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Heynow999's avatar
Heynow999
Explorer
Oct 03, 2016

Suburban sf30-f troubles

HI

I have a 2008 5th wheel with a Suburban sf30-f furnace. It has given me endless trouble through the years, to the point that we would just stay in hotels on our way to Florida and not use it at all. I have bought a new 5th wheel so I have come to the realization that I need to fix it. I am going right now to remove it from the RV an I would like to get some recommendations as to what parts I should replace to do a rebuild of the furnace. My plan is to replace the cheap and easy parts that would typically wear or break, and then look to troubleshoot it from there if it doesnt work.
I build custom trailers at work so I have installed several furnaces, but I have not had to deal with repairs. I have had training to make and test gas connections.

Thanks
  • Heynow999's avatar
    Heynow999
    Explorer
    Oct 04, 2016
    So here is what I ended up doing.
    I ran it on my bench. I was only getting 2 volts from the sail switch. I by passed the sail switch and it continued through the cycle. I could hear the gas valve open, and the igniter sparking. I tested the high limit switch and it was working, at least it was closed at room temperature, not sure if it will open when over heated. Since I am selling it, I figured I am just going to replace what I can see is broken.
    My local dealer did have a sail switch, so I picked it up and installed it. I bought a regulator and hose and bench tested it with propane and it ran. Re installed it and everything worked. $24 part. Wife was mad that I didn't do it when we were using it.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2016
    Cheap and easy parts would be sail switch, limit switch and electrode- I find as many limit switches bad as sail switches, but I rarely have to change an electrode.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2016
    Heynow999 wrote:
    It would go through the start up sequence then not fire up. Changed the board twice, changed the regulator.

    Exactly what we experienced on a previous trailer....sail switch fixed it.
  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2016
    Have you ensured that you do not have oil 'P' traps in the copper propane line to the furnace.
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2016
    look at this
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foPtSXWNrXc

    But for the price I would buy a new one and be done

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suburban-SF-30-F-Ducted-Heater-RV-Camper-Trailer-Furnace-30-000-BTU-LP-Gas-SF30F-/401196623524?hash=item5d692ea6a4:g:KPwAAOSwLF1X6ul4&vxp=mtr

    You can get in deep quick replacing parts.

    $125.00 control board
    $100.00 motor
  • Heynow999's avatar
    Heynow999
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2016
    The endless troubles were it just not firing up. It would go through the start up sequence then not fire up. Changed the board twice, changed the regulator. It would work for one vacation then not work the next vacation. Im not really looking for advice to fix it yet, im more looking for what wear and tear items I should replace when I have it on my workbench

    Right away it looks like the sail switch, any more ideas.

    I have no local dealers that carry parts so I need to put a list together to order it online. The local dealer even said to order the parts online!
    $125/hr shop charge!
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2016
    First, what kind of, "endless trouble through the years," are you having with it?
    Being a little more specific will help in getting specific answers.

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