Hot water heater mix tube? December 28, 2016, 06:35:37 pm I noticed yesterday that the flame on the HWH is more yellow than it should be. I checked the mix tube and other areas for any type of debris and found nothing. The adjustable part of the mix tube is corroded and I couldn't get it to move. I am reluctant to try spraying something on it to loosen it up given the proximity to heat and flame later on. Any suggestions on how to free it up?Also, in case the orifice needs cleaning I know it can be removed with a small socket. Should it be soaked in isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar?Jim
Re: Hot water heater mix tube? Reply #1 – December 28, 2016, 07:03:56 pm "Should it be soaked in isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar?"----Alcohol to clean the burner orifice. Joan 1 Likes
Re: Hot water heater mix tube? Reply #2 – December 31, 2016, 01:33:49 pm No ideas on freeing up the mixer tube?
Re: Hot water heater mix tube? Reply #3 – December 31, 2016, 02:44:34 pm Jim,Some delicate tapping (maybe with the grip of a screwdriver or small adjustable wrench) around the circumference of the tube may help to loosen it up. Then I'd try using a channel lock pliers gently on the mix tube (at a place where it is reinforced by the burner throat) to try and rotate the tube slightly to break it loose. Another possible way to get it to give way would be to place the channel lock plier at the end of the mix tube nearest the burner so it is just loosely around the burner throat, but up against the mix tube and then tap gently on the jaws to try and get it to break loose. HTH Jim. Good luck! 1 Likes
Re: Hot water heater mix tube? Reply #5 – January 16, 2017, 04:23:37 pm Thought I would post an update.Couldn't get the piece to budge so checking the manual I ordered a new main burner tube. The part number in the manual is 92615. Once I got it I learned that it is too long to fit. Called Atwood and was told that the part number listed is for the manual light heater not the electric light model. The correct part number for that is 91638. Now have that on order.Of course, it is working fine as is but now that I have gotten started I want to replace the rusted part.Jim
Re: Hot water heater mix tube? Reply #6 – January 16, 2017, 04:51:02 pm If you are afraid that the slide may be damaged by forcing it, take it off and soak in penetrating oil. It's is secured with two screws.Once free, wash well and reinstall. The slide must be able to move for proper adjustment of the mixture.Keep it free, so it can be adjusted, when camping at high altitudes. Adjustment should take less than minute. I heard too many water heaters that sound like small jet engines.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Hot water heater mix tube? Reply #7 – January 16, 2017, 09:57:08 pm Mike Sylvester was a magician when it came to 'tuning' a water heater... he would take a file and emery paper to all the rough edges that air flowed over and, at least on mine, whereas before he changed everything it sounded like a jet engine and then after he had worked his magic I could not even hear it. For days after I wasn't sure it was even running. 1 Likes