Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: jam4travel on March 28, 2023, 11:02:54 pm

Title: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: jam4travel on March 28, 2023, 11:02:54 pm
I purchased a used 2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336 in February of 2019-I'm a full timer.  My very first Foretravel-I'm hoping it will out live me.  I have a current problem that I don't know how to fix or even what my be causing the problem.  I have gotten great assistance on this Forum before, so I will try again.  My Hydro Hot diesel furnace/heater is Giving Me Problems-HELP.  The following is what is occurring: The interior diesel burner switch is in the on position,  the green light has gone out, the interior Thermostat is calling for "FURN" heat and the Hydro Hot burner will not turn on by itself.  Each time this failure occurs, when I turn the interior diesel burner switch "OFF" and then back "ON" the burner will ignite and operate normally until the next failure (see the following history).  In between the failures, the Hydro Hot seemed to work normally.  I did notice each time it fails it seems the outside humidity is high.  Short history of failures:  1)  3/6/2023 @ 7:30am & 9:13am; 2)  3/19/2023 sometime overnight I noticed it in the morning when I got up; 3) 3/21/2023 sometime overnight I noticed it in the morning when I got up; 4) 3/26/2023 sometime overnight, I noticed it in the morning when I got up;  5)  3/27/2023 @ 10:23pm, it is now 3/28/2023 @ 9:51pm and it is still working.    I just had the Hydro Hot worked on 3/3/2023 by a certified Hydro Hot/Aqua Hot Service Center for this very problem.  They said they got it fixed (they installed a new control thermostat), but that didn't fix it.  Any Suggestions? 

Thank You In Advance!!!

John 
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: dsd on March 28, 2023, 11:23:04 pm
Rudy
He has the answers.
Im guessing that the ignition unit is failing. If you go to the aqua hot service manual it has a very good trouble shooting tree that will sort out your issue
Scott
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: pibutler on March 29, 2023, 12:30:33 am
I had the same exact problem that you are describing. It ended being that I needed the system serviced and new nozzle and flame detector cleaned.

To your point, I had it serviced 6 month prior but when I called my local AH Mobile repairman he just did the full maintenance and problem solved. I had been quoted several scenarios over the phone about changing control board etc etc etc.

But in the end it just needed good maintenance and cleaning. No issues since.
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: juicesqueezer on March 29, 2023, 07:22:29 am
Rudy on this forum will chime in and know what to tell you.  Sounds like you have a dirty fuel nozzle or sensor.  I have the aqua hot and I did replace the control module finally, but a good cleaning will most likely solve your issues.  Been there, done that!
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Rudy on March 29, 2023, 08:10:30 am
Morning John,  Seems you are having intermittant failure to fire after a good burner service that was mentioned above.  The two items that cause intermittant failure to fire are the control unit, the brain box that runs the burner and the ignition coil.

The only way to find out which one is causing the problem is to replace one and see if the failures goes away.  If not, replace the other one.  If you were here with me, I would replace the control unit with the new solid state Aqua Hot designed control unit.  If problem persists, I would remove the new control unit and replace the ignition coil.  Which ever part solved the problem is the one I would charge you for.  Takes several days to see which one works.

I am on the east side of Houston with a guest full hookup if that interests you.  All the best.  [See below for corrected phone number - Michelle] if you wish to call between 8 and 8 central.
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Chris m lang on March 29, 2023, 08:57:42 pm
John where are you located?
Chris
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: jam4travel on March 30, 2023, 12:58:32 pm
Hondo, TX 78861
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: jam4travel on March 30, 2023, 01:04:00 pm
Rudy, Thank You for Your Response!  I'm at least 250 miles from your location-4 Plus hours driving one way.  I may contact you to find out how much the service cost would be for what you recommend I should have done.

Thanks Again,

John
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Elliott on March 30, 2023, 01:06:47 pm
I'm at least 250 miles from your location-4 Plus hours driving one way.
That would probably be a very valuable 8 hours spent on your coach. Take it from somebody that has spent more than that learning about his AH the hard way.
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: turbojack on March 30, 2023, 03:31:59 pm
Elliott
I love your posts. Is there anything you have learned the cheap way?  I think you win the most hands on.

I can hear two people talking at a Foretravel gathering.

Person 1. " Have you tried that yet?"

Person 2 " Nope, waiting on Elliott to do it first. "
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Zach on March 30, 2023, 04:12:23 pm
As someone who has thrown part after part at his AH, if you have access to the parts and diagnosing abilities do it. The igniter and control box are easy replacement parts that don't require a complete teardown of the unit. The problem is the cost associated when throwing parts at it. Figure around $1300 for both. If you're unfamiliar with the unit, it's best to watch videos or watch somebody do it in person.
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Elliott on March 30, 2023, 07:13:13 pm
Elliott
I love your posts. Is there anything you have learned the cheap way?  I think you win the most hands on.
My technical ability and blood pressure have both grown considerably since buying my first Foretravel  ;D
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: jam4travel on March 30, 2023, 07:30:48 pm
I'm 76, with a bad back, and just had surgery to remove a kidney stone.  It is fine if you youngins' (37) want to work on your own coach-I ain't gonna!!  By the way Rudy the numbers you listed don't work.
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: craneman on March 30, 2023, 08:34:33 pm
I'm 76, with a bad back, and just had surgery to remove a kidney stone.  It is fine if you youngins' (37) want to work on your own coach-I ain't gonna!!  By the way Rudy the numbers you listed don't work.
Change the 3 after the "one" to 8
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Rudy on March 30, 2023, 08:37:12 pm
Well, I'll be.  How can I get my phone number wrong.  It is 7 one 3  8 one 8  3234
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: craneman on March 30, 2023, 08:43:18 pm
Typo
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: Michelle on March 30, 2023, 08:55:01 pm
Well, I'll be.  How can I get my phone number wrong.  It is 7 one 3  8 one 8  3234

I updated the post and removed the incorrect phone number in case anyone searches in the future  :)

I will also add that Rudy is extremely generous in sharing his knowledge and helping owners understand and service their Aqua/Hydro Hot units on their own should they choose to. 
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: juicesqueezer on March 31, 2023, 09:20:40 am
I can attest;  Rudy is da man!
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: rbark on March 31, 2023, 04:21:10 pm
I second that!
Title: Re: My Hydro Hot is Giving Me Problems-HELP
Post by: jam4travel on May 10, 2023, 08:16:12 pm
I purchased a used 2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336 in February of 2019-I'm a full timer.  My very first Foretravel-I'm hoping it will out live me.  I have a current problem that I don't know how to fix or even what my be causing the problem.  I have gotten great assistance on this Forum before, so I will try again.  My Hydro Hot diesel furnace/heater is Giving Me Problems-HELP.  The following is what is occurring: The interior diesel burner switch is in the on position,  the green light has gone out, the interior Thermostat is calling for "FURN" heat and the Hydro Hot burner will not turn on by itself.  Each time this failure occurs, when I turn the interior diesel burner switch "OFF" and then back "ON" the burner will ignite and operate normally until the next failure (see the following history).  In between the failures, the Hydro Hot seemed to work normally.  I did notice each time it fails it seems the outside humidity is high.  Short history of failures:  1)  3/6/2023 @ 7:30am & 9:13am; 2)  3/19/2023 sometime overnight I noticed it in the morning when I got up; 3) 3/21/2023 sometime overnight I noticed it in the morning when I got up; 4) 3/26/2023 sometime overnight, I noticed it in the morning when I got up;  5)  3/27/2023 @ 10:23pm, it is now 3/28/2023 @ 9:51pm and it is still working.    I just had the Hydro Hot worked on 3/3/2023 by a certified Hydro Hot/Aqua Hot Service Center for this very problem.  They said they got it fixed (they installed a new control thermostat), but that didn't fix it.  Any Suggestions? 

Thank You In Advance!!!

John 

I wanted to update everyone on the outcome of my Hydro Hot diesel furnace/heater.  I did have the Electronic Controller Circuit  Board replaced with a new one on April 19th, 2023.  It has been working fine since then, so I believe the problem has been resolved-Thank You Rudy you were Spot-On!!!

John