Water heater won't stay lit

[Allisfan]

Click,click,click,click, fire. 3 seconds fire goes out. Repeat. Reset, repeat, repeat. Give up! Any tips? Thanks.

[5picker]

Make?
Model?
LP on?
Do other LP appliances work correctly?
New issue or has it never worked?

[Allisfan]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Make?
Model?
LP on?
Do other LP appliances work correctly?
New issue or has it never worked?

Don't know make, model had to leave for an appointment. Yes to the next two and it's new to us but was told during walk through it worked. Just trying to figure it out before going back to dealer

[Kaadk]

When you get a chance, there should be a "Recreational Vehicle Specification Nameplate" somewhere in your rig that will list all the models of all the appliances installed. It'll look something like these:



Images found via Google Search

This will let us know what model of water heater you have. Since you don't have the model number on hand, let's go with some generalized assumptions:

Is the Propane actually firing, or does it just try to light three times? If it's just trying, you might have an issue with the propane flow, either tank not open fully, blockage in the line, etc...

If it's actually lighting, and not staying lit, it might be the flame sensor. It's lighting, but it's not telling the board that it's lighting so the board thinks the propane didn't light and shuts off the gas supply.

Again though, these are just generalized assumptions. What might be true for one of these models doesn't necessarily apply to all models.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Kaadk

When you get a chance, there should be a "Recreational Vehicle Specification Nameplate" somewhere in your rig that will list all the models of all the appliances installed. It'll look something like these:



Images found via Google Search

This will let us know what model of water heater you have. Since you don't have the model number on hand, let's go with some generalized assumptions:

I've never seen one of these nameplates on either my Roo or Mini Lite. Is it something specific to certain TT makes?

[Kaadk]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I've never seen one of these nameplates on either my Roo or Mini Lite. Is it something specific to certain TT makes?

My Flagstaff and the new Surveyor have both had them. They're not obvious, usually buried in a cupboard somewhere based on where I've found them in most rigs.

Edit: forgot to mention, I've seen them in Mini Lites, but I haven't been in a Roo to check it.

[Kaadk]

Hmm, actually, I just took a second look at those images and realized they both contain French. I wonder if it's a Canadian thing. Might explain why I've seen them in every rig I've ever gone looking for them in over here.

If they don't exist in the States, then my apologies. Didn't mean to send you on a wild goose chase.

Edit: Yep, seems to be a Canadian Standards thing: https://qai.org/z240rv/

Recreational Vehicle Specification Nameplate – typically located on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door

Again, sorry for the misinformation.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Kaadk

Hmm, actually, I just took a second look at those images and realized they both contain French. I wonder if it's a Canadian thing. Might explain why I've seen them in every rig I've ever gone looking for them in over here.

If they don't exist in the States, then my apologies. Didn't mean to send you on a wild goose chase.

If you read Note # (1) in the first picture, it tells you it is a CSA thing.

[seakayaker]

I've had this same problem. Here's what I did that seems to work well for me.


1) Open your propane tank valve for a few minutes before turning on the water heater. This will ensure there is good flow.
2) If you have more than one propane tank and they are inter-connected, open the valves on both of them a few minutes before turning on the water heater. Unfortunately, this negates the nicety of always knowing that you have at least one full tank but this process has worked for me.
3) Also, once turned on I leave the hot water heater on the entire stay. Doesn't seem to consume much propane as I'd have initially believed.

[Brother Les]

imo. Has it worked ok before??? You have air in the propane line and it needs to be purged. May take a few more tries before it works. When a unit is not used for a while, the propane bleeds out.


(Our fridge on 12v is the same way.... fires,air, fire, dies... wife says "fridge not working"... she goes away... fires right up)

[5picker]

Originally Posted by seakayaker

I've had this same problem. Here's what I did that seems to work well for me.


1) Open your propane tank valve for a few minutes before turning on the water heater. This will ensure there is good flow.
2) If you have more than one propane tank and they are inter-connected, open the valves on both of them a few minutes before turning on the water heater. Unfortunately, this negates the nicety of always knowing that you have at least one full tank but this process has worked for me.
3) Also, once turned on I leave the hot water heater on the entire stay. Doesn't seem to consume much propane as I'd have initially believed.

Caution, slight thread drift...
Once you learn how to read the auto switch-over indicator, the nicety of knowing you have at least one full tank will return.

[seakayaker]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Caution, slight thread drift...
Once you learn how to read the auto switch-over indicator, the nicety of knowing you have at least one full tank will return.

I'm not aware of such an indicator on mine. Certainly no indicator at the propane tanks themselves.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by seakayaker

I'm not aware of such an indicator on mine. Certainly no indicator at the propane tanks themselves.

Most all R/Vs with dual tanks that have auto switch-over valves, have an indicator. (there are some inexpensive ones that don't)

If yours doesn't have an auto switch-over with an indicator, get one.
There are many.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by seakayaker

I'm not aware of such an indicator on mine. Certainly no indicator at the propane tanks themselves.

We keep a FAQ on the propane automatic changeover valve and operation of at this FAQ:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...or-146655.html

[rockfordroo]

Back to the OP:

Light your stove for a minute or so. This will a) ensure you have gas from the tanks and b) purge the line of air.

[Allisfan]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Back to the OP:

Light your stove for a minute or so. This will a) ensure you have gas from the tanks and b) purge the line of air.

Did that, and the furnace

[Allisfan]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Most all R/Vs with dual tanks that have auto switch-over valves, have an indicator. (there are some inexpensive ones that don't)

If yours doesn't have an auto switch-over with an indicator, get one.
There are many.

This is a 2010 Sandpiper FW but no auto switch over