I have an Olympian (Camco) wave 3 catalytic heater that is need of repair. It’s a simple fix or so I thought. There is a leaking pilot light tube that is causing the problem. I called Camco in North Carolina and was told they would fix it for a fee to be determined after they did an inspection on the unit. The problem with that is postage would be @ $70 to send it to N.C. From California. I’m sure the total, including repairs and return shipping would be well over $100. So, I decided to find someone locally to fix it with no luck. Then I tried to find parts to fix it myself but couldn’t any place that sold 3/16” O.D. aluminum tubing and Camco doesn’t sell parts.
I seem to have three choices remaining: I can pay nearly the price of a new one and send mine to be fixed. I can toss this one and buy new. I can ask my wonderful friends at LDO for help. It seems that I will first opt for door number three. HELP!
Thanks in advance, Dale from Downey.
I have an Olympian (Camco) wave 3 catalytic heater that is need of repair. It’s a simple fix or so I thought. There is a leaking pilot light tube that is causing the problem. I called Camco in North Carolina and was told they would fix it for a fee to be determined after they did an inspection on the unit. The problem with that is postage would be @ $70 to send it to N.C. From California. I’m sure the total, including repairs and return shipping would be well over $100. So, I decided to find someone locally to fix it with no luck.
If shipping is really $70, one way, buy a new one.
A large USPS Flat Rate Box cost $17.60 and will fit a Wave 3, so where does the other $52 expense come from?
USPS Flat Rate Boxes & Pricing - EasyPost (https://www.easypost.com/usps-flat-rate-boxes-and-pricing)
If the Wave is old, there are other parts that wear too, the catalytic pad eventually will go bad. One of our Wave's ignitors is failing.
At $185 for a new Wave 3, I wouldn't spend much over $100 to repair it, including replacing the catalytic pad.
Amazon.com: Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 3000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater:... (https://www.amazon.com/Olympian-Portable-Catalytic-Camco-57331/dp/B000BUV1RK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=camco+wave+15&qid=1553559511&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0)
If you do repair it, definitely have the Factory do it.
Let us know how it works out.
Larry
Use 3/16" copper tubing.
Would this work:
11-292 - Robertshaw 11-292 - 3/16" x 5' Pilot Burner Tubing w/ Fittings (https://www.supplyhouse.com/Robertshaw-11-292-3-16-x-5-Pilot-Burner-Tubing-w-Fittings)
Steve
I actually bought a Wave 3 for my Lazy Daze and used it twice. For me, it just didn't put out enough heat. I bought a Wave 6 and am completely happy.
Since it's just sitting all wrapped up in a spare room at home, I'd be MORE than happy to sell it for a reasonable price.
Let me know...
I know it’s been a while since I inquired about repair of my Wave 3 heater but I finally did fix it. I learned a few skills along the way and bought a few tools too. Thanks to Steve I found the 3/16 aluminum tubing I needed, cut it, bent it, flared the ends and installed it. After testing for leaks I ran it next to my propane detector in the coach for six hours. It seems to work perfectly and I have confidence that it will be safe and efficient to use. Problem solved. Total cost @$60.