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BatRastard · 12-01-2019, 10:09 AM

New rig, first outing. In the silence of the first evening, the water heater was loud. Not just normal flame roar, but popping/sputtering. The neighboring camper was going to mention it if I hadn't gone out to check.

I found the adjustable air bleed on the gas jet was set
wide open, and the flame was trying to blow itself out. I partially blocked the vent slots with fingers and the flame smoothed out. Loosened the lockscrew, and found about 1/3 open to provide a smooth flame.

Since then, it still sputters once in awhile. And there's a hint of soot staining at the vent, suggesting I've now choked it down too much, giving a carburizing burn.

Q: Is it normal for the builder (FR/Coachmen) to send these out with a wide open setting?

Is there some other known anomaly with these water heaters?

Is it normal to use a setting that creates mildly visible soot outside the vent?

Too large a jet for the application?

Thanks for any enlightenment!

Bobbafett · 12-01-2019, 10:18 AM

What brand is it?
Not sure....but my attwood will do that when I turn on the propane the first time. The gas hasn't filled the line yet. I usually open the door untill it stays lit. I think my air is open almost all the way.

Is your flame yellow. Then adjust the air to get blue.
And doubt your jet is too big.

Old-Biscuit · 12-01-2019, 11:09 AM

Air shutters are on Atwood Water Heaters......Suburban doesn't have one

Should have been set to 1/4 open from Atwood (Dometic) Factory as that is how they are initially set up
Flame should be BLUE with slight Roar sound.

Sooting is a sign of Fuel Rich Mixture

*Could be not enough air being pulled in my gas flow
*Could be result of misaligned burner tube.......orifice should direct gas flow down center of burner tube for proper air/fuel mixing. If gas is bouncing off sidewall then mixture will be incorrect for proper combustion
*Spider webs.........it's amazing how much a spider web can disrupt gas flow.
Have to clean out burner tube using a small bottle brush etc ---air pressure rarely will effectively remove spider webs

BatRastard · 12-10-2019, 08:08 AM

With the enlightenment received here, the dealer took an interest in the issue. Many thanks to you (all) for contributions.

Old-Biscuit · 12-10-2019, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatRastards

With the enlightenment received here, the dealer took an interest in the issue. Many thanks to you (all) for contributions.

Outcome???
What did dealer do?

TXiceman · 12-10-2019, 08:49 AM

Please post a resolution. Spiders love the smell of the propane and will build webs in the burner. Check for spider webs after it has been setting for a bit.

Ken

BatRastard · 12-11-2019, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Outcome???
What did dealer do?

Don't know yet. Still there on another warranty item.

Ray,IN · 12-13-2019, 03:41 PM

After old-biscuit helped me fix my Atwood water heater, I removed the burner tube again, removed the exhaust baffle, ran a small rope with a rag tied on the end down the heating tube. I was surprised at the dirt that came out.
From now on I'll do as old-biscuit said and clean the complete burner assy 2X a year.