smknf250
San Diego
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Joined: 05/07/2009
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I have a 2004 Weekend Warrior and last weekend while out at the desert my water heater stopped working. It would try and light but wouldn't ignite. Propane had been on for a full day and the furnace, stove and fridge were working fine on propane. I then tried turning on the water heater switch for it to light and then I went out and would light it manually and it would light but then after about 5 seconds go out. It was acting like there was already hot water in the tank and that the thermostat was bad and not making it run. Any ideas?? Thanks in advance.
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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Bad thermostat, you could be correct. If you were near me I could tell in 20 seconds with my multimeter. Do you have a meter? They are about $15 at walmart and I would not leave home without one. Then your challenge would be to use it.
Back to you problem. Do have a spare thermostat you could install? If we knew for sure the thermostat is working, then we could look else where like the high temperature fuse which needs a meter also to check. Then we could check for power to the heater. I suggest you either take the unit to a repair center or go get a meter and check back and we can help some more.
There is one area I did not mention which you can do without a meter. Is the area around the burner clean without any insects remains which need removal and cleaning.
Fly Boy
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smknf250
San Diego
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Thanks for the quick reply. I have a volt meter with multiple settings  if that is what you are referring to? I don't have a spare thermostat. Is there a way to see if it is working without trying another? If not I could go get one. Thanks again!
I did check the area around the burner and it had some spider webs and dirt around it. I blew some compressed air in there and cleaned it out pretty well. Not sure if I should try more??
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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It could be the flame senosr aand ignitor. Late models use the same probe.
Clean the ignitor/flame sensor. Make sure it is about 3/16 inch away from the ground point.
You could test the thermostat by checking for continuity. I doubt that is your problem. Could be correoded connector on the circuit board.
One way but be careful is to bypass the thermosta for testing. connect the two wires together. turn on water heater, if it runs for more then five minutes shut it off and get new thermostat.
Make and model of water heater?
Bud
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
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Dr Quick
M'boro, Tn
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Joined: 08/25/2004
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Most water heaters have a "Thermocouple" which must detect heat for burner to keep gas on. Could also be that "sparker/igniter" not working.
I would stand outside and watch water heater and have someone turn switch on. If sparker is working and if it lights but goes out, probably thermocouple bad.
While on vacation last month I had a bad connection and water heater would not work. Tried wiggling connections and found bad one. Cleaned and put Dielectric grease on it and it works fine now.
Dr quick
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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OP, Let us know what you find. Yes, it can be the thermocouple or the connections. Hard to check the thermocouple with a normal meter. Therefore, you have to buy one and try the new one. That is why I was suggesting you check the easy and free stuff first before spending any money.
I would like a post telling how to check a thermocouple.
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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Just found this site for thermocouple testing.
Also the resistance of the thermocouple should be nearly zero, say less than 5 ohms.
Again you need your meter.
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smknf250
San Diego
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I am going to check the sparker/ignitor tonight first. Are they fixable or do they just need to be replaced?
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
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You need to check the adjustment and whether they are clean. Should be "Ignitor/flame sensor"
The flame sensor needs to be directly in the flame to the point that it turns red hot.
While there check the connector on the circuit board if it is located in the external access (Atwood).
If you have a thermal couple, it is separate from the flame senosr. It also must be directly in the flame.
Check the ground connection on the LP gas valve.
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javaseuf
California's Gold Coast
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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Sorry folks but a Direct Spark Ignition water heater doesn't use a thermocouple and since the OP said he goes inside to turn on the water heater, this would indicate he has a DSI system.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2009 F150, 5.4 ltr.
1986 Palomino Hard-Side PUP
"Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill, but since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride". ("The Secret Of Life", James Taylor).
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