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Post by tbryson2 on Feb 2, 2014 20:20:57 GMT -5
Just purchased a 2012 14RB & took her out on our first trip. Intermittently when starting the water heater (Suburban SW6D), instead of igniting the flame normally, it has a significant explosion in the burn tube. (Hope I'm conveying myself appropriately).
Flip the switch to turn it on, it has about a 5-10 second delay then "WOOSH!" Enough to scare our neighbors! If I remember correctly, when it works properly, there is a slight delay, then a "tick" as the igniter is flickering, then it lights properly. When it works, Flame looks good, not yellowy or too blue...
When it fails, I believe what is happening is the burn tube is being filled with gas then a delayed spark ignites it resulting in a "BANG".
did some internet research & apparently I'm not the only one to experience this! Sadly, nobody is as quick to post what the fix is for it.
Has anyone out there experienced this, & what fixed it? (PLEASE do not reply "take it in for service." That is obvious). Is it possible that Suburban released a fix (recall) for this?
Thanks
Terry
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Post by trex380 on Feb 8, 2014 10:13:54 GMT -5
Terry,
You may want to check the orifice of the unit. Sometimes spiders build nests in them blocking or partially blocking the gas entering the burner. If you don't feel comfortable working on it I suggest taking it to a dealer. Just a thought.
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Post by tbryson2 on Feb 9, 2014 23:46:41 GMT -5
Its in the shop now. Dealer thinks its a bad valve. I'll post what the fix is when i find out. He did mention "FOD" (foreign objects or debris for you non-aviation types out there) and who knows, it could be. Personally I think its a late ignition, but he's the expert
Terry
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Post by tbryson2 on Feb 13, 2014 19:50:02 GMT -5
Retrieved unit from dealer yesterday, water heater works beautifully now! Technician said he replaced the igniter.
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Post by trex380 on Feb 15, 2014 10:09:36 GMT -5
Thanks for the update. Will have to keep this in mind if I ever have issues.
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Post by tbryson2 on Apr 23, 2014 18:48:14 GMT -5
UPDATE: igniter was & wasnt the problem. Havent had the opportunity to take her out since the "repair", but first time I attempted to light it I got flashback again three times before it ignited.
I downloaded the "repair" manual & took a good close look at the igniter. I had read that the position of the igniter is CRITICAL, so I took a micrometer & set about verifying its position on the burner tube. All parameters were within spec, except one. The tips of the igniter are supposed to be .356 in from the center of the tube. Mine were at dead center. I adjusted the bracket to specs & double checked everything.
Held my breath, hit the power switch & NO FLASHBACK! I have cycled it several times over the last few days & it ignites perfectly everytime! :-)
Hope I didnt jinx myself, & I will consider it a total repair if I can get at least 10 more ignites without issues
Off to get a shower!
UPDATE: (6-1-14). I feel led to report that the adjustment did the trick! Absolutely no flasbacks since adjusting it.
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rider
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 9 
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Post by rider on Sept 13, 2014 15:59:05 GMT -5
My 2012 E19SB had the same problem. It started out intermittent and gradually got to the point that all I was getting was "fashbacks" and that while on a two week camping trip. After calling several dealers, including my home dealer, I purchased a new electronic control board for $130. The new board did not fix the problem. It did however make a dandy hole in my wallet. After getting home and taking the unit to my home dealer they found a cracked ignitor and replaced it under warranty. So after having spent $130.00 for a "spare" electronic control board (which will also I am told work with my furnace) I thought I might better spend the $15.00 for a "spare" ignitor. Now that I am covered for "spares" neither the board nor the ignitor will ever screw up, even if I own the trailer for thirty years.
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