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Old 12-14-2008, 04:38 AM   #1
snfexpress
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Propane flow on water heater

Okay, another question - how do I adjust the propane flow on the water heater? It is burning propane, but it is lackluster and I can smell that it is not burning all of the fuel.

Thanks,
 
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Old 12-14-2008, 05:53 AM   #2
rogue
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Michael, I'm no expert in this area, but think the burner control valve is factory preset, and about the only thing you can do is replace it, or call out a local LP repair guy. At least thats what I'd do. I'm sure you will soon get some more ideas from our MOC friends.
Bob
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Old 12-14-2008, 06:18 AM   #3
H. John Kohl
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You know this but since it is "brand new" if possible work the repair under warranty.
Good luck.
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Old 12-14-2008, 06:20 AM   #4
SlickWillie
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You have to adjust the combustion air. Some of them have a small screw that can come loose and let the damper move. Another thing that can cause problems is blockage in the combustion chamber; wasp nests, dobbers, spider webs and such. You can blow it out with compressed air. Heater off of course.
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Old 12-14-2008, 08:56 AM   #5
Ontheroad
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I agree with Will,
The first thing to check is the burner tube. It doesn't take much to affect the flame, even a small spider web. 1-3 screws hold it on. Remove it and visually check it and brush/blow it out. Make sure when you replace it that it is in alignment with the oriface, if not, this will affect the flame as well.
Most models now do not have an air intake adjustment.
A good propane flame in any appliance should be mostly blue, with a small amount of yellow.
Steve
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Old 12-15-2008, 03:17 AM   #6
SlickWillie
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Ontheroad

I agree with Will,
The first thing to check is the burner tube. It doesn't take much to affect the flame, even a small spider web. 1-3 screws hold it on. Remove it and visually check it and brush/blow it out. Make sure when you replace it that it is in alignment with the oriface, if not, this will affect the flame as well.
Most models now do not have an air intake adjustment.
A good propane flame in any appliance should be mostly blue, with a small amount of yellow.
Steve
Steve, I'm glad you mentioned the lack of air adjustment. I've never had to work on our water heater in the Mountaineer. Our water heater on the TT had the air adjustment, and I worked on one for a neighbor in a motorhome where the water heater was turning the side of his unit black. Thanks for covering for me.
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Old 12-15-2008, 12:20 PM   #7
stiles watson
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On more than one occasion I have had to use a brush to clear a spider web from the burner tube. As a matter of fact, a brush for that purpose can be purchased from you RV supply store. Since yours is a new unit, that is what I would suspect. It doesn't take long for a small spider to find that orifice and build a web. The air flow adjustment is not a hard thing to do, but check for a clean tube first.
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Old 12-15-2008, 03:45 PM   #8
snfexpress
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Thanks, everyone.
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Old 12-15-2008, 06:16 PM   #9
wersqu
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Stiles hit it on the head. You have to get a long brush or Q-tip down the tube. Blowing it out, there is just not enough surface area of a spider web for the air to "grab on to" to get it out of there.














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Old 12-16-2008, 02:02 AM   #10
Ozz
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I would suspect either an airflow issue or propane pressure, could be a badly designed heat exchanger in the heater. I have smelled what you are describing on some units, there is only so muchg you can do on them to improve it. Really stinks doesn't it?
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