Olympian Wave 6 Cat Heater

[wingfoot321]

My cat heater was purchased in march of 2006 for my first caravan. This spring, while in the southwestern usa, it would not stay lit.

Talked to the new owners of Olympian today. Camco now owns the cat heater company. They are headquartered in Greensboro, N.C. Zip 27409, 121 landmark Drive. Attn: Service Dept

I am going to mail my unit to them to check the thermocouple, gas control valve and or the cat bed to see if it is poisoned by bad propane. Cost is $48.50 bench charge & $10.00 return freight. Everything is still under warranty (3 yr) except if the cat bed is bad.

Just thought someone might benefit from this information.

Comments appreciated if you have used this service.

[HowieE]

My Olympian heater is about 4 years old and is getting less and less effective. I talked to Olympian a year or so ago and they claim the element is failing, dirt on it, because it was not covered when not in use. Has anyone had such and experience?

Anyone ever change the element?

[wingfoot321]

HowieE,

Just an update on my cat heater. It is back from the manuf service dept. Thermocouple ok, gas control valve ok, dirty pad. $130 dollars to mail in, test, repair at 50% & return. Ouch!

Service man said I should have had a cover on it. He said they are very bad to attract dust, etc.

Bottomline, literature says nearly nothing about keeping them covered. I will buy a cover off their web site and keep it covered.

In the future, I think a Honda generator and using the furnace is a better alternative.

[jamesardis]

thanx for the information Wingfoot--Sorry you had to shell out so much cash on your two yr. old cat heater--not the kind of service we would like--Ive been on the edge of buying this exact heater, but maybe not--maybe a" big buddy heater" instead--thanks--jim

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by wingfoot321

HowieE,

Just an update on my cat heater. It is back from the manuf service dept. Thermocouple ok, gas control valve ok, dirty pad. $130 dollars to mail in, test, repair at 50% & return. Ouch!

Service man said I should have had a cover on it. He said they are very bad to attract dust, etc.

Bottomline, literature says nearly nothing about keeping them covered. I will buy a cover off their web site and keep it covered.

In the future, I think a Honda generator and using the furnace is a better alternative.

Wow...not exactly an inexpensive adventure. We were doing some research on it last season but decided to wait. Looks as though we may have made the right decision.
The Honda and furnace are doing just fine.

Is this the unit you have?
Olympian RV Catalytic Heater, Wave 6

[HowieE]

Considering we are heading south in Jan., and not that far south, I broke down and sent my Wave 3 in for a new cat. After 3 years of being uncovered it had lost about 60% of it's capacity. Cost was $146.00.

It was returned with the same advice. Cover it. So I made a cover that matches the upholstery. The cover is lined with a material that will not pass dust.

[ArtStream]

Gee,
You're mighty handy with a needle and thread!

Nice job.

Have you ever thought about an exciting career in tailoring

Michael