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Rocking_B's avatar
Rocking_B
Explorer
Mar 09, 2017

Water heater help

We have a Suburban SW6 DE just got back off a short camping trip and had this problem soon as we got set up. When we tried to light it on gas the igniter started and the burner lit but the igniter stayed on firing and the burner and igniter shut off. It would go thru the cycle again and do the same thing. While the igniter was firing the lights in the camper would flicker. It works fine on electric and never had this problem before. Thanks in advance for any help.
  • Don, the flame sensor you are referring to I assume is the electrode that creates the spark for ignition ? Thanks Bruce
  • Spark electrode has 2 functions
    1) to ignite the main flame
    2) PROVE main flame lit

    Main flame generates a milivolt signal via flame ionization. This signal goes back to circuit board to PROVE main flame lit (all's OK...no raw fuel)
    If electrode is dirty....signal can't be transmitted
    If electrode out of position (engulfed in flame)----no signal
    If electrode ceramic is cracked...signal goes to ground
    If electrode high tension wire loose/dirty...no signal

    Remember it is just a milivolt and doesn't take much resistance etc to stop it from getting back to circuit board

    Lights flickering when spark electrode firing.......
    Low DC Voltage or voltage interrupted
    On battery power...check battery voltage
    On shore power....check converter DC output (S/B 13.2V Minimum)
  • Two things did you have the gas on or just refill the tanks and how long did the unit sit not plugged in
  • I had 1 tank filled but I checked the stove and oven and no problems there.It was less then 2 hours from the time we unplugged at our house and plugged back in at the park. Old-Biscuit I will replace the electrode in case the ceramic is cracked, clean connections and reposition from your information that seems likely that that is the problem. Thanks for the information.
  • Lights flickering ???

    Like said above, low battery voltage could be causing the whole problem
  • Thanks everyone for the advise I cleaned the connections, repositioned the electrode,cleaned the orifice and it's working good as new. The lights flickering was a problem with the battery so it's fixed to. Thanks again

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