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Old 09-08-2016, 06:44 AM   #1
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Problem running hot water heater off propane

Anyone experience problems with running the hot water heater off of propane? When my DH turned the hot water heater on with propane, the flame was bright yellow and it blew black soot onto the side of our motorhome. It almost seems that it burned it into the siding. I can't get the soot off. Any suggestions? The dealer told us to look to see if there were any cobwebs and also to try to adjust the slide to get a blue flame. No luck...
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Old 09-08-2016, 07:09 AM   #2
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It sounds like the exhaust may be obstructed. Is the soot coming from the exhaust or from inside of the water heater cover?

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Old 09-08-2016, 07:18 AM   #3
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It is coming from the exhaust. He checked for any obstructions, but could not find anything.
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Old 09-08-2016, 07:39 AM   #4
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It is coming from the exhaust. He checked for any obstructions, but could not find anything.
Then you probably have something obstructing the amount of oxygen feeding your burner.

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Old 09-08-2016, 07:46 AM   #5
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Maybe a silly question, but did he light the correct place. It is possible to light the flame directly after the jet, ( the air mixture control ) before the air is mixed in on some models.
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Old 09-08-2016, 07:59 AM   #6
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This unit has an electronic ignition.
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Old 09-08-2016, 08:04 AM   #7
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Can you post a picture of the unit and a close-up of the burner assembly?

What all have you tried to get the soot off the siding?

You can try some Clorox Cleanup or Tilex on a rag to see if that'll get it off.
Also, Magic Erasers work well, but be careful with them as they're micro abrasive, so don't over do it.
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Old 09-08-2016, 08:16 AM   #8
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Awesome cleaner! Removes soot! Fuel/Air ratio is off or spider web causing soot! Youroo!!
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Old 09-08-2016, 09:59 AM   #9
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Here is the photo...
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Old 09-08-2016, 10:50 AM   #10
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Good photo. I think you need to pull the burner tube and clean it out. A spider web or mud dauber nest in the burner tube will cause exactly the problem you saw.

You may want to remove the orifice and clean it as well while you're there.
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Old 09-08-2016, 10:57 AM   #11
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You have an Atwood water heater. There are several good youtube videos on how to clean the burner tubes on these.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:03 AM   #12
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Well, if I had dropped around 100K on a nice unit like yours, I would probably head back to the dealer... you should not have to take stuff apart and clean it already. Yours is not that common a problem and it could be something you can not repair yourself.

BTW.... Sometimes DIY attempts at repairs can muck up warranties.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:07 AM   #13
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Bug or spider

There may be a bug or spider in the curved tube where the propane and air are mixed for proper combustion. It only takes a small bug or spider to screw up the oxygen (air) mixture in the mixture tube to cause the bright yellow flame.

I would recheck the mixture tube again for a obstruction.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:19 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by raytwntrvlr View Post
Well, if I had dropped around 100K on a nice unit like yours, I would probably head back to the dealer... you should not have to take stuff apart and clean it already. Yours is not that common a problem and it could be something you can not repair yourself.

BTW.... Sometimes DIY attempts at repairs can muck up warranties.
One problem is that if it is a bug or dirt, that's not covered under warranty, no matter how new it is. The dealer may well fix it for free, but if they're at a campground/resort it would require them to break camp and drive to the dealer. Removing and cleaning the burner tube is a few minute job. And it's more common than you think for bugs to invade propane appliances. For some reason they love the stuff.
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Old 09-08-2016, 05:01 PM   #15
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Good photo. I think you need to pull the burner tube and clean it out. A spider web or mud dauber nest in the burner tube will cause exactly the problem you saw.

You may want to remove the orifice and clean it as well while you're there.
X2, you have an obstruction somewhere, beginning at the burner orifice and ending at the exhaust. Find it, clear it, and your problem will be solved.
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Old 09-10-2016, 09:59 AM   #16
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Here is the photo...
Nice picture. Just a thought, but was wondering if this heater has ever worked?

All the cleaning advice is likely appropriate ASSUMING THE UNIT WAS FUNCTIONING ORIGUNAKLY. IF THIS UNIT IS BRAND NEW and has never been run on gas, the problem might involve other defects or installation caused defects. If it has never worked may truly be a dealer or factory issue.

Please post your eventual out come.
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Old 09-10-2016, 10:20 AM   #17
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Nice picture. Just a thought, but was wondering if this heater has ever worked?

All the cleaning advice is likely appropriate ASSUMING THE UNIT WAS FUNCTIONING ORIGUNAKLY. IF THIS UNIT IS BRAND NEW and has never been run on gas, the problem might involve other defects or installation caused defects. If it has never worked may truly be a dealer or factory issue.

Please post your eventual out come.
X2
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Old 09-13-2016, 12:51 AM   #18
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Side question. Is there way to regulate the temperature on the Atwood hot water heaters? Ours is a little hotter than we like it.
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Old 09-13-2016, 12:47 PM   #19
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Turn on more cold water!

Seriously, It doesn't appear to have an adjustable thermostat. However, you can buy thermostats with different temp settings and also adjustable units.
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Old 09-14-2016, 12:32 AM   #20
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Turn on more cold water!



Seriously, It doesn't appear to have an adjustable thermostat. However, you can buy thermostats with different temp settings and also adjustable units.

Just thought I would check with the forum before looking for an adjustment. Thx for the reply.
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