Suburban NT-30 woes

[dano]

The Suburban NT-30 in my 1987 Sovereign was working yesterday but is not working today. The furnace will come on but blows cold air. The newly installed water heater works fine and I have plenty of propane. Any suggestions or thoughts on where to start with this problem would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Lumatic]

I would start with the thermocouple which should have an output of about 27 millivolts. Other possibilities are the limit switch, anti sail switch, thermostat, circuit board.

Generally speaking I know enough to be dangerous and the innards of a furnace call for more technical expertise than the average Joe Handyman. You may save yourself some time and hassle, unless this is an easy diagnosis, of getting some help from a good RV guy. You don't necessarily need an Airstream tech as these furnaces are used in a lot of RVs

[ticki2]

When was the water heater installed , yesterday ? Check the gas shut off valve to the furnace to see if it's open .

[alan]

I had a similar problem with my 85 Soverign furnace. After two trips to the shop (which cost almost as much as a new furnace), I replaced the furnace and have had no further problems.

[68 Overlander]

I like Marshall's answer and I would probably check them in that order.

[dano]

Had my furnace bench tested and turns out it need's a new gas valve. Where is the best place too purchase a Suburban NT30SP?

[pjude]

Hi! If you watch e-bay you can find a bargan on a new unit....I found mine for about 60% of retail + freight.
Pete

[dano]

Thanks Pete
I been watching E-Bay,nothing interesting so far, Camping World has a good price if you are a club member but they say that the unit must be installed by a qualified tech.The search continues.

[Robfike]

Try PPL Motorhomes in Houston, TX.
They have some great prices on parts. Thats where I got my water heater, and my new rear furnace.
Rob

[ticki2]

Originally Posted by dano

Thanks Pete
I been watching E-Bay,nothing interesting so far, Camping World has a good price if you are a club member but they say that the unit must be installed by a qualified tech.The search continues.

All part for appliances say that , depends what you are comfortable with doing yourself.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by dano

Thanks Pete
I been watching E-Bay,nothing interesting so far, Camping World has a good price if you are a club member but they say that the unit must be installed by a qualified tech.The search continues.

dano,

The 'qualified tech' designation refers to someone who is trained and licensed in the installation of propane gas appliances. This specifically refers to opening and then re-connecting the flair connection that feeds LP to the furnace. The rest of the install is a few screws, maybe attaching ducting if you have any and connecting 4 wires.

Believe me when I tell you that most RV Techs have no real training or licensing in the handling of LP gas (especially those working at Camping World!) like I have. There are some specifics about making flair connections, but with a replacement unit, there should be only one to make and all of the necessary connection materials are already in place. It's basically wrench off/wrench on.

It's your trailer, and if you feel confident in the replacement, by all means go for it! PM me if you have any specific questions about the install.

[ticki2]

Lewster
Thanks for your candid post , my opinion of at least one RV tech has gone way up .

[RUSSELL]

After install check for gas leaks with soapy water. Other wise no big deal on the instalation. All they want is 250 to300 for the job.
Also any Surban dealer will have what you need.
Regards fom Russell in hot and muggy Tucson Az. Reminds me of Huston Tex.
today.

[dano]

Thanks to everybody who replied, I bit the bullet and bought a new furnace, the install was pretty easy, just need to install the vent cap and I'm done.