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allkidd's avatar
allkidd
Explorer
Apr 11, 2013

How water heater shutting off

I have a 2001 Attwood, Manual light hot water heater. This is my first camper as we just purchased it a few months ago. My problem is that the hot water heater keeps shutting off. I can easily light the pilot and it will usually stay lit for several hours doing a good job of warming the water. Then at some point in time we hear a fairly loud popping sound and the pilot goes out. I replaced the thermocoupler but that didn't seem to fix the problem.

The furnace continues to work fine so I know that it isn't a matter of the source of propane. After it shuts off I can re-light the pilot without any problem and it will typically stay lit for several more hours. I don't think that the wind is a problem as it seems to happen regardless of the wind conditions.

Thanks!

9 Replies

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  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    May 25, 2013
    allkidd wrote:
    ......

    The furnace continues to work fine so I know that it isn't a matter of the source of propane. .....

    Thanks!


    This in itself is no guarantee you do not have an oil trap in the copper line to the WH. An oil trap can be temperature dependent, if warm it can pass gas but not when it is cold because of changing viscosity.
  • HAPPY_CAMPER_IN's avatar
    HAPPY_CAMPER_IN
    Explorer
    May 25, 2013
    its being blown out by main burner flame. same as other guy. when i hear it pop at ignition or shutoff, i check and pilot is out. the burner is causing it to go out....just not sure what i can do to stop that "pop".....hoping someone hear can point me in right direction
  • HAPPY_CAMPER_IN's avatar
    HAPPY_CAMPER_IN
    Explorer
    May 25, 2013
    hi, i;ve been having identical problem since i got tt last year. the heater was just replaced also, just before i got it. wondering how you made out with this?
  • allkidd's avatar
    allkidd
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2013
    Thanks for the responses!

    When I installed the thermocoupler I cleaned everything that I could but probably missed some vital areas. I have the manual so will pull it out and see if it addresses cleaning.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 11, 2013
    Pilot Flame size is regulated by gas pressure and pilot orifice
    It should be high enough to engulf the thermocouple

    The gas pressure, air shutter cleanliness of the burner tube and orifice regulate the main burner flame.
    The main burner flame should be mainly blue with a trace of yellow and fairly quiet.
    If it is not, adjust the gas pressure to 11" W.C., ensure that the main burner air shutter is 1/4 way open and verify that the main burner flame spreader is square to the end of the main burner.


    A good cleaning (using a small bottle brush not just blowing air) of burner tube and combustion/exhaust chamber usually will resolve most pilot/main flame problems. Clean orifices using alcohol and blowing air thru them.

    Service Manual LINK
  • Cobra21's avatar
    Cobra21
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2013
    In agreement with cleaning. I wonder if the pilot flame is too small?
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2013
    Sounds like it needs a good cleaning/maintenance. The pop might be when the main burner goes to light it is actually blowing out the pilot. If you have a manual look for the cleaning procedure or Google the water heater model number to find an online manual.

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