Furnace not working

KennyGolub · 02-28-2015, 04:17 PM

Hi all you Berkshire owners.
I have a new 2015 400QL. I just went out to run the generator a bit and thought I would try the furnace whilst I was out there.

No heat. I verified the propane is working by igniting a burner on the stove. but when I run the furnace, just cool (cold) air comes out. I went out to the exhaust on the side, and could hear some type of "fan" noise but after a while, that stopped and inside, all I get is cold air.

So, before I set up an appointment to take it back, is there anything I'm missing ? I set both zones to furnace.

Thanks,
Ken

JTN8 · 02-28-2015, 04:25 PM

I recommend going through about 10 to 15 attempts to ignite. Mine was doing the same thing and after about ten attempts it started working and haven't had an issue since. You'll need to turn the furnace off and then back on to restart it or else it stays in lock out.

Jason

uralman · 02-28-2015, 05:09 PM

I agree. Could be air in the gas line. Takes a few attempts.

dan-nickie · 02-28-2015, 05:32 PM

Kenny, have you tried your on demand hot water heater yet?
Just wondering.

Campin Cajun · 02-28-2015, 06:00 PM

Kenny, make sure the fan is in AUTO. Also set the clock on the thermostat.

KennyGolub · 03-01-2015, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

Kenny, have you tried your on demand hot water heater yet?
Just wondering.

No, I haven't tried any water yet. Brought it home in October and winterized it. Can't wait for spring to try though.

KennyGolub · 03-01-2015, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

Kenny, make sure the fan is in AUTO. Also set the clock on the thermostat.

Will do. I'm going to try again next Saturday when I run the generator again.

Thanks !!

KennyGolub · 03-01-2015, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTN8

I recommend going through about 10 to 15 attempts to ignite. Mine was doing the same thing and after about ten attempts it started working and haven't had an issue since. You'll need to turn the furnace off and then back on to restart it or else it stays in lock out.

Jason

Good to know. I wasn't aware of a lock out, but it makes sense.

I will try everything suggested here. Thanks to all for the replies.

jcowles3 · 03-01-2015, 11:34 AM

I also turn off disconnect for a bit then back on to clear out any gremlins...

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dan-nickie · 03-01-2015, 12:24 PM

Kenny, It's hard not to piddle with the rig for 6 months after buying new and not going camping, Huh?

KennyGolub · 03-08-2015, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

Kenny, It's hard not to piddle with the rig for 6 months after buying new and not going camping, Huh?

Yes. That's why I'm out there every weekend

Looks like we're getting a snow melt this week, so next weekend, I may be out there all weekend

KennyGolub · 03-08-2015, 08:59 AM

Okay. I took the previous advice and spent a long time starting, turning off and restarting both furnaces. I couldn't get either one to put out heat.

A "lock out" was previously mentioned. Is that cleared by shutting it down or do I have to find a switch somewhere ?

I know I'm doing/not doing something stupid since it's both zone 1 & 2. Is there a valve at the tank to turn off gas to the furnaces but not the stove? (I'm too lazy to move the snow out of the way to open the bay for the tank).
I guess it's looking good for me to get a peek at the tank next weekend.

Thanks again for all the replies......

Ken - WD8CCZ

Campin Cajun · 03-08-2015, 09:07 AM

Kenny, there is no other valve in the system as far as I know. Just the main valve at the tank itself. I am not sure if the lines running to the heaters are rubber or not. But that may be another reason why they are not working if it's hose and they are pinched.

Check the vents on the outside walls to see if you feel some exhaust coming out while the heaters are running.

KennyGolub · 03-08-2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

Kenny, there is no other valve in the system as far as I know. Just the main valve at the tank itself. I am not sure if the lines running to the heaters are rubber or not. But that may be another reason why they are not working if it's hose and they are pinched.

Check the vents on the outside walls to see if you feel some exhaust coming out while the heaters are running.

Yes there is cold exhaust.
At the furnace, the gas is delivered through copper tubing.

Thanks for the reply !

Superchief · 03-08-2015, 11:25 PM

Kenny,

I had the same problem with mine the first time. Tried and tried and tried. Took it to the dealer and it started up right away for them...😬. Now when I start it, I set the thermostat to 85 and then turn it on. Also have the stove lit. Works for me. Good luck!!

Craig

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KennyGolub · 03-09-2015, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superchief

Kenny,

I had the same problem with mine the first time. Tried and tried and tried. Took it to the dealer and it started up right away for them...😬. Now when I start it, I set the thermostat to 85 and then turn it on. Also have the stove lit. Works for me. Good luck!!

Craig

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Thanks for the post reply!! I will certainly try it this coming Saturday whilst I do my weekly generator start.

Ken

edgewant · 03-10-2015, 05:45 PM

I had similar issues with my 2013 Berkshire in Dec 2013. I had the propane tank filled and went on to camp in about 35 deg weather. My propane regulator froze up and nothing but one burner on the stove would work. The solution for me was to put a trouble light in along side the regulator and burn that one burner on the stove for about 8 hours to "burn off" enough propane that the regulator would function properly. My theory is that my tank was overfilled and I had LP flowing into the regulator and freezing it up. Eventually there was enough LP flowing I could light all three stove burners and that's when I tried the furnaces and got them to light.

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