Atwood water heater igniter, constant?

[pcoplin]

So this is my first auto-piezo-igniter water heater. When I initially turn on the igniter, it clicks real fast.

Both after the pilot is lit and the burner is on, it continues to ignite (click) at half time.

Here is a video, it starts out with the pilot on (piezo still igniting, but slower). I can turn off the igniter and the heater will work as long as the pilot is lit, however isn;t the piezo supposed to engage when the pilot goes out for any reason? Or do I turn the igniter off after it's lit?

[pcoplin]

Yeah, the pilot stays on. The igniter just continues clicking, but slower.

Looking at the wiring and the unit, there's only 3 wires to the spark module.

1: 12 v from the camper, shares with the hot water heater.
2: Ground to the case
3: output to the igniter


So unless the igniter is also supposed to act as a thermocouple, it's not an auto relight heater. Although I'm not sure why it slows to half speed when flame is applied. Hmmm..

[bigfootford]

PILOT OUTAGE WHEN BUTTON OR KNOB IS RELEASED
Thermocouple not hot --------------------------Hold button or knob for 30 seconds before releasing Thermocouple loose ----------------------------Tighten connection at gas control
Weak thermocouple------------------------------Replace thermocouple
Weak gas control magnet ----------------------Replace gas control
Defective E.C.O. in control ----------------------Replace gas control

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/atwoodwaterheater.pdf

We all need to thank Bryant's Rv for providing his website and documents! He is a great guy!

Jim

[bigfootford]

The tip of the ignitor probe should be 1/8in from the burner....

Check the section "how to clean ignition module

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/operating/atwood1.pdf


If the thermocouple is not working the pilot will not remain on,

Jim

[jmcgsd]

Yes the idea is to leave the igniter on to handle relighting if the flame is blown out. The one on my '95 Lance works perfectly.

I have a DSI water heater in the TT and I've noticed that I hear the spark continuing for some time after the heater ignites. I'm thinking its a similar issue to what you are describing and that the thermocouple is not close enough to the flame and consequently is taking a bit too long to detect that the heater lit.

[pcoplin]

Thanks Bill, I'll try that.

I can't seem to find the manual on it, Can you verify then that I'm supposed to be able to leave that igniter on?

[BillL1356]

Check to see if is in the flame. I had a similar or the same problem and I found that the igniter was positioned too high and off to the right not only did it continue to click but because it didn't get hot enough it kicked off the heater. The fix was simple. I adjusted the position of the igniter using a pair of needle nose pliers and a little trial and error.

Bill