Smell of Gasoline While Espar Is Running

Smell of Gasoline While Espar Is Running

Confirmed Issue:
The smell of gasoline fumes occurs while the Espar heater is running.

Affected Units:

Any Vandoit van with an Espar heater

Issue Explanation:

The Espar heater runs off of the van gas tank.  A fuel leak in the Espar system and/or in its connection to the van's gas tank can create the smell of gasoline fumes inside the van while the Espar heater is running. The combustion chamber's fresh air intake can pull gasoline fumes into the Espar system, which then sends the fumes into the van.  All vans come with a propane and carbon monoxide alarm, which will go off because of this. If you are smelling fumes, but the alarm is not going off, it is not at a dangerous level, but should still be checked. 

InfoNew Espar units produce a smell of machine oil burn-off; this is totally normal for the first couple of uses. 
Warning
Please make sure to conduct the resolution steps below away from heat sources and flames.

Resolution: 

1.  Check the Espar thermostat screen for any error messages.  If it is displaying an error message, take a photo of the message and send it to the Customer Support team by submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing support@vandoit.com.

2.  Run the Espar for about 10 minutes to determine if it is operating normally.  Include what you observe in your message to the Customer Support team, and attach any relevant photos or video to your message.

3.   Inspect the Espar exhaust pipe, fuel line, and electrical line underneath the van.  See the photos below for reference.  Again, if you notice anything questionable, particularly leaking fuel, send photos to the Customer Support team by  submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing support@vandoit.com.





4.  Remove the black panel from the top of the Espar box and inspect the Espar unit for any damage, cracks, etc.  Take photos of anything that looks questionable and send it to the Customer Support team by submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing support@vandoit.com.