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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2707 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Furnace Yellow Flame
    Posted: 10 Sep 2021 at 1:08pm
Originally posted by jato

Originally posted by GlueGuy

A yellow flame indicates not enough oxygen, or too much fuel. I would check air inlets and/or see if there is a way to turn down the fuel.


Is it possible GG that there may still be gunk or a pinched line somewhere that would cause this?  I had the same issue when I found out my regulator and propane line had the black gooey substance, once replaced the flame was nearly totally blue.

I agree, yellow indicates lack of oxygen and since the OP still has this issue, especially seeing that he has this problem with the HW flame which is in the open tells me that another line is pinched or there is yet another line that needs to be cleaned out or replaced.
I suppose that is possible, but the gunk would theoretically be restricting fuel flow and/or contaminating the fuel on its way to the burner. I don't know how long that might last. If you can't find some blockage in the air supply, it would probably be worth a try to blow the line out with compressed air.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Pod People View Drop Down
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Posts: 1088 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2021 at 6:06pm
If yellow flame is indicative  of low oxygen, then check the outside air intake for mud daubbers or other insect  nests. In our area, they are quite invasive and all of our vents have to be covered with insect screening. they can definitely stop up pipes, inlets, openings, etc.
Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3340 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2021 at 5:34pm
Originally posted by GlueGuy

A yellow flame indicates not enough oxygen, or too much fuel. I would check air inlets and/or see if there is a way to turn down the fuel.


Is it possible GG that there may still be gunk or a pinched line somewhere that would cause this?  I had the same issue when I found out my regulator and propane line had the black gooey substance, once replaced the flame was nearly totally blue.

I agree, yellow indicates lack of oxygen and since the OP still has this issue, especially seeing that he has this problem with the HW flame which is in the open tells me that another line is pinched or there is yet another line that needs to be cleaned out or replaced.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
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"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2707 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2021 at 11:05am
A yellow flame indicates not enough oxygen, or too much fuel. I would check air inlets and/or see if there is a way to turn down the fuel.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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ERS1977 View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2021 at 8:04pm
So I replaced the regulator and it definitely helped but there was still an obvious yellow flame so I swapped the propane tank with the one from my BBQ that I purchased new from Costco a couple months ago but that made no difference at all.

Here's a pic of the flame from the same basic angle for comparison purposes:




There is still a very visible yellow flame (to the naked eye) but it appears to be from the electrode that provides the spark. So I then took a look at the water heater and it has the same characteristic orange/yellow flame trailing from the electrode:




So maybe what I'm left with is normal...

I think I'll call it good but will be interested in seeing another furnace with my own eyes...and have an expert confirm it the next time I need some service.


Many thanks for your help, jato. MUCH APPRECIATED!
Mike
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3340 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2021 at 2:02pm
Right.  I don't know of a way to properly clean out a regulator once that gunk is inside without doing more harm than good.  Anyway, I got a two-stage regulator off EBay with free shipping for around $ 18  two years ago. 

I was told by those 'in the know' that I should turn off my gas and open the line when not using for a month or more so this doesn't occur.  Seeing that this was never done in the first 9 years of ownership I guess it held up pretty well.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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ERS1977 View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2021 at 1:08pm
Thanks jato,

So I went and unscrewed the hose from the output side of my regulator and a yellowish liquid spurted out...probably an ounce or so (although liquid looks like its twice the volume when it spills to ground LOL)

I then removed the hose from the input side of the reg. The hose ends themselves look fine. So I think I'll look for a supplier for the regulator first.

So it's safe to assume the *no* liquid should ever spurt out of a regulator?....
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3340 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2021 at 11:28am
You have done everything right as far as I know yet when I look at my flame there is a tint of yellow but the flame is mainly blue. 

The only additional item I can add with my limited knowledge is to check both your regulator and the hose that goes from the regulator and screws into the propane line in the front of your 177.  I have a 2011 177 so we have the same setup.  What I found out (I had a problem with yellow flame on my fridge and HW heater) was a lack of oxygen.  When I took the regulator off a thick black gooey substance came out, the hose leaving the regulator had the same thing come out of it.  At the time my 177 was 9 years old.  For a total of $25 I purchased a new regulator and got a hose made at a local propane business that sells bulk propane to homeowners.  Took care of the yellow flame problem for me.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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ERS1977 View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2021 at 10:32am
Hello All,

I have a Suburban NT-20SEQ furnace in my 2012 Pod 177 and except for the approx 2-3" high yellow flame, runs well (I've just bought the pod). I only have limited experience with a furnace (in a previous pup but don't thing the flame was like this.

What I've done:
  1. Inspected the intake and output ports for debris (none found)
  2. Inspected both ports as well and the main chamber for soot (none found)
  3. Blew air into both ports using my small compressor.
  4. Removed the flame element and though no holes were plugged, I cleaned it with a toothbrush and CLR and blew air into the chamber.
  5. Re-inserted the element and no change to the yellow flame.
  6. Verified that both lines of blue flames are well defined and about 1/2 inch or so.

Would you be so kind as to review the 3 attached photos and pass along suggestions or just confirm the pics look normal? Maybe what I have is normal for this furnace???

Pics:
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