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Hemi_Joel's avatar
Hemi_Joel
Explorer
Mar 14, 2019

Suburban LP water heater malfunction, need help.

Hi, I am on a road trip with my 2018 Eagle Cap 1165, and the water heater has malfunctioned. I hope someone can help me with info to get it running. It is a Suburban SW6D, SN 171504878. LP only, no 110v. Last night I noticed that it lit and shut off about 3 times, then stayed unlit. The fault light next to the switch remains lit when ever the switch is on. This morning, I turned off the switch inside the camper for a while, then when I turned it back on, I could hear the gas valve solenoid open and close 3 times, but no flame. I went outside and opened the cover of the water heater, and pressed the reset button, but could not feel any movement of the button. (under a rubber cover) Then I turned off the switch inside the camper to reset the start up cycle, and when I turned it back on, I ran outside to observe. The gas valve was opening, but no spark to light it. The next time the gas valve opened, I lit it with a lighter, and it fired, but only for a couple seconds and then the gas valve shut. I repeated this process a couple times, with the same results.
The batteries are fully charged, and there is 1-1/4 bottles of propane. The furnace and the stove both operate properly, proving a proper gas supply. I hate having to go to a dealer for repairs, especially on a road trip with a schedule. I have tools, a digital multi meter, and good mechanical/electrical skills. But it would be good to hear from the voice of experience before I go any further.
Thanks,
Joel
  • Hemi Joel wrote:
    Maybe I need to carry a dinosaur as a spare.


    A good idea. I bet the board you pulled looked like THIS.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Got good DC otherwise gas valve solenoids would NOT be energized/valve opening

    NO Spark........

    You have either:
    Bad ground
    Bad spark electrode
    Bad electrode wire connections
    Bad circuit board

    12V DC Circuit



    Inspect electrode for crack in porcelain, proper gap (1/8”)or carbon build up on tip, ensure that spark is present at electrode tip, inspect burner for debris, inspect electrode wire for short (including against the back side fo the appliance door when in closed position), check electrode wire connections...clean/tight
    Replace electrode.....otherwise circuit board is faulty

    Electrode part number --- Suburban 232258
    Circuit board part number..Suburban 520814


    This is your resident expert. Thanks Old Biscuit, got the refer back on line.
  • My original circuit board failed after owning my coach for 3 months. After reading the high failure rate reports on the OEM boards, I opted to bite the bullet and just buy the Dinosaur board. It works fine of course, time will tell if it holds up. But the warranty is much better.

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