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Topic: Water heater and house heater problems (Read 222 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water heater and house heater problems
Can anyone help me with this issue?
Our water heater is taking 40+ minutes to heat water and our coach heater is not working.  Our refrigerator and stove work fine, no problems.  We have checked all fuses using a meter and all are fine. We have checked all gas line valves that we know of and all are on.  We see a flame on the water heater that pops and we will clean the burning element to see if that makes a difference. We just had our propane tank refilled before the problem started.  Both were working when we used them in March. We have the RB model.  We are heading to Bishop for Mule Days at the end of May and need both working. What are we missing?
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Water heater and house heater problems
Reply #1 –
Hi Tracy;  Check that your tank valve is all the way open.  You may need to purge air out of all of the gas piping going to each LPG using devices.  The flame on the water heater, when it 'pops' is it going out and then being relighted by the igniter?    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Water heater and house heater problems
Reply #2 –
Hi Ron, Yes, the tank valve is all the way open and the flame pops and relights. Would you recommend a new Water Heater Thermal Cut-Off Kit?
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Water heater and house heater problems
Reply #3 –
You need to have your propane pressure checked. It is possible the regulator was damaged at your last fill. A 'popping' flame is either too much gas pressure or too much air. If the stove seems to work normally, pressure is probably ok. If the furnace is not lighting, wait and try again, and again, etc. You may have air in the line.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Water heater and house heater problems
Reply #4 –
Hi Tracy;  The 'Thermal cut off kit" is a replacement fuse.  This fuse is next to the outside of where the flame is, and is an element that melts upon exposure to too much heat, such as a flame that blows out of the tube it is normally in.  Once melted, it shuts off everything until it is replaced.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Water heater and house heater problems
Reply #5 –
I lean towards regulator issues, your frig doesn't need much gas to work and the stove may look like its ok. The furnace and water heater are another deal, you need to check the regulator pressure could very well be too low. The furnace and water heater both would purge any air very quickly when they try to light.

Jon
1994 MB
 
Re: Water heater and house heater problems
Reply #6 –
Less likely, because both your furnace and water heater are exhibiting a similar problem, is the possibility of spider debris in the water heater burner tube (spiders are attracted to the operant added to Propane). A blast of compressed air or even a blowing vigorously on the air-gas adjustment tube and nozzle may help.

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL