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Open Roads Forum  >  Class A Motorhomes  >  Maintenance Issues & Tips

 > Water heater *update I fixed it*

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workhardplayharder

Treasure Coast Florida

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Posted: 07/03/12 10:31am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have a water heater that does not like to light. I switch the heater on, the gas flows, the electric igniter repeatedly sparks. Sometimes I will get a flash but no ignition. If I put a lighter in the tube the heater will light and continue to burn. When it does burn I the flame looks good and burns clean. Does the air mixer have to do with the ignition, the burn or both?

* This post was edited 07/08/12 03:35pm by workhardplayharder *

enblethen

Moses Lake, WA

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Posted: 07/03/12 11:09am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Check you burner tube for obstructions.
Check clearance on ignitor and flame sensor.
Check you coils on the gas valve. Measure each coil separately. They should have nearly identicaal resistance readings.


Bud
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MountainAir05

New Mexico

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Posted: 07/03/12 11:10am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Check the electrical connectors on the board. Clean and put some contact cleaner on them. Sounds like the air is OK>

chewbear

Mobile in the USofA;currently Ozark, Alabama

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Posted: 07/03/12 11:35am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Is the 'Igniter' centered in the tube? Would try cleaning igniter first then replace, I've found if the ceramic is damaged at all it wont light. Oh and clean ground connection of Igniter and circut board. If you can see the spark and it is not igniting next guess would be Propane Regulator Flow adjustment, not for the every day handy man. Luck Send me your Email address I have write up. Joe D

* This post was edited 07/03/12 11:42am by chewbear *


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workhardplayharder

Treasure Coast Florida

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Posted: 07/03/12 01:57pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The tube is clear and I can see a spark. How far should the igniter be from the gas?

chewbear

Mobile in the USofA;currently Ozark, Alabama

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Posted: 07/03/12 03:55pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

My igniter was an assembly that had a screw screwed on mount only adjustment was slight bend to center in the tube. Also Emailed you the write up I have, it's for Atwoods. Does your cook stove light from igniters, and it's working? Seems crazy you can light it with a flame and it continues to burn. Any good friends near by that will let you swap out parts with them, other then that it gets expensive. Most will not normally let you return Circut boards and besides there is the wait. Igniter itself was only about $25.00. Again Luck.

robatthelake

Vancouver Island

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Posted: 07/03/12 04:45pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Check the simple things first. The Gap between the spark ignitor and the Burner should be the first thing to examine. Clean out any cobwebs,sandpaper the points adjust the gap to 1/4 inch or less.

The Electronic Boards on Today's Gas Fired appliances are very reliable but the contacts sometimes get a bit of corrosion and need to be cleaned .

Trouble shooting guides can be downloaded for nearly everything in the RV that breaks.


Rob & Jean
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camperkids1025

Bel Air, MD.

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Posted: 07/03/12 06:54pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

robatthelake wrote:

Check the simple things first. The Gap between the spark ignitor and the Burner should be the first thing to examine. Clean out any cobwebs,sandpaper the points adjust the gap to 1/4 inch or less.

The Electronic Boards on Today's Gas Fired appliances are very reliable but the contacts sometimes get a bit of corrosion and need to be cleaned .

Trouble shooting guides can be downloaded for nearly everything in the RV that breaks.

X2 - Sounds like there might be a spider taking up residence in the tube it might look clear but you might want to run something in the tube to be sure...Don't ask how I know.. Jim


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workhardplayharder

Treasure Coast Florida

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Posted: 07/03/12 08:39pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have cleaned the tube. I ran a rope through, tied a rag to it and bulled it back through. I continued to have trouble. Can anyone tell me how close the igniter should be to the gas port? I don't think is is the circuit board as I get a good spark.

dons2346

Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA

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Posted: 07/03/12 10:04pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

You have a bad electrical connection. Scribe lines on everything that can be taken apart so that you can put everything back together again in the same place. Take everything apart from the regulator up to the pipe that goes into the burner tube. Use emery cloth and clean all the surfaces that will come into contact with each other. Then reassemble making sure that there is a good electrical/mechanical connection between the parts. The complete system operates on a few milli amps and a good electrical connection is a must. The board itself is rarely the problem, it is the electrical connections that cause problems.





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