Community Forums

DancingBull · 08-11-2016, 02:39 PM

Hi everyone. I’m hoping someone can help me with an issue with my Atwood Water Heater and getting it lit.

Here’s some background: A month ago we upgraded from our pop up to a new (to us) 2000 29’ Fleetwood Terry travel trailer 27x. The person I bought it from owned it 6 years and only camped via hookups. I’m somewhat handy (thanks to the wonderful advice, how-to’s and videos posted on the Internet by people like you) and was able to stop the A/C from dripping due to condensation and resurrect the water pump.

The model of water heater is CG6AA-8, works on gas and electric and is a pilot ‘start’. It has the “blue” pilot button, Robertshaw thermostat. I verified there is water in the tank and it works on electricity. There is plenty of gas in both propane tanks. I can’t for the life of me get anything at all to come out of the pilot. Gas to the stove works ok, I even kept the stove burners on as I tried most of this. I tried both propane tanks (2 tanks going into 1 regulator) via the left or right regulator switch.

I followed the gas line all the way under the trailer and couldn’t see any cut-off switches. I held the pilot switch open for 3 minutes with a BBQ lighter and there is no hint of gas coming through it, no flicker, no smell, no sound, nothing.

I removed the main burner tube and blew compressed air though it as well as com into the pilot hole (I didn’t remove the pilot line from the thermostat.)

I have no issue replacing the thermostat as the next step as it’s possible the gas part of this furnance hasn’t been used in 10 years, but before I did I thought I would at least ask here to see if I may be missing something else, I’m at a loss.

Thank you very much!

MtnTrek · 08-11-2016, 02:58 PM

Is there 12V to it, often there is a switch on the heater as well as one in the trailer.
In the event that this is a standing pilot model and not a (DSI) Direct Spark Ignition.
With you're BBQ lighter you're warming up the thermal-couple over where the pilot flame would be right?
Probably the gas valve has gone south. Not all that expensive, if you're not very comfortable with joint compound, fittings etc. leak testing. You might want to call a service person.

Be well

rgvtexan · 08-11-2016, 05:11 PM

There may be some help here

http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Atwoo...er-Service.pdf

gazingm42 · 08-11-2016, 06:36 PM

Check the gas tube and make sure it is free of spider webs. I have had this issue for 2 years.

DancingBull · 08-11-2016, 07:21 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies, yeah it's pilot light of only to ignite, not electric ignite. I have the BBQ light pretty much on the pilot hole, not the thermal coupler, but I don't think that's it but will try, I do think it's the gas valve, which I was calling the thermostat earlier. Will try that hopefully next week. Thank you again!

Budlite28 · 08-12-2016, 07:16 AM

As gazingm42 said, I would try to remove the pilot fixture and see if it's clear. There should be a small opening, called the primary air opening, on the side of the fixture. See if it's clear. Also, I would remove the pilot fixture from the pilot tubing & see if the orifice on the pilot tubing is clogged.

DancingBull · 08-13-2016, 04:06 AM

Tried to remove the pilot fixture from the gas valve with a wrench and it started to strip, is it by chance reverse threaded or do I need something stronger like vice grips. Thanks!

hydro45640 · 08-13-2016, 04:35 AM

Don't use vicegrips, get a regular gas line wrench.

Lloyd in S.C. · 08-13-2016, 05:05 AM

Silly question,,,,, your holding down the pilot button while trying to light right? If the gas was off for a long time, it may take a min or 2 for gas to come out the small pilot hole before it will lite. Some units are a little different, you have to turn and align the button before you can push down.

L.

DancingBull · 08-13-2016, 06:16 AM

Thanks. Lloyd, this isn't a push pilot, but rather it's spring activated if that makes sense, meaning you turn to the left slightly past pilot and hold to engage, unless I am missing that completely but I don't think this is a push. I will post a pic later. Thanks!

Budlite28 · 08-13-2016, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DancingBull

Tried to remove the pilot fixture from the gas valve with a wrench and it started to strip, is it by chance reverse threaded or do I need something stronger like vice grips. Thanks!

What you need is called a flarenut wrench. It's basically a boxend with a opening to slip the pilot tubing thru. And it is not a reverse thread. The brass is just soft.

DancingBull · 08-14-2016, 01:09 PM

Ok, I removed the entire gas valve, the thermocouple came off easily with a pipe wrench (thanks, I had some but had no idea that's what they were for) but the pilot connection refuses to come off, I tried pipe wrench and it still would not turn, only strip so I even tried vice grips and it refuses. I ordered a new Jafe pilot assembly as everything is pointing to the pilot.

Just wanted to update. If I can get this working for $100 in jade pilot and new gas valve I consider it a win. To be continued.