Problem with water heater

[BigRedLancer]

I have been experiencing problems with the water heater igniting, and a "cycling" sound when I finally got it to work. Some times I can not get it to ignite without the exterior access panel open. While relaxing at our camp site, I pull out the manual and it discussed cleaning a tube that may have spider webs in it. The tube is approx 3/4" with about 8 1/2" slots. I loosened the set screw and slid the tube so I could see if there was any restrictions. Couldn't find anything. When I moved the tube back to its original position, I realized that the 1/2" slots were half covered. The set screw is also in a slot so I decided to move the tube to expose all of the slots. I couldn't tell, from the manual, exactly what these slots do. I then tried to start the heater and it worked the first time. I have tried starting the heater every day and so far, it works on the first try. I guess the adjustment I made allowed more air to enter the ignition area. The heater had not made the "cycling" sound any more while it is running. Not sure what I did, but it seems to work better now?

[BigRedLancer]

I have been experiencing problems with the water heater igniting, and a "cycling" sound when I finally got it to work. Some times I can not get it to ignite without the exterior access panel open. While relaxing at our camp site, I pull out the manual and it discussed cleaning a tube that may have spider webs in it. The tube is approx 3/4" with about 8 1/2" slots. I loosened the set screw and slid the tube so I could see if there was any restrictions. Couldn't find anything. When I moved the tube back to its original position, I realized that the 1/2" slots were half covered. The set screw is also in a slot so I decided to move the tube to expose all of the slots. I couldn't tell, from the manual, exactly what these slots do. I then tried to start the heater and it worked the first time. I have tried starting the heater every day and so far, it works on the first try. I guess the adjustment I made allowed more air to enter the ignition area. The heater had not made the "cycling" sound any more while it is running. Not sure what I did, but it seems to work better now?

[Wizard]

Some times we just step in you know what and come out smelling like a rose.

[Beabop]

Our 04 was doing the same thing because it was not getting enough air. The new coaches now have an air slot in the side under the heater.

[Clay L]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BigRedLancer:
I have been experiencing problems with the water heater igniting, and a "cycling" sound when I finally got it to work. Some times I can not get it to ignite without the exterior access panel open. While relaxing at our camp site, I pull out the manual and it discussed cleaning a tube that may have spider webs in it. The tube is approx 3/4" with about 8 1/2" slots. I loosened the set screw and slid the tube so I could see if there was any restrictions. Couldn't find anything. When I moved the tube back to its original position, I realized that the 1/2" slots were half covered. The set screw is also in a slot so I decided to move the tube to expose all of the slots. I couldn't tell, from the manual, exactly what these slots do. I then tried to start the heater and it worked the first time. I have tried starting the heater every day and so far, it works on the first try. I guess the adjustment I made allowed more air to enter the ignition area. The heater had not made the "cycling" sound any more while it is running. Not sure what I did, but it seems to work better now?
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

As I recall the tube is moved until the flame is blue with very little yellow showing. That sounds like what you did.

There is some trouble shooting info on Atwood HW heaters on the web site that you can download and it has adjustment info as I recall. I don't know about Suburban.

There are two tubes that need to be clean, the one you worked with and the main combustion tube that the flame goes into. Both can have obstructions caused by insects. Mud daubers and wasps especially seem to like the combustion tube.

[BigRedLancer]

I also try to keep a fresh, pet, flea collar near the tubes. This is supposed to help keep the spiders, etc. from spending much time in the heater area.