microwave and inverter for my bongo

[weebrian]

With the night heater, I know that my Propex heater and I would guess others, won't run unless the voltage from the LB is above 12v. If it runs with the engine running I'd guess that is the problem. Could be that the LB is either duff or isn't charging properly.
As for the microwave, unless you are on an electrical hookup or have a generator, forget it.

[chrisb57]

It's an eberspatcher model, it kicks in ok with engine turning but not without?

[g8dhe]

Yup almost certainly either a battery that is getting on the low side - it might not be connected to the LB of course - or dropping volts in the wiring. If you can borrow a voltmeter and get to the electrical connections then it is simple to check, set meter to 20 Volt range Black lead to chassis, Red lead to the power connection to the heater, with the engine off, then I suspect during start up of the heater the voltage is getting below 11 volts. Check also any fuses in line they may be corroded as well and causing a voltage drop.

[chrisb57]

Thanks

[jimmo62]

There's a faultfinding guide here http://www.letonkinoisvarnish.uk/ebersp ... lts_2.html
By listening to the various noises and timing it you should be able to work out where in the sequence it is failing. Low battery is most likely followed by either faulty glowplug or fuel pump

The guide suggests an electronic controller which has a diagnostic display which would give you the exact fault code and also has the benefit of a thermostat - normally the heater uses the temperature of the incoming air to work out when to change heating power but with a thermostat you can control the temperature at the point in the van that it is mounted - likely to be nearer where you sit.