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Topic: Hot water heater sputtering (Read 170 times) previous topic - next topic
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Hot water heater sputtering
One other problem on this last trip. Our hot water heater began sputtering as it heated the water. Not constantly, but regularly it would go into a short sputter, then right itself. Looking and listening to it with the outside cover down, it seemed the flame was weakening and occasionally going out, or nearly so. It would quickly re-ignite and continue - hence the sputtering. It did this all through the month away and doesn't seem to have gotten worse.

So there seems to be something impeding the path of the propane. The Companion (thanks Don and others) talks about cleaning out the tubes, so that will be my first endeavor. Other suggestions?

Thanks
David G
2005 MB
Re: Hot water heater sputtering
Reply #1 –
Hello David.   If you are a visual learner there are a bunch of excellent YouTube videos that demonstrate water heater maintenance, cleaning and adjusting the burner.   Several of them have been very helpful to us. 
Re: Hot water heater sputtering
Reply #2 –
Hi David;  The orifice is a very tiny hole that meters gas from pressurized (just inches of water, so not much pressure) to un pressurized. When it changes to free air it leaves behind a waxy residue. It takes years but eventually restricts gas flow. I assume you know how to adjust the air mixing sleeve to accommodate changes in altitude. The orifice is a hole in a brass plug, and it can be unscrewed from the supply line for cleaning. I used a nylon tooth brush in acetone to clean mine. (the acetone will attack the toothbrush quickly). So leave it sit for awhile in liquid, then a quick brush.
   Here is a description of your sputtering problem:  Atwood water heater, gas burner sputtering. - Airstream Forums   
This one had better pictures, the fifth down shows the brass orifice.  RV Water Heater Not Igniting Or Staying Lit - RV Maintenance And Cleaning    
        RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Hot water heater sputtering
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
Hello David.   If you are a visual learner there are a bunch of excellent YouTube videos that demonstrate water heater maintenance, cleaning and adjusting the burner.   Several of them have been very helpful to us.

Thanks folks. I'll look into some video's.

David
2005 MB
Re: Hot water heater sputtering
Reply #4 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
   Here is a description of your sputtering problem:  Atwood water heater, gas burner sputtering. - Airstream Forums   
This one had better pictures, the fifth down shows the brass orifice.  RV Water Heater Not Igniting Or Staying Lit - RV Maintenance And Cleaning    
        RonB

Thanks Ron, this is very helpful. It may be a bit beyond what I am willing to attempt, but the links are a great guide.
David
2005 MB