Furnace problems

[meadowcreek]

Went to turn on the furnace for the first time this year and the fan came on but just cold air, no heat, it seems like it couldn't ignite. The air coming out was cool and could get hot like it usually does. My first thought is it needs to be cleaned. There are 2 vents on the outside, any idea how to clean them out? Assuming one it to bring in air and one exhaust? Is it ok to clean out both? I saw one person use canned air, but I was wondering if that would cause the dirt to get deeper inside. Any thoughts? It is a suburban furnace in a Sun-Lite camper. Thanks

[meadowcreek]

thank you for all the answers. Camper is a 2000 so it is an older furnace. And yes we are the third owners and I think it is safe to say it hasn't been cleaned. Just wanted to figure out how to do a very simple cleaning before we bring it to someone, and thank you for the idea on the manuals. I will start there.

[westend]

I'd suggest to remove the cover on the exhaust/inlet piping on the exterior of the Sunlite and vacuum out as much debris as possible. You can also push compressed air through those pipes. If you use air, open up the furnace and clean out all of the crud you blew into it and clean up the burner assembly.

I'm going to assume no one has serviced the furnace since new. If you aren't familiar with maintenance procedures, take the furnace to someone that is or call a mobile tech.

Another thing you could do is find the model number of the furnace and visit Chris Bryant's website (Bryant RV) and download the service manual for your furnace. Thanks Chris, for making these available!

The service manual has a trouble shooting chart and maintenance procedures outlined.

[kampinguru]

I had the same issue and it turned out that the gas tube on the top of the furnace was corroded and some rust had fallen down and blocked the gas port. Had to remove the tube and clean it and clean up the rust on the gas valve.

[bigbad1ton]

Just went through a similar issue last weekend. Turned on the furnace and had no click for the auto ignitrr. Removed the igniter and found a huge dirt dobber nest on the end. Cleaned the igniter and all is well.

[Reddog1]

I think this thread be best served in the Tech Issues Forum. Moved from the TC Forum.

Wayne
Moderator

[Old-Biscuit]

Did you hear it 'clicking' like it was sparking but no main flame?

Might need to try it several times in order to get proper propane flow established to furnace.

No clicking then you need to check if it is getting 12V DC

Fan comes on.gets up to speed....closes sail-switch (enough air flow) then DC Voltage goes thru sail switch & high limit switch to control board.
DC then would go to spark electrode/gas valve.
But it has to get to control board first

[Kayteg1]

Over the years the technology changed a lot, so knowing the furnace age would narrow possibilities.
Older furnace will have pilot light and heat generator that opens the electrovalve.
Newer furnace had computer board and automatic igniter.