Gas Hot Water problem

[Cresty]

[Purchased a 2020 Thor Daybreak 24 and unable to use the gas option above 6000 ft. elevation. There is spark, but no gas flow. Below that elevation it works just great. My dealer can't trouble shoot it for it always works at there location. Thor or Atwood have no idea or will to answer why. Any ideas out there? ][/B]

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to the Forum!
There are some adjustments that can be made to the system that'll get it working at elevation...
Only I don't know what it is!

[16ACE27]

Above 4500' the propane air/fuel mixture may need to be adjusted to allow more air in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSjDklZh4ws

[Bob Denman]

I knew that Ted have the answer...

[Cresty]

The problem at altitude is there no gas flow period. Come down the hill and it will light every time. I feel it has to be a problem with the regulator but dealer or Thor will not address it if the heater lights at a lower altitude. My wife hates to heat water this way. Atwood manufacture of the unit says to start my generator and use the electric option. Problem since new, customer no service I guess.

[16ACE27]

So you have no gas flow to the stove ay altitude? The regulator affects all gas appliances including the fridge and furnace.

How do you know the WH has no gas flow?

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Cresty

The problem at altitude is there no gas flow period. Come down the hill and it will light every time. I feel it has to be a problem with the regulator but dealer or Thor will not address it if the heater lights at a lower altitude. My wife hates to heat water this way. Atwood manufacture of the unit says to start my generator and use the electric option. Problem since new, customer no service I guess.

Try the adjustment to let the water heater draw more air (When you are altitude...), and please let us know what happens.

[JimOIB]

I would try this at altitude. Close the propane tank valve, then try to light the stove burners as a way to purge the propane lines after the regulator. This should reset the regulator. Close the stove burner and s-l-o-w-l-y open the propane tank valve. Then light the stove to make sure you have propane flow. Finally, try to light the water heater.

[Cresty]

Thanks for all the help here, but at altitude all other gas units work fine. Only the water heater lacks gas flow at altitude. I think I will purchase a new gas water heater regulator on my own and try that. No thanks to Thor or dealers who will not address the problem. Makes me wonder why I have warranty and customer no service.

[Bob Denman]

Did you try adjusting it so that it was correctly set up for altitude?
I hate to see money being spent; if there are options still left on the table.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Cresty

Thanks for all the help here, but at altitude all other gas units work fine. Only the water heater lacks gas flow at altitude. I think I will purchase a new gas water heater regulator on my own and try that. No thanks to Thor or dealers who will not address the problem. Makes me wonder why I have warranty and customer no service.

I'll say it again: there is no separate gas regulator for the water heater. There is a simple on/off solenoid operated valve that allows gas flow when energized by the control board and is not affected by altitude. The only adjustment is the air/gas mixture shown in the video above.

[JimOIB]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I'll say it again: there is no separate gas regulator for the water heater. There is a simple on/off solenoid operated valve that allows gas flow when energized by the control board and is not affected by altitude. The only adjustment is the air/gas mixture shown in the video above.

Love the video - made my day.

[JimOIB]

Not to beat a dead horse...16ACE27 holds the reins on this one. I had a chance to go over to my rig today and look at my air inlet on the HW heater. We were in Santa Fe a few years ago and my HW wouldn’t light on propane - Santa Fe is at 7200 feet. Remembering my firefighting training in the Navy you need fuel, oxygen and a spark for a fire. I had fuel and spark so it must have been oxygen. I called a mobile tech who asked me where I started my trip, NC - easy answer. He said before he comes out and charges me $100 first cycle everything to reset the regulator like I suggested. If that didn’t work the adjust the air flow as 16ACE27 suggested. The tech said not to call him back unless 1 or 2 didn’t work I opened my air adjustment to about half way and haven’t touched it in 3 years.

Attachment 26836

[Bob Denman]

That sure looks good from here...

[Cresty]

Jimbo 12, I will have to try opening the air flow sleeve next time I get some elevation, You would think that I would be able to smell some gas standing next to the heater if the gas valve was open. Thanks all again.

[Bob Denman]

Let us know how you make out with it: good luck!

[Hooligan2]

For ACE--Another one

[Bob Denman]

[Foxdie]

Damn it! Why is new equipment constantly breaking down! how much can you produce outright consumer goods!