Forum Discussion

timn's avatar
timn
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013

Hot waterheater problem

We are getting ready for a trip and testing everything out and hot water heater to burning dirty. It's sooting up the outside of the camper. It's not burning with a good flame. I have cleaned the office but no help. Any ideas maybe the regulator?
  • You might also want to check the vent on the gas valve. Mine had a very small opening and was clogged. If it's clogged the valve will not work properly.
  • timn wrote:
    We are getting ready for a trip and testing everything out and hot water heater to burning dirty. It's sooting up the outside of the camper. It's not burning with a good flame. I have cleaned the office but no help. Any ideas maybe the regulator?


    Why do you want to heat hot water?

    Maybe that is the problem...;)
  • We had the same problem. We bought a small brush from an rv supply store and ran it thru the burner tube.It had a spider web in it. The brush is similer to what you would use to clean your gun barrels.
    We were told it's a common problem. We keep the brush in the camper.
  • When I bought my camper, the dealer told me to periodically buy dog flea and tick collars, cut them into pieces and place them around areas I didn't want webs or nests ocurring.
  • starcraft69 wrote:
    I had a small nest or spider nest in my exhaust. It did the same thing blackend the outside bad, after it burned off all was good. I now check it befor we take off if it has been awhile since last trip.


    X2. Been there done that several times over the years. After you get it fixed, put a piece of hardware cloth in the water heater vent to prevent spiders and bugs from entering.

    wayne
  • I had a small nest or spider nest in my exhaust. It did the same thing blackend the outside bad, after it burned off all was good. I now check it befor we take off if it has been awhile since last trip.