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Old 04-03-2018, 09:16 PM   #1
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Propane water heater making black smoke

My propane water heater is making black smoke that accumulates on the side of my RV at the heater exhaust. I think it might be running rich and needs an adjustment. Anyone know how this is done.

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Old 04-04-2018, 02:54 AM   #2
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I found some good info on the internet http://everything-about-rving.com/bl...er-heater.html about cleaning out the burner tube and chamber. As it turns out mine is an Atwood so it doesn't need an Anode rod. I still haven't found anything on adjusting the air fuel mixture. Anyone know where I can find that?
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Old 04-04-2018, 12:34 PM   #3
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I don't know that there is an adjustment. Running rich could be caused by oxygen (air) starvation caused by insect home obstructions in the air intake area. That's what I would be looking at.
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Old 04-04-2018, 01:23 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Tfryman View Post
I don't know that there is an adjustment. Running rich could be caused by oxygen (air) starvation caused by insect home obstructions in the air intake area. That's what I would be looking at.
Mud daubers are a very common problem.
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Old 04-04-2018, 05:51 PM   #5
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There may be critters have taken up residence in the burner tube, which is a common problem, good cleaning might help.
There should be a air dampener on the burner tube that you may be able to adjust to get a nice blue flame.
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Old 04-06-2018, 02:47 AM   #6
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Thanks for the suggestions. I am out camping right now. When I get home I will give the thing a good cleaning and see what happens. I have a warranty that covers heaters and things so I will most likely use it to get a new one. Besides smoking mine is pretty rusty.
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Old 04-07-2018, 12:36 PM   #7
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Smoke issue

I had about the same issue with a class c years ago i had brown/black burning smoke marks above the hot water exhaust on the outside, turned out to be the high temp switch was at fault it would not shut off propane to the burner, the switch was easy to replace hope this might help.
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