Community Forums

surfrider · 11-01-2011, 07:48 PM

hope this is ok to post here,im new to irv2,my hot water heater smells like im burning a tire,also black smoke,this is an older class c rv,any help with this matter would be great

thanks

"007" · 11-01-2011, 08:20 PM

Welcome surfrider to irv2.
Most times it smells like rotten eggs with water that has stayed to long.
A flush with bleach will sanitize the heater, while your at it sanitize your whole water system.
Empty the water hose and pour in bleach than hook up to water line let set few hours after running bleach through your water system.
Flush out with fresh water and see how fresh it will smell.
Enjoy the forums.

KIX · 11-01-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfrider

hope this is ok to post here,im new to irv2,my hot water heater smells like im burning a tire,also black smoke,this is an older class c rv,any help with this matter would be great

thanks

Sounds like you're operating the WH on propane. Black smoke is indicative of a too rich mixture. On the venturi tube that supplies gas to the burner there is an adjusting ring that if left closed will produce a rich mixture. It should be nearly all the way open.
Another thing that can cause a too rich mixture is spider webs, etc. in the burner tube.

surfrider · 11-01-2011, 08:47 PM

thanks everyone,yes im using propane,and the burn box looks like it has some dirt inside it,not sure where ring is located,to adjust,i will look for it,may try a hott rod and convert to electricity

KIX · 11-01-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfrider

not sure where ring is located,to adjust

To locate the air adjustment "ring" follow the path of gas from the control to where flame appears. The air adjustment will be between these two points.,

Elkhartjim · 11-02-2011, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfrider

thanks everyone,yes im using propane,and the burn box looks like it has some dirt inside it,not sure where ring is located,to adjust,i will look for it,may try a hott rod and convert to electricity

Dirt (Mud) Daubers love to build nests in the burner (flame) tube. That will also reduce air flow which causes incomplete combustion which causes black smoke.

Billieg · 11-02-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkhartjim

Dirt (Mud) Daubers love to build nests in the burner (flame) tube. That will also reduce air flow which causes incomplete combustion which causes black smoke.

99% that's what it is. The first time it happened to us the wife came running in the MH screaming "the MoHo is on fire!" Took me all of 2 seconds to wake up and get dressed....