Furnace gasket problem - i think

[NDARGOSY]

I just purchased a 1978 Argosy, 30 foot, with a Suburban furnace. The furnace kept blowing out he pilot after it started up and I think the problem was poor gasketeing between the combustion chamber and the plate that contains the pilot light, thermocouple, viewport, etc. I took it apart and cleaned it as best I could - its a little corroded - then made a new gasket from automotive gasket material desiged for exhaust systems. It still leaks, but not as bad and doesn't work yet.

The gasket also seems to be getting awfully brittle although I don't know if this is due to blowby or because it just can't take the heat. I was thinking of regasketing and using some high temp caulking, like you would use for furnaces and wood stoves, along with the exhaust gasket material.

Does anyone have other suggestions, or know where I can get proper gasket material? The mating surface on the combustion box is a lousy design - in my opinion.

I appreciate any help I can get. NDARGOSy

[CanoeStream]

Hello NDARGOSY -- and welcome to the Forums! Madison -- with a daughter working at University Hospitals I get there with some regularity. Were photos of your Argosy at Capital Springs on the Forums a few months back? Somebody's was...

All gasket materials get hard and cracked over time. I saw a '58 Airstream last week with gaskets as hard as [insert exaggeration]. I don't know your specific answer because I haven't gotten to this point on my Argy. But I have to throw out a caution. More than gaskets may be at issue here. Search the forums on 'Suburban recall' -- for example, here and here. Evidently back in the 70's they recognized that an air intake (or exhaust?) plenum was cracking prematurely. This could be a significant danger and I'd almost encourage a new furnace unless you are working in very familiar ground. Even the most vintage-friendly Airstream dealership (like Fogdall's in Iowa) would probably shy away from working on any of these old Suburbans!

Just looking at the returns on the recommended search I see a thread about pilot light going out too, but think you'd be more successful searching on that as a separate topic.

[john hd]

hey ND good to see yet another member from madison!

go run up to camperland rv on county CV just north of the airport. they are vintage friendly and my have the gaskets you need.

i'm with bob, if the unit is at all questionable replacing it may be a good option. (and the only safe one)

john

[RV_cool]

Whats the model number? I can most likely find new gaskets for you, and other parts if needed. We don't only work on refrigerators, but service furnaces also.