Atwood GH66E water heater runs but keeps sparking

[maillemaker]

Hi all,

Lately I have noticed that my ancient (27-year-old) Atwood GH66E water heater lights off fine, but it keeps sparking as if it is not lit.

Today I opened up the access panel and noticed the control module housing is melted! I can see a little lightbulb inside the module now that flashes with every spark.

Movie here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QOLPvltitM

It looks to me like the module melted itself, not that the burner melted it, or I would expect to see more evidence of flame outside the burner chamber.

Do you think the module ate itself?

Also, is this a good replacement?

https://www.makariosrv.com/dinosaur-universal-ignitor-board-with-post-small-uib-s-post/

Anyone recommend a better or different replacement?

Steve

Edit:

I'm confused. My module says:

Mark 10-12-2-5.5-5.5-E310

But, Atwood P/N MPD91731

91731 leads me to:
https://www.makariosrv.com/dinosaur-replacement-ignitor-board-uibs/

But Mark 10-12-2-5.5-5.5-E310 leads me to:
https://www.makariosrv.com/dinosaur-universal-ignitor-board-with-post-large-uib-l-post/

The last one looks more like mine.

Picture of control module label:
https://i.imgur.com/QA2ywf2.jpg

[maillemaker]

I called Dinosaur Electronics and they said that they are able to sense the flame through the ignitor electrode, so there is no need for a separate sense line.

[maillemaker]

OK got it installed:

https://i.imgur.com/0d7wmvZ.jpg

It's pretty neat - it lights up green when firing, and then turns red when lit. I cut the resistor so that it lights instantly instead of 20-second delay, per the instructions.

I'm still a bit concerned that there is no flame sense provision.

Steve

[maillemaker]

My control board came in, ( https://www.makariosrv.com/dinosaur-universal-ignitor-board-with-post-large-uib-l-post/ )but where does the black wire go? The old board had a black wire running into the burner chamber to some kind of sensor, next to the sparking electrode.

How is that hooked up?

Here is a picture of the old assembly and the new one:

https://i.imgur.com/xtK4nLL.jpg?1

I notice here:

http://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/Tech_FAQ_Page.htm

It says:

"Q: The Ignitor board that came out of the appliance uses an external sense wire, what do I do?
A: All of the UIB's work without the need of an external sense wire."

I assume that this is an external sense connection.

Is it safe to run without something sensing the flame?

Steve

[maillemaker]

OK I have ordered the Large board and their replacement cover. $92 shipped. A lot cheaper than a new heater and having to crack open this old RV and try to hook everything up.

Hope it works!

Steve

[maillemaker]

Looks like they also sell a replacement cover:

https://www.makariosrv.com/replacement-ignitor-board-cover-large-largecover/

Steve

[maillemaker]

OK, I have removed my control unit from the heater again and taken some more pictures. It appears that mine is the larger unit.

Album here:
https://imgur.com/a/5td1M

The problem is, my protective cover is melted, as you can see from the photos.

I could just cut away the melt and screw on some plate or something to fix it, but are replacement covers available?

Steve

[maillemaker]

Thanks Old Biscuit!

I think I will try the board replacement (I'm going to go pull it out again and measure it) as $100 is a lot better than $450, but it's nice to know that if I need a new unit one is there!

Steve

[Old-Biscuit]

Best price on a NEW Atwood GH6-8E ---direct replacement


USED...contact Colaw and check pricing on an Atwood GH6-8E

[maillemaker]

Thanks Old Biscuit for the info in the dino board.

I know the motor aid has nothing to do with the control board - I was asking Kevin what an appropriate replacement would be for my entire unit, and I would need one that has the motor aid functionality.

Steve

[Old-Biscuit]

Only difference between the two Dino Boards is their SIZE --- both use same 'spark plug' post connection to transformer on board

UIB S post------3.25 X 4.25
UIB L post------3.43 X 5.10

UIB S will need mounting plate and protective cover
UIB L will ONLY need protective cover
Mounting plate to line up with OEM mounting holes
Protective cover due to outside environment/exposure

The transformer on board produces ~2000V DC...that can get hot/melt plastic due to high resistance

Along with board replacement.....spark electrode/ground rod assembly also


Motor Aid doesn't have anything to do with circuit board.
It is just a 1/2" 'U' tube welded to backside of water heater tank and has engine coolant connected to it.
When driving hot engine coolant circulates thru tube heating water to MAX of 130*F---depending on length of drive time and engine coolant temp>

[maillemaker]

What would be an appropriate replacement model? My water heater has a Motor Aid function.

Steve

[ksg5000]

Even a dinosaur control module will cost you upwards of $90 with shipping - since your water heater is 27 years old you might consider buying a new one which you can pick up for about $280 delivered. Just a thought.