Water Heater/Fridge on gas problem

Bucky1 · 06-25-2007, 08:15 AM

I'm new to this type of trouble. I noticed last week that the fridge will not run on gas. Actually, it will run for about a minute, then shut off and light the check light. I'm figuring thermocouple at that point.
Then, I noticed that the water heater does the same thing. I didn't even see a thermocouple on the water heater.
I thought wondering about the coincidence, so I tried the stove. No problem, but I light that manually.
Am I barking up the wrong tree?
Thanks!

Bucky1 · 06-25-2007, 08:15 AM

I'm new to this type of trouble. I noticed last week that the fridge will not run on gas. Actually, it will run for about a minute, then shut off and light the check light. I'm figuring thermocouple at that point.
Then, I noticed that the water heater does the same thing. I didn't even see a thermocouple on the water heater.
I thought wondering about the coincidence, so I tried the stove. No problem, but I light that manually.
Am I barking up the wrong tree?
Thanks!

Dave O · 06-25-2007, 12:59 PM

Hi Bucky

It is doubtful that both thermocouplers went bad at the same time.

Did you recently refill your propane tank. The symptoms you are describing are often the result of air in the line.

The solution is to run the stove for a while to get most of the air out, and then repeatedly recycle the HW heater and frig till they get a steady supply of propane. They are usually on a pipe that has been extended from the stove supply. Be careful not to let the propane build up and explode. Good ventilation is a must.

Good Luck

Dave O

Bucky1 · 06-25-2007, 02:27 PM

Well...Yes we did refill, but we have used both the fridge and water heater since and both worked. The flame on the fridge looks great, and goes out suddenly, like it was turned off. I hate to replace the thermocouple without knowing that it is responsible.

adj · 06-25-2007, 07:35 PM

Are you at a higher altitude?

Bucky1 · 06-26-2007, 02:10 AM

Same altitude. I checked the fuses and they are OK. Batteries fine.
The flame on the fridge looks good while it lasts. Then it just turns off. How do I diagnose a regulator problem? Is there a way to diagnose a thermocouple?

**RV Wizard** · 06-26-2007, 08:12 AM

You wil need a manometer to check the lp gas regulator. It should be at 11" ater colum with a load on it. First close the main lp tank valve and slowly reopen it and retry the appliances. If you still have a problem check the gas pressure. Also check electrical connections at these appliances if pressure is good. Let us know what you find.

Bucky1 · 06-26-2007, 08:58 AM

I will do that. I may have to involve the local LP dealer to do the checking of pressure, but they are decent. I will let you know.
Thank you.

Bucky1 · 06-26-2007, 05:17 PM

Here are some more things I found out.
Fridge: Clicks off. Flame looks great, then it just clicks and shuts it off.
Water heater: Lights and looks good for about 8 seconds, then off. Retries several times. The entire time the flame is lit, the electronic ignition is still trying to light it.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 06-27-2007, 08:22 AM

The chances that both appliances have failed at the same time are very remote. I'm betting you have a gas supply problem, most likely an oily residue in the regulator and/or lines. I'd replace the regulator first - they are cheap enough ($20-25) so that diagnosing or attempts to clean them out aren't worth it. Next step is to disconnect the LP lines at both ends and blow them out (don't blow the gunk into the appliances).

Can you run all the stove burners on high simultaneously?

Bucky1 · 06-27-2007, 02:29 PM

Grrr. I bought the wrong regulator. My local mh dealer had the round one, but did not stock the square one. I guess there is a difference. (there is isn't there?)