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festrvl · 03-11-2019, 05:24 PM

Hi,

1997 Pleasureway STW class b with Suburban SW6D water heater. I'm beginning to clean up and check systems and smelled propane which I traced to water heater. A slow bubble rises at the end of the gas line where it enters the burner tube. I'm guessing a new gas valve will resolve it? Should I look into replacing anything else? It's old, it's ugly but heater worked fine last fall, just trying to keep up. New anode rod went in when I winterized.

Thank you!

Ray,IN · 03-11-2019, 08:48 PM

I would try gently tightening that fitting a bit first. If the leak is after the gas valve, it should only leak when the burner is operating. Which would point to your correct assessment if it leaks constantly when burner is not operating.

153stars · 03-11-2019, 10:54 PM

If it was leaking through gas valve ..it should just go right out the spud\orifice into air mix tube as well. Is that where you see leak if not it would be leaking there also. The compression fitting back it. Off first that usually works better for compression fittings. Recheck it then see if there is leak at the orifice. If it is super slight he might want to just exercise the the water heater valve by attempting to light it after it's thoroughly aired out.

Old-Biscuit · 03-11-2019, 11:06 PM

"A slow bubble rises at the end of the gas line where it enters the burner tube."

That means the gas valve is leaking thru.....replacement is roughly $45

Suburban 161109 is the part number

https://pdxrvwholesale.com/products/...s-valve-161109

153stars · 03-11-2019, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 153stars

If it was leaking through gas valve ..it should just go right out the spud\orifice into air mix tube as well. Is that where you see leak if not it would be leaking there also. The compression fitting back it. Off first that usually works better for compression fittings. Recheck it then see if there is leak at the orifice. If it is super slight he might want to just exercise the the water heater valve by attempting to light it after it's thoroughly aired out.

I looked it up only only $40 from my limited info . But you could inspect under solinoids . for hard rubber or debris as long as nothing rips.

festrvl · 03-11-2019, 11:36 PM

As part of my troubleshooting I had removed the feed line from the valve outlet through the burner tube (stink bug cleanup), and soaked the orifice cup, then put everything back together. I still got a bubble at the exit from the cup. I've ordered a new gas valve.

Thanks for the replies!