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Photog09 · 01-10-2020, 12:53 AM

So we have a SUPER old RV that wasn’t really well taken care of. The water heater has been giving us problems for the last few days. The flame doesn’t really stay constant. It flickers, kind of sounds like it’s about to go out. Here’s a link of what it’s doing.
https://youtu.be/DVVVRBibDis
It’s super corroded so i can’t change the fuel air mixture. Is this thing toast? Do I need a whole new unit? Or can I just replace a few key parts?

gcamper · 01-10-2020, 05:57 AM

Try cleaning the chimney. Something as simple as a spiderweb can cause problems like that. Can also cause yellow flame and soot.

153stars · 01-10-2020, 08:03 AM

You may want to remove and clean gas orifice , soak in alcohol just blow out with your mouth don't poke anything through it. Not sure if design is the same but,My old trailer I could not adjust mix tube anymore . It was just too rusty at mix vent and the seam of the tube had opened right there letting in too much air. I used a hose clamp to close seam back up and restrict the air . Clamp was toward flame end of vent/grill on the tube i was able to adjust the flame easily with the clamp .
You may have LP regulator flow issue as well.

Photog09 · 01-10-2020, 09:18 PM

Thanks! I’ll try that. Don’t know if it’d be a regulator problem because the stove is acting normally

Old-Biscuit · 01-10-2020, 09:55 PM

If you look closely you can see a flash of flame at the air shutter when flame goes from steady to sputtering

Buy a NEW burner tube, New orifice and NEW spark electrode
Not worth the hassle of trying to clean up/use that gobbled up burner tube

Post MODEL of that Atwood for parts .......

Photog09 · 01-10-2020, 11:49 PM

Well... I can tell you it’s on an 86 Fleetwood bounder model k. Here’s a photo of the sticker on the inside of the heater https://m.imgur.com/a/5Xwwudz

Would 31840 be the model number?

Photog09 · 01-11-2020, 01:11 AM

Maybe G6a-4(and what looks like a 5?)

Old-Biscuit · 01-11-2020, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Photog09

Maybe G6a-4(and what looks like a 5?)

That would be a G6A-4E

Gas only
6 gallon
4th version
Electronic Ignition

Main Burner Assembly-----91638
https://pdxrvwholesale.com/products/...embly-91638%20

Orifice------92743
https://pdxrvwholesale.com/products/...-orifice-92743

Spark Electrode------93868
https://pdxrvwholesale.com/products/...assembly-93868

Exploded Parts View for 6E Version-----parts interchangeable for 4E
https://pdxrvwholesale.com/products/...tune-up-kit%20

Photog09 · 01-11-2020, 01:32 PM

Awesome! Thanks so much!!!

Photog09 · 01-12-2020, 07:42 PM

Ok... so the new spark electrode only has one wire and the old one has two.... where does the extra wire from the board go?I believe it’s purpose is to tell the board that the burner has ignited

marjoa · 01-12-2020, 10:10 PM

Old-Bisquit...you're so awesome. I've watched you help so many people with their HWH. Just wanted you to know that you and a few others here are a public RV forum treasure.

Striider · 01-17-2020, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcamper

Try cleaning the chimney. Something as simple as a spiderweb can cause problems like that. Can also cause yellow flame and soot.

Exactly my experience. Clean the chimney.

azpete · 01-17-2020, 09:02 AM

be sure to clean the orifice. soak it in alcohol, or any good cleaner. replace the burner tube. if its rusty, it interferes with the flow of the gas. gas has to flow thru like smooth water, not like water thru rapids.
the igniter also acts as a sensor for the flame. if you reuse the one you have, sand the tip clean. it senses ions created by the flame, not the heat.
the valve is also a pressure regulator. there is a tap on the side to check pressure.
if all else fails, replace it.
if your heater is as old as the coach, maybe look at a new replacement, or a newer replacement. there are lots of them on the internet.
my greatest concern would be the tank, and how bad it is corroded on the inside.