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jodeb720's avatar
jodeb720
Explorer
Jul 28, 2018

Surburban Water Heater - Not staying lit

I have a SW6DE water heater.

Ever since I've had this unit, I've had to blow out the main tube (where the flame burns into - or it won't ignite.

I've cleaned out the burner tube a few times as well - insuring there are no spider webs in it - but as long as I blow it out well, it ignites.

On this trip, I had the same issue. Disassemble the burner tube, remove all the extra protection and blow it all out - it's clean.

But it ignites right away, then about 10 seconds later it starts sparking (like it's not sensed the burner is on - and I can hear it burning). Then the flame goes out, and it tries to ignite, there's a build up of gas, and it "gently" ignites but doesn't burn. Then it goes out.

I'm at a bit of a conundrum on this. My Atwood never did this on my TT when I owned it. Just this surburban.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

josh

6 Replies

  • jodeb720's avatar
    jodeb720
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2018
    Doug,

    Since I'm such a professional now at disassembling this thing, I'll disassemble it and clean the flue completely - more than just blowing out the loose scale in the flue.

    Thanks so much for the suggestion!

    Josh
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jul 28, 2018
    You probably have a blockage in the burner FLUE, not the burner tube. The tell is, you left the door open and it appeared to run better. I use a water hose and run water from the TOP(exit) to flood the passage out the bottom where the burner is. Also, use some type of flexible snake after the water is run to knock loose any debris that the water did not wash loose. Mud nests and other insects can build in that curved tube and you cannot see them. Doug

    PS You can take it loose(Burner) and roll a golf ball in the exit and see if it comes out the bottom.
  • jodeb720's avatar
    jodeb720
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2018
    interesting footnote.

    I opened the external door to view the flame and it's color - and left it open. Now it's been cycling (family is taking showers and doing dishes).

    Airflow issue in the mixing tube maybe?
  • jodeb720's avatar
    jodeb720
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2018
    I have 11" of pressure - I measured it a while ago because I thought I had an issue. I replaced it about 3-4 years ago when I got a bad batch of propane and the pressure was below 11".

    I'll google the service manual and check the flame sensor location and settings

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