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profdant139's avatar
profdant139
Explorer II
May 31, 2014

How to adjust pilotless water heater for high altitude?

We just got back from a week of camping at 9500 feet -- great trip! But the water heater struggled -- if I did not leave the cover completely open, it would soon quit. With the door open, it worked ok. This is one of those newfangled pilotless things.

Is there any way to adjust the burner so that it will stay lit at high altitudes? We are hoping to go to Colorado one of these days, and there are campgrounds at 10,000 feet or higher.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

3 Replies

  • It's starving for air....the high altitude kit has a smaller main gas orifice for better air/fuel ratio

    Leave the door open or get the kit for when you are above 5500' and then change back to OEM assembly when you are below 5500' elevation.

    Pilot light models have the same issues.
  • If it's a Suburban, there's a burner available with a "high altitude orifice". link

    I think, though, you might have to switch back when camped at lower elevations.

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