H/W tank burning up on propane?

[rce]

Hot water tank (Suburban) seems to be "burning up" when I'm using propane. Usually I only use electric option but tried out propane option last weekend. Went out to back of trailer and opened the outside door to the H/W tank and very concerned with what I saw: lots of red embers where the flame (blue) seemed to reach the bottom of the tank. Next morning lots of ash buildup outside. Scary looking. Did a search and not much info. Any ideas what's up? Ash indicates something is getting burnt. Flame is blue, pretty large but what do I know. Tank heats up fine on electricity. Hope I haven't damaged the tank?

Clearly will not be using propane to heat the tank again. Will try to add some pictures as it's hard to describe.

[rce]

Hoping someone can help, please.

[Rugged Brown]

I would say that something may have crawled in there and made a nest. That is what's burning. Take out the tube and vacuum it out.

[rce]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

I would say that something may have crawled in there and made a nest. That is what's burning. Take out the tube and vacuum it out.

Thanks. Never crossed my mind. How easy to remove the tube?

[Rugged Brown]

Use a thumb wrench to loosen the nuts on both ends and pull it out. You may have to work it a little but it comes out fairly easy.

[rce]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

Use a thumb wrench to loosen the nuts on both ends and pull it out. You may have to work it a little but it comes out fairly easy.

Will give it a try today!

[rce]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

I would say that something may have crawled in there and made a nest. That is what's burning. Take out the tube and vacuum it out.

Took a second look. Might be easier to just remove what looks like the combustion area cover at the burning end of the tube. 3 screws easy to get at but not sure if this is a good idea or not?

[Rugged Brown]

I've removed this 3 times in the last 2 days for fix my water heater. It's not that hard.

Open the pic. It's hard to see but I labelled it.

[rce]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

I've removed this 3 times in the last 2 days for fix my water heater. It's not that hard.

Open the pic. It's hard to see but I labelled it.

Picture very helpful, as I wasn't sure at the left end of the tube what to do. Can I also take off the big metal square piece with all the printing on it? Seems like it would also give me better access to the affected area. 3 easy to access screws seem to be all that is holding it in place???

[Rugged Brown]

Take it off and see what you get. I haven't removed that plate yet.