Water Heater Soot

[dmullen]

Just got back from a camping trip and this is what the water heater looked like after 4 days. I could actually see black smoke coming from it on a few occasions.

Any ideas why it would be doing this?

[dmullen]

Thank you very much for the information. I plan to go to the camper today and check the area you suggested. This is the water heater...


I was also very surprised how dirty the inside of the water heater appears to be from what I can see in this plug after such little use. I had water shooting out of this plug also so I will be replacing it.

[CavemanCharlie]

Here are a couple of videos dealing with water heaters. I agree to look for bugs first before doing what the videos say but, these videos will help you to understand how water heaters work.



http://www.startrek.com/article/first-fully-working-communicator-coming-soon


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4iGnhYOawc

[BubbaChris]

Threads like this are why I keep reading this board. Not only are the replies aimed at being helpful, folks are adding photos to make sure they're spot on for us with less experience.

[Iraqvet05]

Leaf-Peeper wrote:

It could be caused by a spider. Take a small, long handle brush or use some compressed air to clean out any debris that could be inside the fuel supply tube (probably has a different name) from gas valve to the combustion area of the water heater.

Agreed. The air/propane mixture is off because of the restricted venturi. Look for a slotted opening like the one in this picture that is probably blocked by cobwebs.

[Campfire_Time]

I've had this happen. I now take an air hose to mine in the spring to clean out any critter nests.

[mhardin]

There is something restricting the air flow to the burner. Look for something like you see in the bottom right of the photo and make sure it is cleaned out.

[Leaf-Peeper]

dmullen wrote:

YC 1 wrote:
Hornets nest blocking the intake causing it to run rich.

Where do I look for that? I've always had a bug guard over the vent.

It could be caused by a spider. Take a small, long handle brush or use some compressed air to clean out any debris that could be inside the fuel supply tube (probably has a different name) from gas valve to the combustion area of the water heater.

[dmullen]

YC 1 wrote:
Hornets nest blocking the intake causing it to run rich.

Where do I look for that? I've always had a bug guard over the vent.

[YC_1]

Hornets nest blocking the intake causing it to run rich.