Auxiliary engine pre-heater repair

[YRob]

Hi all.

I have a 2012 Transit Connect fitted with an auxiliary engine and cabin pre-heater. I think it preheats the oil sump by circulating water heated by a diesel burner, and can also be used to pre-heat the cabin without running the engine. It's probably an Eberspacher, and I've found a likely parts diagram on 7zap.com. It doesn't work and I'd really like it to, for our cold Norwegian winters.

I didn't realize you should run this every month to avoid issues with fuel and water delivery. I believe it worked when I bought the van, but when I tried to use it a couple of winters back it had no effect and no exhaust coming from the small pipe under the engine. At some point after that I did get an abortive cloud of smoke and diesel smell, but nothing since. I gather from another thread on the main transit forum that these have safety lockout after a number of failed starts.

Does anyone have any experience working on these pre-heaters?

The first obstacle I see is that the unit is quite inaccessible in the Connect: behind the engine on the bulkhead - is there a trick to accessing it?

Then how might I go about testing the fuel pump, water pump and ignition systems?

Lastly is it possible to reset the control system (and lockout)?

Any help much appreciated!

Rob