without the wife..
YOU won't have to worry about selling it................... Your wife will have done so allready. Happy safe miles to come.
Tea Bag

 

[HKF]

Hi..
Keep the faith.... In no time at all using cooker/heater/ fridge etc, will all become second nature. Its the NEXT stage you have to worry about................... LEAVING stuff behind when going away ............... Word of caution...... NEVER go without the wife..
YOU won't have to worry about selling it................... Your wife will have done so allready. Happy safe miles to come.
Tea Bag

Thank you Tea Bag but...............I am the wife! xx

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[Tea Bag]

Thank you Tea Bag but...............I am the wife! xx

Hi HKF.....
......... I never told you about the " Ghost ....." that comes in and uses my computor........ have i...... ( OOOOOOPPPPS ).
" Good Morning " ( You are the wife.. )
Tea Bag.xx

 

[meanders]

Turn everything off. Then make sure the drain valve is closed. You may need to press a button as well as turn the knob depending on the model. The button is well down one of the thin edges, and on 2 of our 3 mh's we have had, is mounted so you haved got a cat in hell's chance of seeing it. Just feel around for a smooth button about 10p size with a convex top. Push it in.

Next make sure you have at least 30- 40 lts in the fresh tank.

If it's really cold on the van, put the heating on for 30 minutes to warm up the boiler. You do not need water in it run the heating.

If everything has been drained, turn off all taps, and turn on pump. Not quite enough time for a cuppa, but the pump will seem to run endlessly.
CHECK UNDER THE VAN FOR ANY RUNNING WATER. IF SO IDENTIFY SOURCE AND FIX IT. Normally the drain valve open on the he boiler or tank.

When pump gets near stopping, open each cold tap one at a time till it runs smoothly. Repeat for hot taps.

Make sure gas is on if needed, and start boiler.

Top up water if need be. Our van takes about 15lts just to fill the system.

PS: these units do make some funny noises when emptying.

PPS. That'll teach me not to read the thread first. You have a diesel heater. Apologies.

Most of the above will still apply though.

 

[PhilandMena]

The rain has been so constant here I've not been able to get out for long at all. However, I put the MH on EHU and then did something a bit stupid. I know (because the previous owner told me so) that our boiler drains automatically when the temperature gets too low yet, for some stupid reason, I turned the left hand knob (which had been at OFF) anti-clockwise, to the DRAIN setting. It was a little reluctant and I only held it for a split second before it automatically went back to OFF. I though, ok, it must already have drained (we've had a couple of night with heavy frosts) and stood there wondering what to do next. All of a sudden, something starting making a noise. It sounded like the fan on the heater - the one I heard right at the start of this thread. I stood there, frozen to the spot, thinking, oh god, what have I done?!?! After about a minute, it stopped, and I looked at the panel again. OMG, everything is flashing green!!! What on earth is happening? Does anyone know? It's still on EHU. Was the whirring the sound of the boiler emptying and now everything flashing to tell me the boiler is empty? I have no idea. Can anyone help? PhilandMena, can you help this idiot again, please??

What I was trying to do was empty the boiler and the water tank and fill it all up again and put the heating on, just to get used to the process before we actually go away and to make sure it's working. Once I knew what to do, I was going to write it all down so I can follow my own instructions in the future and not rely on others. However, here I am again asking dumb ass questions!!! LOL

Nothing to worry about! I often run my webesto (Once a month on heating ) when the boiler is empty for an hour or so just to keep it in good condition. I've been doing this for over 10 years without a problem. It would have been the fan running I guess and it has to go through a set sequence when fireing up and closing down and I suspect this is what you have seen.

 

[Simon Select]

PM me your email and mobile number. I will get one of my guys to send over a video of the heating system with how to use it. What the drain off does etc etc.

 

[HKF]

Turn everything off. Then make sure the drain valve is closed. You may need to press a button as well as turn the knob depending on the model. The button is well down one of the thin edges, and on 2 of our 3 mh's we have had, is mounted so you haved got a cat in hell's chance of seeing it. Just feel around for a smooth button about 10p size with a convex top. Push it in.

Next make sure you have at least 30- 40 lts in the fresh tank.

If it's really cold on the van, put the heating on for 30 minutes to warm up the boiler. You do not need water in it run the heating.

If everything has been drained, turn off all taps, and turn on pump. Not quite enough time for a cuppa, but the pump will seem to run endlessly.
CHECK UNDER THE VAN FOR ANY RUNNING WATER. IF SO IDENTIFY SOURCE AND FIX IT. Normally the drain valve open on the he boiler or tank.

When pump gets near stopping, open each cold tap one at a time till it runs smoothly. Repeat for hot taps.

Make sure gas is on if needed, and start boiler.

Top up water if need be. Our van takes about 15lts just to fill the system.

PS: these units do make some funny noises when emptying.

PPS. That'll teach me not to read the thread first. You have a diesel heater. Apologies.

Most of the above will still apply though.

Thank you so much for trying to help. Unfortunately, I have no idea where the boiler is, much less how to get to it. As far as I'm aware, after being told so by the previous owner, the boiler drains itself if the temp gets too low but he didn't tell me where the boiler actually is.

Thank you saying I can run the heating without water in the boiler. For some reason (obviously I'd not thought this through!) I'd assumed I needed water in the boiler

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[HKF]

Nothing to worry about! I often run my webesto (Once a month on heating ) when the boiler is empty for an hour or so just to keep it in good condition. I've been doing this for over 10 years without a problem. It would have been the fan running I guess and it has to go through a set sequence when fireing up and closing down and I suspect this is what you have seen.

Thank you SO much! That's such a relief! As above, it hadn't occurred to me that I could run the heating with an empty boiler!! I guess I'm too domesticated

If the boiler has already drained itself, is there any harm in holding the knob at DRAIN for 5 seconds (as it says in the manual) just to be sure it's empty, please? I want to make sure I have fresh water in there, as the manual says water shouldn't be left in it for a long time and I've never manually drained ours, so have no idea exactly how long the water has been in there. I know it's a LONG time. Thank you again

 

[HKF]

PM me your email and mobile number. I will get one of my guys to send over a video of the heating system with how to use it. What the drain off does etc etc.

Thank you so much! Is the video on YouTube, please?

 

[HKF]

Right, I haven't done anything with the boiler at all yet but have tried to run the heater on its own. I turned the left hand knob to HEATER ONLY and turned the right hand knob about half way round. The fan switched on and I could feel cold air blowing through the vents. At this time, the little light on the panel was flashing red. After about a minute, the fan switched off and the air stopped blowing and the light was flashing 10 slow red, then 5 (or 6...it was difficult to tell) quick green. I'm guessing that's some sort of error code. Does anyone know what's happening, please?

 

[maison]

Try this link for the fault codes

Broken Link Removed

I am sorry but I have no personal experience of the Webasco heater, or any other diesel heater.

Good luck.

 

[HKF]

Try this link for the fault codes

Broken Link Removed

I am sorry but I have no personal experience of the Webasco heater, or any other diesel heater.

Good luck.

Thank you so much but this doesn't have the panel that I have.

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[maison]

Thank you so much but this doesn't have the panel that I have.

Apologies.

Hope you get your problem resolved.

 

[bobnick]

Things like this always worry me. Things can go so wrong so fast. Not having the know how to fix ability makes one wonder why we put ourselfs through this.
PS, didn't read all the posts, just first couple or so.

 

[HKF]

Things like this always worry me. Things can go so wrong so fast. Not having the know how to fix ability makes one wonder why we put ourselfs through this.
PS, didn't read all the posts, just first couple or so.

And that's the root of all my anxiety after all the breakdowns we had in a number of vehicles. It's always on my mind that were just not skilled enough to own a MH, yet others just seem to sail through life without a care in the world......and they seem to get away with it. Unfortunately, I'm not so lucky!!

 

[Puddleduck]

yet others just seem to sail through life without a care in the world......and they seem to get away with it

Or don't admit to the issues more like!

Sorry I don't know anything about your heater / boiler but the error codes are often common to all the models by that manufacturer.

Hope you get sorted soon.

If worst comes to worst you should still go away but make sure you use a site or sites with hook up and use an electric heater in the van and a kettle (gas?) for hot water.

EDIT: If your van has a garage the boiler is often in there in a sort of housing cupboard. Our last two vans have had boiler in garage and kept the bed warm Otherwise you have to go on a hunt, under bench seats, inside wardrobes etc. If you know where the dump valve makes a puddle that is a clue.

 

[HKF]

Or don't admit to the issues more like!

Sorry I don't know anything about your heater / boiler but the error codes are often common to all the models by that manufacturer.

Hope you get sorted soon.

If worst comes to worst you should still go away but make sure you use a site or sites with hook up and use an electric heater in the van and a kettle (gas?) for hot water.

I have a Dyson Hot + Cool and a small electric fan heater but wouldn't they trip the electric? Do I need to look for a specific site that would have powerful enough electrics? I've read about electrics tripping because people use too much but I don't really understand it

PS I'm starting to realise there's so much about MHing that I don't understand and it's made worse that there are so many different setups. I could do with a residential course, where you take your own MH, stay for a week and someone teaches you how to use everything in it.....as well as being on call 24/7 to help with emergency issues. Anyone fancy setting up a new business?

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