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Casinojunkie's avatar
Casinojunkie
Explorer
Jan 29, 2016

Atwood furnace heating issues?

I have the Atwood hydro flame furnace model #8531-IV 30,000 btu, using a Dometic Duo-therm thermostat.
This furnace has been running very well up until this morning.
Last night, as always, before going to bed I shut the thermostat off.
Upon arising I switched the thermostat to furnace as always.
Furnace within about 5-10 seconds blower started, ran about 10-15 seconds, igniter sparked lighting the burner, as usual.
The burner burned about 3-5 minutes then shut off for about 3-5 min.
did this several times.
Thermostat set for 72* reading was 58*, outside temp was 48*,
thermostat reading would not rise above 64*, turned thermostat to 82* temp inside did climb some but shut off before reaching set temp.
Trying to isolate the problem. Thinking maybe thermostat or limit switch???? Need input for troubleshooting. Thank you

16 Replies

  • Casinojunkie wrote:
    The burner burned about 3-5 minutes then shut off for about 3-5 min. did this several times.
    Yes sounds like your furnace is improperly cycling against the high limit switch due to inadequate air flow.

    Switch probably gave up from over use.

    See page 27 for minimum air flow requirements.
  • It's called 'limiting'

    High Temp Limit Switch is shutting burner down due to high temp and then when it cools down it refires.....cycle repeats

    Could be temp rises too fast.....over firing due to high propane pressure (S/B 11" WC)

    Could be due to restricted discharge air flow.....too many registers closed off, collapsed duct work, obstruction/blockage in duct

    Could be due to insufficient return air flow.....obstruction/blockage at return air path or at furnace case

    Defective High Temp Limit Switch.....have to pull furnace to access switch
    Your limit switch is L190 (190*F) part # 37022
  • Toddupton wrote:
    Propane tank empty?

    Thank you for the idea. Checked the tanks and they are full with all valves turned on.
  • It is NOT the Tstat. It is an operational problem in the furnace internal controls. I would lean to a BAD Hi Limit switch on the furnace. The symptoms point to that. Doug

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