Furnace exhaust smell

When rigs have been sitting for a while furnace strange smells can be common - s/b lots of threads on this subject. Some will just open the windows and let the furnace run for 20 minutes or so. If that doesn't fix then have it inspected.

Thanks, sounds like I better look for a pro. This is not burning dust, I know that Oder this is propane burning exhaust, like burn the nose and hard to breath. Anyone know of a good rv repair in the Dallas area??

As others have said, it's very common to get a burning smell when first firing up a furnace. Dust and anything else that settles on the hot surfaces burns but the smell usually goes away after a short time. Furnace exhaust really shouldn't have any smell.

I agree get it checked out and tuned up and be sure your CO (NOT CO2 Folks!!) detector is newer and has fresh batteries.

Tom_M wrote:
Since this is a diesel coach, is it possible the furnace runs on diesel? That could account for a strong smell and puffs of black smoke.

I seriously doubt the dameon ultrasport ever had Aqua or hydro hot heat systems

Licreek wrote:
Hello all,I have a 99 Damon Ultrasport. I just purchased it and I'm a newbee in class A. I fired up the furnace yesterday. Two things I noticed. One is the exhaust smell inside the rig was heavy and two I noticed some small puffes of black smoke from the exhaust. So my question is does this sound like a maintenance issue or a defective part in the furnace? Thanks for any information, Lee

when you say exhaust smell? Does it smells like LPG? or as in most MH after sitting long periods and first run the furnaces you get that hot almost burn smell???

Since this is a diesel coach, is it possible the furnace runs on diesel? That could account for a strong smell and puffs of black smoke.

A burnt smell is common when you first crank up a heater that has not been used in 4-8 months. If the smell is the same as what you smell at the outside exhaust you have serious/deadly problems. I would open the windows and let the heater run for an hour without you inside. Shut it off and let the rig air out for half an hour without you inside. Crank it back up and smell if you still have a oder. A know working CO detector at a vent might help confirm.

As a fellow DIY guy, take this advice at you own risk. It's a heat exchanger, meaning that there are two completely separate and isolated heat chambers. The burning chamber intakes and vents outside, burns propane and exhausts carbon monoxide (among other things). The heater chamber intakes and exhausts air into the coach and should be clean air coming and going. Any leakage between the two can/will cause carbon monoxide to get into the coach (deadly-make sure your CO2 detector/alarm is working), smoke to get into the coach, etc. A early season "burning" smell in the coach is typical of the first use burning off dust in the system. Visible smoke in the outside system is indicative of incomplete burning which can be poor fuel/air adjustment, blockage (dirt dauber nests) in the heat exchanger, etc. Compressed air blown through the two systems every year can clean out minor stuff, or provide indication of more severe blockage. Mine can be removed for bench repair as a complete unit. Good to do every couple of years anyhow. I keep screens (camping supply house)over the outside intake/exhaust ports to discourage insects. Turn off gas, disconnect DC voltage, disconnect control lines, disconnect gas lines and remove unit. On the bench, disassemble, clean, inspect (especially the heat exchangers), lubricate, repair as necessary, reassemble and reinstall. I recommend replacing the whole unit if you find any problems with the heat exchanger, everything else can be replaced. Not difficult nor strenuous process, a half day's work unless major problems are found. Proceed with caution!

Sounds to me like a cremated mud duaber nest or 2. Screened covers for the furnace exhaust are cheap btw.

Is there information on this site with a list of qualified honest rv repair shops? I am currently in the Dallas area.