2IVSWO
San Diego, California, USA
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Joined: 04/18/2004
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I have an Atwood DSI 6 gallon water heater that does not want to light at times. When it does light, it cycles twice, during which time it will lite for about 5 seconds and then shut off, and on the third attempt it will light for good. Also when it does finally light it sounds like a blow torch which it never has in the past. The flame is nice and blue with nothing clogging the flue (spelling?)and the propane tank is full. Any ideas??? The manual is of no help with trouble shooting this problem.
2005 2500HD D/A
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McIrish
WC IL
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Joined: 09/19/2007
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We took our new TT out this weekend for the initial outing and had the same problem that you are having. Once or twice it didn't stay lit on the third try and I had to turn it off for a few seconds and try again. It usually lit the second try. I'll be watching to see if someone has a solution for the problem.
2008 Silverado Z71 crew cab
2009 Sunset Creek 267RL
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Matthew_B
The boonies near Dallas, Oregon
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Joined: 08/18/2005
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Most likely is something blocking the burner tube. Spiders like to make their home there. Pull that first and take a good look. Clean it with a bottle brush and see if that helps.
If that doesn't do it, pull the orifice and see if it needs cleaning. If it does, don't use anything hard. A toothpick or stick is good to clean out the inside without opening it more.
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Steve_in_29
29 Palms (SEMPER FI), CA 92277
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Joined: 01/08/2004
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If cleaning doesn't help it could be your thermocouple going bad.
2007 F350,SC,LB,4x4,6.0/Auto,35" tires,16.5 Warn,Buckstop bumpers
2007 Outfitter Apex9.5,270W solar,SolarBoost2000e,2 H2K's,2KW inverter,2 20lb LP on slide out tray,4 Lifeline AGM bats,Tundra fridge
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RedRamMan
Northeast Kansas
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Joined: 08/27/2003
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I had an older Atwood that was doing this, after cleaning the tube and replacing thermocouple, it still worked the same way. I took the valve off and took it apart. The valve has a plunger that works like a solonoid. It was all gummed up. I cleaned it and put the valve back together and it worked fine. Be sure and check for gas leaks after you put it back.
2004 Red Ram SLT QC 3500 Auto CTD HO SB
2001 Cedar Creek 25RLMS 5er
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Jim&Peg
Central Ohio
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Joined: 07/14/2004
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The DSI units do not have a thermocouple. The circit board senses the flame in the spark gap. Check that the gap is correct (most units use 1/8 inch). Also be sure that the gap is in the flame. Sometimes you have to bend the bracket slightly to locate it properly. With that being said, I have done all the cleaning, adjustments, etc and mine will still fail occasionally. I just live with it until DW says "hey, there is no hot water in here".
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campercajun
Central Texas Hill Country
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Joined: 08/09/2007
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The water heaters on our last 2 trailers have been Atwoods, and usually the heaters will light automatically, then immediately go out the first time I turn it on using propane, after it hasn't been used for 2-3 weeks. After that, occasionally (like once every other day), it will fail to light, or light, then go out, which lights up a little LED beside my gas switch. Otherwise, they've worked fine on gas, and this slight malfunction so far hasn't been enough (the past 4 years) for me to troubleshoot it or have someone else do so.
I always start the heater on propane, and use it for a day or two, to keep things in working order. Then I usually switch it to the electric element for the rest of our camping trip (we usually go out for a week at a time.)
2003 GMC Sierra Crew HD; 6.0L; Prodigy
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Jim & Gayle Bryant
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2IVSWO
San Diego, California, USA
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I have cleaned it with a bottle brush and made sure that spiders or wasps have not built a nest on the inside. I will check the gap as well. Maybe i just need to go camping and use it more often. If that is the case, it will be the most fun fix to date. I will check the gap in the morning.
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Jeff3161
Pasco,Washington
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Joined: 10/29/2003
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Funny I was just going to post about the same ?? When I turn the switch on it lites and runs for 4-5 minutes shuts off then the red light goes on and it tries to lite again. I have cleaned for bugs, It seems like the sensor doesn't know or thinks the water is cold and relites. I haven't had time to really check it out but I need to get it done we do a lot of winter camping and that baby needs to be working.
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2IVSWO
San Diego, California, USA
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I feel your pain Jeff. I only get 4-5 seconds though and at times it will not lite at all which triggers the red light too. I checked everything this morning and all seems to be correct. Any other ideas out there??
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