Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough) (Read 639 times) previous topic - next topic

No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

So the water heater took a dump. Woke up to a red light on the switch by the kitchen sink.

I have tested the dinosaur board, replaced the thermostat and ECO, and today replaced the ignitor (to the tune of $41 ouch Amazon had it for $15)

It lights. I hear continuous clicking after it lights. Stays lit for a few seconds then a loud click and the flame goes out. The board will try to start it again after a brief wait, but the results are the same.

I have been able to get it to light and stay lit long enough to heat the water twice since this started three days ago.

What else can I do. Tomorrow I'm pulling the board and asking them to test it again.



Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Lance Camper –
What else can I do.
Have you tried all these trouble-shooting steps?

Atwood Water Heater Troubleshooting
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #2 –
Sounds like the thermocouple may be bad. Or coated with carbon or other stuff. May be able to get one at home Depot. Safety device that disables the gas flow.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the replies, I took the board back to the RV shop that originally tested it and now it tested bad. Ordered a new dinosaur board from Amazon. It will be here tomorrow.
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Lance Camper –
Thanks for the replies, I took the board back to the RV shop that originally tested it and now it tested bad. Ordered a new dinosaur board from Amazon. It will be here tomorrow.
Be aware the Dinosaur board has at least a six second delay so the burner does not come on right away. It fooled me. Think I also had to do a small modification to it for mounting. Good to clean all sensor and plug contacts as you replace the board. I used a little phosphoric on a Q tip to get rid of the corrosion and then crimped them just a little so they made better contact. Cleaned the ground also and used electronic spray on the four? prong plug.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Be aware the Dinosaur board has at least a six second delay so the burner does not come on right away. It fooled me. Think I also had to do a small modification to it for mounting. Good to clean all sensor and plug contacts as you replace the board. I used a little phosphoric on a Q tip to get rid of the corrosion and then crimped them just a little so they made better contact. Cleaned the ground also and used electronic spray on the four? prong plug.

Pierce
Thanks Pierce

The PO had a UIB S Dinosaur board. I am replacing in kind. I will be snipping the jumper to eliminate the delay.

Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #6 –
If the board does not fix it you should check what the gas pressure is, may have a bad regulator.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: No hot water (as if the retarder problem wasn't enough)

Reply #7 –
It was the board. Well now I have new ECO, thermostat, igniter/flame sensor, and Dinosaur board.

I didn't cut the jumper yet. The 6 second delay didn't seem to make much difference.

Thanks to all
Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)