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Old 03-27-2013, 04:56 PM   #1
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water heater help

Hey all. Ive got an 81 Ford Nuwa motorhome. Ive tried to light the hot water heater and the pilot light will light but as soon as release the pilot light button the flame goes out. Not sure what the problem is or the fix... please, an advice is greatly appreciated!!!
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Old 03-27-2013, 06:05 PM   #2
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It's probably the thermocouple. It is either bad, or it isn't aligned properly so the flame is touching the bulb on the end.
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Old 03-27-2013, 06:08 PM   #3
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It's probably the thermocouple. It is either bad, or it isn't aligned properly so the flame is touching the bulb on the end.
Are they hard to replace?
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Old 03-27-2013, 06:08 PM   #4
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May be the tube is having trouble flowing due to spider web or other blockage. Take the rod (tube) coming to the pilot loose and clean. Should take care of the problem. Their is an adjustment screw to increase or decrease th propane flow at the rear of the tube
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Old 03-27-2013, 06:26 PM   #5
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May be the tube is having trouble flowing due to spider web or other blockage. Take the rod (tube) coming to the pilot loose and clean. Should take care of the problem. Their is an adjustment screw to increase or decrease th propane flow at the rear of the tube
K. ill try that tomorrow. Then onto the oven pilot not even lighting....
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Old 03-27-2013, 06:39 PM   #6
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Try this, before I bought my 1990 motor home off my friend it was his parents we went out and couldn't get the hot water tank to light, When i bought it off his mom and dad they said make sure you light the stove burners first before you try to light the hot water tank. It don't make sence but. Sure enough its the only way it will light good luck
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Old 03-27-2013, 06:48 PM   #7
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Try this, before I bought my 1990 motor home off my friend it was his parents we went out and couldn't get the hot water tank to light, When i bought it off his mom and dad they said make sure you light the stove burners first before you try to light the hot water tank. It don't make sence but. Sure enough its the only way it will light good luck
Hmmm. Ill definitely try that!
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Old 03-27-2013, 08:11 PM   #8
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If you are getting gas to the pilot and it stays on while holding the button and goes out when released it is 99% of the time the thermocouple. it is easy to change. Make sure you hold the button down for atleast 1 minute. If you are getting no gas to the pilot then check the feed tube for a blockage.
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Old 03-27-2013, 09:55 PM   #9
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If you are getting gas to the pilot and it stays on while holding the button and goes out when released it is 99% of the time the thermocouple. it is easy to change. Make sure you hold the button down for atleast 1 minute. If you are getting no gas to the pilot then check the feed tube for a blockage.
I get gas to the pilot and I can hold it down for a year, let go and poof out it goes
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Old 03-28-2013, 06:36 AM   #10
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I agree with grizzlyalf. Purging the lines will remove any doubt as to flow and the easiest place to start are the stove eyes
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Old 03-28-2013, 06:51 AM   #11
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I had the same problem on a 1983 pace arrow. As it turned out, a small spider decided to make that small tube his home. Cold showers are no fun.
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Old 03-28-2013, 07:03 AM   #12
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They said gas lights to the pilot so no need in running the stove.
An external heat source to the thermocouple (carefully aimed small torch) may confirm if its the thermocouple vs gas valve or restriction in gas/air flow.

LP sold in the warmer south areas (even in the winter) may contain higher levels of benzene vs propane and will require warmer temperatures to light the mixture. Once lighted all is normal but can be hard to light in cold weather. Peoples experience from relocating south to colder north areas. Not the problem here but advertising the blend ratios would be useful for some folks.
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Old 03-28-2013, 07:45 AM   #13
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They said gas lights to the pilot so no need in running the stove.
An external heat source to the thermocouple (carefully aimed small torch) may confirm if its the thermocouple vs gas valve or restriction in gas/air flow.

LP sold in the warmer south areas (even in the winter) may contain higher levels of benzene vs propane and will require warmer temperatures to light the mixture. Once lighted all is normal but can be hard to light in cold weather. Peoples experience from relocating south to colder north areas. Not the problem here but advertising the blend ratios would be useful for some folks.
I tried lighting when it was 70 outside with no luck
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Old 03-30-2013, 08:20 PM   #14
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Are they hard to replace?
No, not at all. You just need simple hand tools, probably a screwdriver, a few wrenches, pair of pliers.

It's a relatively cheap fix, and in my opinion, about the only thing that would cause your specific problem.
It's either the thermocouple or the gas valve, I'd start with the thermocouple. It's a whole lot cheaper and a great deal easier to replace than the gas valve.
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