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12-14-2008, 04:38 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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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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12-14-2008, 05:53 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Merlin
Posts: 668
M.O.C. #7368
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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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12-14-2008, 06:18 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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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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12-14-2008, 06:20 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location:
Posts: 2,376
M.O.C. #6575
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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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12-14-2008, 08:56 AM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Winchester
Posts: 142
M.O.C. #551
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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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12-15-2008, 03:17 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location:
Posts: 2,376
M.O.C. #6575
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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
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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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12-15-2008, 12:20 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
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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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12-15-2008, 03:45 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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Thanks, everyone.
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12-15-2008, 06:16 PM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Kenosha
Posts: 170
M.O.C. #5683
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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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12-16-2008, 02:02 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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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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