Water heater "huffing & puffing"

[beerrun'r]

For lack of better words, recently my pilotless ignition water heater on this '06 Bambi is "huffing & puffing".

The flame is blue when running OK, but occasionally it will yellow and even burn back into the mixer. I have recently had the gas pressure checked and it's OK.

Anyone had this problem in the past? Any suggestions?

[SteveH]

Check the air intake into pipe going to the burner for debris, like spider webs, etc. You might also want to check the burner itself for carbon buildup.

Most times when the flame is not blue, there is not enough air into the mixture caused by something choking off the air intake.

Good luck.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Check the air intake into pipe going to the burner for debris, like spider webs, etc. You might also want to check the burner itself for carbon buildup.

Most times when the flame is not blue, there is not enough air into the mixture caused by something choking off the air intake.

Good luck.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[HowieE]

Blockage in the air flow would be constant unless the spider is moving around.

I have seen is a loose orifice cause this, and it was on a newer unit.

Another area I would consider, since you rig is newer, is if you do not have many miles on it I would look at the possibility of oil getting to the burner. This could be from the gas valve manufacturing or the gas line.

[Elvie]

Our new '06 Bambi did the same thing, only needed an air adjustment. Moved the piece of pipe with the long holes in it and it was quieter also. Watch out, it may be hot. We're doing this full time and are changing elevation now and then so need to make an adjustment occasionally. Good luck.