|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 275
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 275 |
Need some help here, I have an Atwood gas/electric water heater in my RV. The other day it started giving me fits, it went from starting every time I turned on the switch to intermittent and then no start at all. This was on the gas setting. the main switch is working and I have spark, I can see it and have also pulled it out and cleaned the carbon buildup off of it. The thermal cut off fuse is good, I have replaced both the thermostat and ECO as a precaution. I was initially thinking the problem was in the gas valve and replaced it. The original one and it's replacement are electric solenoid operated and I could not hear/feel the original sending gas through every time. As of putting it back together it sparks once and that's it, no start or secondary restart. Any ideas on what I am missing? And yes I have propane.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,239
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,239 |
It would seem to me, if you've got fire/spark, it would be a fuel issue. Have you cleaned the orifice ( tiny hole) where the fuel is delivered to the chamber for ignition? That's where the problem with mine was.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,168
Campfire Savant
|
Campfire Savant
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,168 |
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 10,916
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 10,916 |
tcb22, You mention that it "only" makes one attempt at a start. How long does it spark, one spark or many, and then stop? Mine only sparks for a limited ( not sure exactly how long) time. If I get a fail to start, I must reset! If you get numerous sparks, I would think that the pilot orifice is plugged. You may be able to clean it with a small, stiff piece of wire!
Good Luck, memtb
Last edited by memtb; 08/25/17.
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,325
Campfire Kahuna
|
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,325 |
It takes 3 things to ignite: fuel, spark, and air. If you have the spark and air, the problem is no gas. I agree that the orifice may be plugged. It should just screw on to the end of the gas line and be easy to remove and clean.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,082
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,082 |
Stupidity is expensive
If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 275
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 275 |
Orifice is clear I pulled it out and checked it when I replaced the gas valve, also no obstructions in the heat/flame tube. I only get one spark per on on the switch and am wondering if it's supposed to have multiple sparks.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,378
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,378 |
Mine sparks continuously until the pilot light is lit. A thermal switch must be involved as once the pilot it lit it stop sparking.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 275
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 275 |
|
|
|
|
|
558 members (160user, 10gaugeman, 02bfishn, 16gage, 1234, 007FJ, 54 invisible),
2,488
guests, and
1,255
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,191,430
Posts18,470,780
Members73,931
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
