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markpenn's avatar
markpenn
Explorer
Mar 19, 2015

Yea retired !! First full timer needs help!!

Gas Water heater problems:( I have a 99 holiday Rambler in very good condition. Here is the scenario with heater; it takes many attempts to light. Turn on switch; signal " pilot light out". Couple more tries, same thing. Sometimes while trying to light a semi loud pop occurs from heater area. Like gas has built up and then when I try to relight the igniter worked. After sometimes four tries water heater starts working. Now when water temp ok heater shuts off; but no "pilot light out " signal like it should. While taking shower heater will come on like it suppose to reheat some more water. For safety reasons after hot water usage I shut off water heater switch. Next morning same issue. I replaced the controller circuit board this year because it was cracked, but still same problem. Also note it seems the heater will ignite with less tries after servicing bottles. I suspect the gas regulator/diaphragm area is the culprit, but?? Thanks in advance.
  • I had similar symptoms on my last trailer... bad electrical connections on the fuel valve... cleaned em up and put on some di-electric grease, reconnected and no problems after that.
  • May want to make sure Mud Daubers haven't made a hive in the exhaust end....usually if there is a "POP", or back pressure , something may be obstructing the path of the exhaust. If not that, then possibly something else like what has already been mentioned.
  • Sounds exactly what mine was doing. I think its your regulator too. Especially since it's a '99 model in Arizona. The arid climate can cause the rubber diaphragm to dryout, crack or get stiff.
  • Rust is a great insulator and a terrible conductor of electricity. Get a small wire brush, clean everything thoroughly, adjust the thermalcouple so it is in the flame and try again.