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Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
Camp__Forrest__
Explorer
Jun 24, 2013

Need help identifying water heater model.

I have a 1985 Lance camper. Last year, the igniter stopped "ticking" when it was switched on, but I could still light it with a BBQ lighter and the burner would kick on and off as needed.

This year, I can get the pilot to light and it will remain lit with the valve in the "PILOT" position. As soon as I move the valve to "ON", the flame goes out. I have decided to replace the igniter and burner assembly (very corroded), but I can't identify the make and model to find parts.

The labels are hard to read, but the model is identified as "F6-XRI" and the label says, "American Appliance MFG. Company". The only other legible number is in the upper left hand corner of the label and it says "6002018". I have attached a photo of the unit.

Photo sharing through Google Docs doesn't seem to work on here. I'm moving them to photobucket now. In the meantime, here are links:



Igniter module (bottom left).

8 Replies

  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jun 26, 2013
    Thanks for the update!
    Other appliances use similar technology for pilot light operations.
  • Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
    Camp__Forrest__
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2013
    Thanks for all of the feedback everyone. I replaced the thermocouple and we are up and running. I spoke with the tech about the functions of a water heater and was pretty surprised by how simple the operation is based on the micro voltage created by the thermocouple for the pilot and the "demand" system for the main burner. Thanks for the advice.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2013
    The thermocouple is just a safety device which allows the gas to flow. When you push the red buitton down, you are opening a valve which is held open by an electromagnet powered by the small current put out by a heated thermocouple. The gas valve actually opens and closes the main burner, and it has a probe which fits in to the tank.
    I have pictures of an Atwood at http://blog.rv.net/2008/02/lp-appliances-pilot-type-water-heaters/- different make and model, but they work the same way.
  • Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
    Camp__Forrest__
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2013
    Is there just the one thermocouple that sits by the burner assembly?

    I'm curious about how it knows when to kick on the burner since it doesn't contact the tank surface.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jun 24, 2013
    American Appliance became (or was acquired by) Suburban Manufacturing, and is an F-6, though it is identical to a number of models, including the most common RV-6.

    I would start with the thermocouple- a universal 18" will work fine.
  • Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
    Camp__Forrest__
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    Weird, the pictures show upside down for me on here, but they are right side up on photobucket.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jun 24, 2013
    I would suggest testing the thermal couple.
    Disconnect from gas valve, connect a voltmeter to the thermal couple. One lead to the outside tube, the other lead to the center core conductor. Use a long lighter, apply flame to thermal couple tip. With meter set to millivolt, you should get 35 millivolts or greater. No voltage thermal couple is bad.
    Check the coil inside the gas valve by, connecting one lead to housing and the other to the center point inside the gas valve. Meter on resistance you should have continuity of around 200 ohms(?).
    Gas valves are fairly common. Difference is the connections of the gas line and burner tube.
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Jun 24, 2013
    Call American Appliance MFG, Co. (818) 901-1955 in Santa Monica, CA. maybe they can help.

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