I just recently installed an ESPAR D5 Hydronic heater on my 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. I used the aftermarket kit designed for my model year Dodge. The fuel supply taps off the fuel return line to the tank. If the truck is not running, the heater will start up and run for a few minutes and then shut off, I'm assuming because it runs out of fuel. If the truck is running, the heater starts up and has no problems running indefinitely. I'm guessing that the fuel metering pump inside the heater is having trouble pulling fuel from the tank itself through the return line. Any suggestions to solving this problem?

 

Am not familar with an 05 tank but on my 01 there is an auxillary supply port on the tank cannister assembly that is capped off. On my 01 there is not a pickup tube attached to it in the tank it but would be easy enough to attach one to the nipple inside the tank using some appropriate sized fuel line. Other option would be to install a drawstraw like vulcan performance sells. It would not have to be in the tank fuel pickup cannister but it would mean drilling a hole in your tank if it wasnt. You could also do a gravity feed out of the bottom of the tank again have to drill a hole in the tank.

 

I would think its an issue with the supply pump on the ESPAR. Give ESPAR a call.

 

How much fuel in the tank? Assuming all components work and were installed correctly, the tube that runs through the return and is used as a fuel pick up doesn't reach the bottom of the tank. Espar used this so the heater can't completely drain the tank.

 

The fuel return line being short is the problem,I love my Espar but still can't let my tank get much below 1/2 mark before it won't run.

I would like to remove the module from the tank and correct this,just need to
do it.Extend the draw straw and it should work nice.

This is my 3rd winter without any problem.I did recently have the hoses replaced with silicone,even better reliability.

 

Sounds like the issue then. The webasto dodge kit has a draw strap that you cut to whatever length you want. I can run my heater when the fuel gauge reads empty. Could get a draw straw from espar that is used for class 8 trucks & install into fuel tank or the module.

 

How much$$ are these heaters?

 

I have seen some prices here in Alberta around $1100....something.Install adds to the cost of course.

I really can't say enough about my Espar,it is great to come to a warm truck
on a winter day,while others are starting their vehicles,mine just starts making
that batmobile , gas turbine sound and it's nice and warm after about an hour
running,I set my heater fan and defrost settings before I shut off the truck and voila.

This thing is really cheap,for the pleasure it brings over time.