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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Water heater, help
    Posted: 06 Jul 2014 at 7:20pm
Dave,

You're right that the red wire is the ignitor. I can't locate the thermocouple but there must be one. Maybe in the exhaust flue. Somehow the control board checks to see the burner actually ignited. If not it shuts off the gas flow valve. I've included two manuals, but they don't explicitly address your symptoms. Maybe someone else will jump in with more info.

uploads/1573/SW6D-SW6DE-Installation.pdf

uploads/1573/Water_Heater_Troubleshooting_-_Suburban_V1.1.pdf
Charlie
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Posts: 1002 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jul 2014 at 9:47pm


If you want something done right, do it yourself.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 9:44am
Even an old engineer can learn something new. Apparently the thermocouple is integrated with the ignitor into the electrode assembly. I've never seen this, but here it is. The assembly is shown in Marwayne's post.

Page 11 of the service manual shows this and how to test it.

http://dutchmen.com/image/data/documents/parts/Suburban_Water_Heater_Service_Manual.pdf

The electrode assembly is cheap so I'd suggest trying it first. If cleaning doesn't fix it just replace it. It sure fits the symptoms. If that doesn't work the next step is the control board, but that's much more expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Suburban-232258-2-Prong-Electrode-Assembly/dp/B003G9IYQY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404739088&sr=8-1&keywords=suburban+water+heater+electrode
Charlie
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Hairy Podders View Drop Down
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Posts: 217 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 12:57pm
Mine wouldn't light either when we brought the camper home. After some digging around, I found that the red wire for the ignitor was not plugged on to the ignitor coil, which is mounted to the side of the water heater tank towards the back. I accessed ours through the left rear storage compartment. There is an access panel.
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Outbackdave View Drop Down
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 9:34pm
Have checked all systems and replaced the igniter/thermocouples, still fires on first try for 30 sec and the locks out. Anyone know how the unit is grounded? By manual poor ground could cause gas valve lock out.

Thanks
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 9:25am
Originally posted by Outbackdave

Have checked all systems and replaced the igniter/thermocouples, still fires on first try for 30 sec and the locks out. Anyone know how the unit is grounded? By manual poor ground could cause gas valve lock out.

Thanks


Do you mean the red light comes on after 30 sec every time? If you get initial ignition and can measure a solid 12V on the solenoid coil each time, the ground is probably good. If the electrode assembly is new and properly installed it looks like the control board is not accepting the thermocouple flame detection signal. The boards are available from Amazon and others.
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wingnut2312 View Drop Down
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Posts: 231 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 10:49am
Ok, so I'll be the one to ask. Is the propane tank full? If it's "puffing" out, then maybe it needs to be filled or something is wrong with the regulator. Not trying to insult, but sometimes it's the things we take for granted that are wrong.
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Outbackdave View Drop Down
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 6:37pm
Propane tank full. Going after connections inside tonight. Installing new electric element also. Hot water is what I want. Hope I don't get in it....
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Outbackdave View Drop Down
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jul 2014 at 9:29pm
Fixed!! After replacing igniter/thermocoupler, trying everything I thought was wrong. This weekend our third trip out decided to use the stove. Would light but after a couple minutes would go out. Went to the tank, full. But every time I unhooked the hose and re attached it the stove again would light. Removed connection from reg. to trailer, no gas. Replaced the reg. and new tank hose now everything works fine. Guessing it was the reg working eradically but as long at I had to run for parts got both. The heat will be nice up here in Boone,NC tonight. thanks to all with the suggestions and next time will heed all of them.. Thanks Again.
176T, Dodge Dakota TV,
South Carolina
Dave,Mary and Olivia(sheltie)
Suzuki V-Strom Adventure,
Custom built TearDrop
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