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RedHeadedStrang's avatar
RedHeadedStrang
Explorer
Sep 08, 2014

Water Heater Pilot Light Issue

Hey, has anyone ever had a problem with their pilot light being lit, but won't light the gas? The gas will turn on and there will be a about 30 to 45 seconds go by and then the space will fill with gas and BANG - it will light the excess gas. The power of the bang will then blow out the pilot light along with sounding like bomb going off in the back of the trailer. I'm very new to RV'ing, I just bought one for the deer lease. If anyone has any ideas ...PLEASE let me know!!! Thanks!!
Seeking Advice

8 Replies

  • RedHeadedStrang's avatar
    RedHeadedStrang
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2014
    I ddnt think its spider webs because ive hadthe gas on a few times over the last few months. Ive evenhad to change out the pilot light because it wouldnt stay lit. Thanls for ALL the replies!!
  • RedHeadedStrang's avatar
    RedHeadedStrang
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2014
    Im not experienced at it, but i think i know exactly what your talking about Don. Old Biscuit may have a good idea as well with the pilot light not positioned correctly.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2014
    RedHeadedStarnger.......If the coach has been sitting for awhile, it's not uncommon for the curved silver tube (gas tube about 3/4" in diameter and about 10" long to have a critter like a spider or wasp build a nest inside the tube. The spiders actually build a solid web inside the tube and block the flow of gas.

    There is an air to fuel adjustment on that same tube. If you're not experienced with this type of appliance, I would have someone who is adjust it.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Sep 09, 2014
    Water-Bug wrote:
    Spider webs in the burner tube.


    My guess. Or wasp nests. Or, heck, hundred dollar bills somebody stuffed in there for safe keeping? (Might as well dream big, eh?)
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 08, 2014
    *Burner tube dirty......clean tube with bottle brush
    *Main burner orifice dirty...clean orifice with alcohol
    *Burner tube not properly aligned......gas needs to flow down the middle of tube otherwise it bounces around inside tube and flow is disrupted
    *Burner plate not parallel to end of tube.
    *Pilot flame not positioned over main flame
    *Combustion/exhaust chamber dirty........run a wire thru 'U' tube, tie rag to wire, pull rag back thru chamber
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 08, 2014
    Few of us have a rig old enough to have a pilot light. We have no idea what yours is.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Sep 08, 2014
    Sounds like it needs cleaning. Burner tube pilot orifice maybe the burner orifice.

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