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Old 01-05-2013, 06:46 AM   #1
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1975 25' Tradewind
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Lighting suburban heater

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How do you light this furnace? It is in a '75 TradeWind and is a Suburban brand. We used little ceramic heaters last night, but since I have light today (we set up in the dark last night) I wanted to see if I could get it lit today.
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Old 01-05-2013, 07:16 AM   #2
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You 1. turn on the gas valve, 2. push the square button which connects to a spark lighter on the back of the furnace, while 3 holding in the other button. BUT

IF THIS IS A NT22A THE FURNACE WAS RECALLED. This furnace is potentially lethal because the rubber crossover tube deteriorates letting carbon monoxide into the coach.

If the furnace is not working it is very likely it is not worth repairing.
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Old 01-05-2013, 07:30 AM   #3
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YIKES!! Where do I find the model number? All I saw on it was Suburban.
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Old 01-05-2013, 09:55 AM   #4
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Virtually all Suburban furnaces of that era had the same issue and recall, not just the NT22. When repaired with the recall parts (no longer available) there was no danger, but unless there is a sticker on the furnace stating that the recall was done, you best assume it has not been done.

If you do want to totally pull the furnace out, you will see a 2 -3 inch piece of rubber tubing about 1 1/2 inches in diameter in the back of the furnace, near the inlet/outlet tubes. That rubber tube needs to have a red stripe on it, which is the recalled part replacement. Solid black rubber tube is the original.

However, any almost 40 year old furnace is at or very near the end of it's useful life, and the new ones are equipped with electronic ignition and lower current draw motors and are probably worth it for that alone. Consider replacement on age alone.
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Old 01-05-2013, 10:44 AM   #5
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Quote:
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Consider replacement on age alone.
Second

But if you want to find the model take of the front cover of the furnace.
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Old 01-05-2013, 11:13 AM   #6
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Consider replacement on age alone.
Agreed, also there is the possibility of the furnace rusting through causing a fire hazard.
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Old 01-05-2013, 02:07 PM   #7
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If you want to enrich your vocabulary, just take it out and put in a new one.
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Old 01-05-2013, 04:23 PM   #8
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Ah, yes I remember this furnace well. It does have a pizo electric ignetor that is supposed to light the pilot light. They often get out of adjustment or just don't work at all. You can also light this by unscrewing the mica cover. (that's the little window that lets you see the pilot light) You might need some pliers to get it off, they tend to rust in over time.
Put the unit to PILOT and hold done the RED button. This will allow gas for the pilot to flow. If the ingitor is working, the pilot light will come on. If the ignitor is not working you will have to light it with a match.
Continue to hold down the RED button for 30 seconds. The pilot flame will heat the sensor and the pilot light will stay on when you release the RED button. Put the unit to ON and it should work.
These old units can leak fumes into the trailer if there are any holes eaten through the heat exchanger. Check it out if you can, if not get it checked out by someone qualified.
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Old 01-06-2013, 08:46 AM   #9
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if not get it checked out by someone qualified.
My experience has been qualified someones won't touch older furnaces because of the liability factor.
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Old 01-06-2013, 12:58 PM   #10
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My experience has been qualified someones won't touch older furnaces because of the liability factor.
That's a bummer. I can understand why though.
I ended up changing my heater out to a new model with the same BTU rating. I had to construct a new air plenum because the new heater would not line up with the old duct work. It was sure nice to have safe reliable heat.
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Old 01-06-2013, 01:31 PM   #11
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You can cannibalize the old cabinet for the plunum and use the existing ductwork. There are several threads
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