New Suburban SDS2 problem

sklein

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2020
Messages
22
Location
Pasadena
We had our original Suburban SDS2 cooktop replaced in November 2022 under the recall. Recently the replacement cooktop has developed a propane leak (by smell and using a gas sniffer). We just finished the assessment and determined that the gas fitting on the back burner is cross-threaded.

I'm not sure why it took over a year for the problem to appear, but since we are now two years out from the replacement under recall is there any recourse for this situation? Does anyone try to repair this?

I've attached images of both the good (front) burner gas connection and the bad (rear) burner gas connection.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 

Attachments

  • Suburban SDS2 front burner.jpg
    Suburban SDS2 front burner.jpg
    141.1 KB · Views: 18
  • Suburban SDS2 back burner.jpg
    Suburban SDS2 back burner.jpg
    119.8 KB · Views: 16
That's disappointing.

I have the same recall replacement stove, but touch wood, haven't had that issue.

Damaged threads can be repaired with thread inserts but given the safety aspect I wouldn't recommend that a person try that unless they had previous experience.

Personally, I'd probably remove the unit and try chasing the threads. There is a chance that it's still usable.

Good luck,

Ron
 
I would also use several wraps of Teflon tape or a thread sealer such as Lock Tight, but only on the brass part. You don't want to get anything in front of the orifice that might obstruct the flow of gas. It should be a simple repair, but with the safety concern, doing it correctly is important. If in doubt regarding your personal fix-it skills, have a professional do it.
 
Ron’s idea of chasing the threads and then using a thread sealer might work.
Worth a try before spending money on a new one. Will Suburban sell just the burner part ?
 
Thanks all,
Since this is both a clear manufacturing defect and a serious safety hazard, I’m going to start by contacting Suburban/Airxcel and see what they are willing to do.

If they won’t take responsibility I’ll look into a fix before replacing. Most “normal” thread sealants are limited to 400F, so if I go down the repair path I think sticking a thermocouple on the bottom of the burner to determine max temp is in order. There are high temp thread sealants but they are stupid expensive. Not going there.
 
Thanks all,
Since this is both a clear manufacturing defect and a serious safety hazard, I’m going to start by contacting Suburban/Airxcel and see what they are willing to do.

If they won’t take responsibility I’ll look into a fix before replacing. Most “normal” thread sealants are limited to 400F, so if I go down the repair path I think sticking a thermocouple on the bottom of the burner to determine max temp is in order. There are high temp thread sealants but they are stupid expensive. Not going there.
I've done a bit of gas work and absolutely wouldn't go that route.

Hopefully Suburban will step up to the plate.

If not, I wouldn't depend on a sealant, I'd either replace the damaged part or repair the damaged threads.

The two choices would be, chasing the threads as previously mentioned or use what's called a heli coil to create a new thread. If need be, a local shop could do that.

Hopefully it won't come to that.

Ron
 
On the same subject…I don’t know if it has been mentioned on the forum here but over on Facebook someone’s stove was not replaced and not so long ago blew up with them in the trailer. So much so that the trailer was written off. Apparently all are ok but this recall on the stove just can’t be mentioned enough to get the message out.
 
If not, I wouldn't depend on a sealant, I'd either replace the damaged part or repair the damaged threads.
I should clarify my previous comment.

There's nothing wrong with using pipe sealant on tapered pipe threads. The threads are what makes the joint gas or water proof.

In the current situation the threads are not meant to be gas proof, the flare and tapered seat are. So using sealant in this situation would be like putting on a band aid.

Ron
 

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top Bottom