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shootist · 11-18-2022, 06:51 PM

My friends water heater has always taken 4 to 6 ignites before staying on. Seems to be pretty clean, no propane problems. Got a new flame sensor ordered, it's a 2008 Septre coach.

MrMark52 · 11-19-2022, 08:22 AM

You can probably just take the old flame sensor out and polish with fine steel wool. If that doesn’t work, the controllers are known to lose their ability to sense the flame and need to be replaced. If you do need to replace, Dinosaur Electronics makes good ones and have a longer warranty than OEM.

But polish the existing sensor first, and check that all ground bond connections within the unit are clean and tight.

shootist · 11-19-2022, 09:32 AM

Thankyou, This has been going on for ten years or better. I think he even had some trouble when it was new. The board very well could be the problem.

MrMark52 · 11-19-2022, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootist

Thankyou, This has been going on for ten years or better. I think he even had some trouble when it was new. The board very well could be the problem.

I think you might be able to find a service manual in the Files section of this board. After polishing and reinstalling the sensor, make certain (as per the service manual) that the sensor is properly positioned in the flame and any gap settings, if described, are set.

Old-Biscuit · 11-19-2022, 07:41 PM

Atwood 'XT' models are same as standard 6 & 10 gal models
The XT uses higher preset Normal T-stats and a Mixing Valve to control outlet temp
Other then that they use the same components as the standard models...circuit board, gas valve, spark electrode, AC element

Spark gap would be 1/8" - 3/16" directly engulfed in the flame when it ignites
Burner tube spreader plate needs to be parallel with the end of burner tube to properly disperse the flame
Spark electrode needs to be clean of soot/carbon build up...clean with emery cloth
Electrode wire connection needs to be clean/tight on transformer connection
Spark Electrode assembly mounting screw needs to be clean/tight...provides ground path
If ceramic insulator is cracked...flame signal will go to ground and circuit board will not sense it
If high voltage wire inside ceramic is loose....flame signal lost

Problem with ignition/flame proving for 10 yrs.....circuit board could be suspect

shootist · 11-20-2022, 09:32 AM

Thankyou Old Biscuit. I have a new ignitor ordered. Will do the rest of what you said.

shootist · 11-30-2022, 12:52 PM

Replaced the snap discs, igniter (end of porcelain was very cracked) cleaned the orifice, it was fine. Also changed the 110 element and relay.

Old-Biscuit · 11-30-2022, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootist

Replaced the snap discs, igniter (end of porcelain was very cracked) cleaned the orifice, it was fine. Also changed the 110 element and relay.

Sounds like the only thing OEM is circuit board and mixing valve

Thanks for the update and resolution

shootist · 11-30-2022, 06:07 PM

Hahaha, mixing valve is froze, both hoses leaking. Owner says the mixing valve is going to stay that way. Hoses are ordered. Could only buy braided stainless locally and I don't want to risk the electrolysis.