Why My Chinese Diesel Heater FAILED (Fuel Leak, Smoking, Overheat & User Error)

The install looked clean, and the heater fired up on the first try... but that's when the panic set in. In my attempt to make the install "perfect," I made a permanent modification to the plenum that I immediately regretted. In this video, we troubleshoot the 4 major issues that turned a successful startup into a smoky, overheating mess—and exactly how I fixed them. The 4 Big Mistakes: The "Plenum Cut": I cut the case for better maintenance access—here is why that was a huge mistake. Heavy Smoke: Was it just burning off factory protectant oils, or did I break it? (It was both). Fuel Leak: I over-primed the system, causing a dangerous spill. Overheating: The heater ran, but the lack of airflow OUT of the camper caused it to shut down. Missed the Install? Watch the full "Hidden Install" video here first: [LINK TO VIDEO 1] Keywords: #DieselHeaterFail #PlenumMod #OverlandTrailer #DunnageGarage #HeaterSmoke #ChineseDieselHeater 👉 All 2026 Dunnage Garage adventures in one place: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlhGuXAPJV7ULdju-1tGydti_iwQDauoC V I D E O S T O W A T C H N E X T: 👉 Binge more Dunnage Garage adventures here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlhGuXAPJV7W7Az8XWBw-8K2-N6M0Cqx3 ➡️ Want to support the channel? Join here: https://www.patreon.com/DunnageGarage ➡️ Want Dunnage Garage merch? Grab it here: https://www.shopoverlandapparel.com/shop/dunnage-garage ------------------------------------------------ "Life’s an adventure, go live it." ----------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Intro 0:17 - Priming the heater 0:34 - Fuel leak 1:58 - Smoking heater 2:48 - E05 Code Overheating 4:03 - What I did wrong cut plenum 5:32 - Summery and a new dangerous issue ------------------------------------------------------ Some products shown in this video were originally provided to the channel for past collaborations. As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate Links: All Roads Taken: https://allroadstaken.com/?ref=DunnageGarage Suparee (save 18% with code Garage18): https://suparee.com/tW51LP Devos: http://rstr.co/devosoutdoor/6135 Openroad: https://openroad4wd.com?aff=403 Planetary Design (BruTrek): https://alnk.to/cb2wEhv ------------------------------------------------------------------ Topo Pattern (background artwork): https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/topographic-map-background_8967094.htm#fromView=image_search_similar&page=1&position=40&uuid=abf96a6c-e02a-4868-9db7-d7db1dc1c949 Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik -------------------------------------------- Inquiries: dunnagegarage@gmail.com --------------------------------------------