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jfkmk's avatar
jfkmk
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013

Weak flame on Atwood water heater

We have an Atwood water heater in our 2-year old TT. It is a manual lighted unit (have to light the pilot light - yeah, it is an entry level camper). While camping this weekend, I was able to light the pilot light with no problems. When I turned the valve to "On", instead of getting a nice strong blue flame, I got a very weak yellow flame. The propane level is good, and everything else that uses propane works great.

We just got back, so I'll be checking it out later today. I was going to first check out the tube from the valve to the burner to see if anything crawled in there and built a nest (I've heard of spiders getting into grill tubes). Beyond that, I'm not sure what the problem might be, and I wanted to reach out to see if anyone else has had similar problems.

Thanks for any help!

8 Replies

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  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2013
    RJsfishin wrote:
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    I'll go out on a limb, and guarantee it is not a clogged orifice, rather it is a spider web in the burner tube. You must run a brush through it- blowing out will not do.


    I wouldn't say you are wrong, but every time I've seen that happen, Ive gotten "burnback" and it blows the thermo fuse that is placed there for that purpose.


    If it is completely blocked, it can blow back, but a small web is enough to slow the flow of LP enough that it doesn't get enough oxygen, plus the OP has a pilot type.

    I can count on one hand the times when I found a clogged water heater orifice.
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    I'll go out on a limb, and guarantee it is not a clogged orifice, rather it is a spider web in the burner tube. You must run a brush through it- blowing out will not do.


    I wouldn't say you are wrong, but every time I've seen that happen, Ive gotten "burnback" and it blows the thermo fuse that is placed there for that purpose.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    Thanks all, for your replies. I removed and cleaned the burner tube. There was nothing I could really say "AHA, that's the problem", there were no bugs, etc in the tube. I also checked the gas lines to see if anything was damaged, but there wasn't. After cleaning the tube, I reassembled and lit the water heater. Seems to be working great now. Guess I'll add a small socket wrench and pipe cleaners to my toolbox!
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2013
    I'll go out on a limb, and guarantee it is not a clogged orifice, rather it is a spider web in the burner tube. You must run a brush through it- blowing out will not do.
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    You already said all else work fine.
    Unless the air adjustment somehow got closed or blocked, I think it has to be a parcially plugged orfice, none of which is hard to check/see. But be careful poking a very small wire thru it.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 22, 2013
    How does the other propane appliances work? Turn on stove top with at least two burners lit. Could be defective regulator if they do not burn blue.
    Ys, it could be clogged orifice if other appliances work properly. Soak in alcohol, then blow out. Do not use pins or needles as they can damage the small opening.
  • SWD's avatar
    SWD
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    Usuallya blocked or dirty orifice and burner tube. You may also consider cleaning your flue.

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