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I've been dealing with our circa 1990 heater that came with the boat since 1999. They are a bit touchy. The O-ring Bruce refers to could be an issue but only if the smoke is coming into the cabin through the heat vents. If it is heavy white smoke out the exhaust it means the fuel isn't burning but is only vaporied. This usually meanst the burner is dirty and needs to be taken apart and cleaned - this is where you will learn about the O-ring.

The fuel is pumped into the inside of a small atomizer cup similar to a thimble that is mounted on the motor shaft. The cup spins at high speed and atomizes the fuel so it will burn. If the atomizer is dirty you can have problems. Another issue is the voltage to the glow plug. We changed from a standard 13 volt to a 12 volt and that helped a lot.

It is also sensitive to the fuel supply. The little pulse pump can have problems getting primed and even the smallest air bubble can cause problems. I installed an outboard motor fuel bulb in the line near the fuel tank to help it prime after sitting for a few days. Just pump it up when it first starts and then it is fine. Also, install a small in-line filter near the heater because any small amount of dirt will foul the pin-hole orifice.

I pull our apart every year and do a routine cleaning. It's a dirty job and takes quite a bit of effort the first time or two but then it gets fairly easy. It is not a piece of equipment that you can ignore. Scan Marine in Seattle sells parts. 206-285-3675