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Old 05-03-2014, 04:57 PM   #1
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water heater

hi

i am getting ready for the shakedown trip in our new to us 17

i cannot get the hot water heater to light

it is full of water, the propane runs the stove and furnace fine

i can hear the hot water heater sparking but no ignition

thoughts?? does it take a long time to get propane back to the heater. Common problems

any suggestins would be appreciated
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Old 05-03-2014, 05:15 PM   #2
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If it is dual fuel (electric and gas) check to see if the switch in the water heater compartment (accessed from the outside)is on or off. I know it has to be put in the "on" position to run on electricity. What does the manual say? Try also calling the water heater manufacturer. If you don't smell a gas leak, then I am wondering if the switch should be in the "off" position for gas. It should not take a long time for the gas to get back to the heater if it has reached the stove. Good luck and keep us posted. I see that our resident experts are currently not on line, but they will come to your rescue when they see this.
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Old 05-03-2014, 05:22 PM   #3
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Turn on and start your cooking stove. It confirms the gas is working and gets the pipeline filled. Then turn it off and try the water heater again.
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Old 05-03-2014, 05:39 PM   #4
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1) Try and light it with a long stove lighter while clicking. If it works you need to adjust the igniter position.

2) Unplug and replug the circuit board connection. Use an eraser to rub the contacts. It should be in a small sheet metal box attached to the back of the water heater. This may be a permanent fix.

3) Call a serviceman.
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Old 05-03-2014, 05:42 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandra L View Post
If it is dual fuel (electric and gas) check to see if the switch in the water heater compartment (accessed from the outside)is on or off. I know it has to be put in the "on" position to run on electricity. What does the manual say? Try also calling the water heater manufacturer. If you don't smell a gas leak, then I am wondering if the switch should be in the "off" position for gas. It should not take a long time for the gas to get back to the heater if it has reached the stove. Good luck and keep us posted. I see that our resident experts are currently not on line, but they will come to your rescue when they see this.
If it is dual fuel the switch on the outside of the heater has nothing to do with the gas. The 110V and propane systems have NOTHING in common. I recommend the electric switch be kept off and only turned on when you are plugged in, have water in the heater, and want the electric water heat.
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Old 05-03-2014, 06:20 PM   #6
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it is propane only

i blew it out with a little air and it is lighting now but will not stay lit

maybe just working the air out of the lines

i will try it again in the morning
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Old 05-03-2014, 06:41 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by alan in alberta View Post
it is propane only

i blew it out with a little air and it is lighting now but will not stay lit

maybe just working the air out of the lines

i will try it again in the morning
If it won't stay lit it is almost certainly the thermocouple (or the connections to it) - it senses the flame. You might be able to reposition it better in the flame, or it may need to be replaced.
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Old 05-03-2014, 08:53 PM   #8
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Does this unit have a separate igniter and thermocouple? Some direct spark ignition appliances sense the flame with the igniter electrodes (the flame conducts some current flow between them), so no thermocouple is needed. Hard starting and not continuing could both be results of the possible electrode positioning issue that Doug (jamman) mentioned.
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Old 05-05-2014, 10:00 AM   #9
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false alarm

okay i tried it again last night and it worked fine

I am at a loss... maybe it got wet when i was filling the tank??

I guess time will tell

Forecast for next weekend in Jasper is poor but it will be a good test
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Old 05-05-2014, 07:21 PM   #10
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Browsing through the new owners manual, I saw where the water heater may be a it balky at first. (http://escapetrailer.com/wp-content/...nersManual.pdf
I wish I had one so I wouldn't have to download 72 pages. (It's nice to have a hard copy when tech stuff doesn't work.)
However a quick look did not reveal much info on the dual fuel one, and I could not get mine to work one time. That's when some nice lady at the Suburban water heater factory told me about the outside switch.
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