Atwood Water Heater Lighting Gremlin

[BHBadger]

After the first "shake-down" campout of the year, the Atwood GE-9xt water heater has decided to succumb to a lighting gremlin. It will not ignite on propane mode unless the exterior access door is open. I have adjusted the air/fuel manifold to as much air as possible with no success. Since it looks a little "tacky" to leave the door open while camped, I'm wondering if anyone has other ideas short of cutting an air access hole in the exterior door!

2014 25' FB twin Flying Cloud

[idroba]

I had that problem with one of my Atwood heaters and never did find a solution for it, but in the dim recesses of my memory seem to recall that I read one once, and it almost seems like it was from Atwood themselves. You might try contacting them and asking at any rate.

[Bill M.]

The gremlin in my Atwood water heater was a corroded ground screw for the ignitor.

[cwf]

also, I removed the probe which hangs in the flame plume and cleaned off the carbon buildup and oxidation... and the grounding screw.... worked over a year... then had to reseat the connector last week to make it work...

[BHBadger]

Problem solved. Atwood technical folks had no idea what was causing the problem, but like me thought it sounded like air flow. I removed plastic cover from small inspection hole on door, but no change. Finally, I reoriented the igniter wire to ensure that it would not make contact with the door when closed. System works fine now. Since the wire is insulated, I doubt that it is grounding out, so I suspect some minor break in the wire. Guess I will order a spare.

Thanks for the advice!

[cwf]

There is so little "current Flow" in that circuit that proximity to the metal door and any chafing of the wire could disrupt signal. Replace the part of it acts up again.

Also, if you put some high temp tubing over the line that would help isolat the wire from touching the door. Just keep away from too much heat.

[guskmg]

The igniter wire is not very thick insulation for a high voltage spark. Think spark plug wire thickness size. Repositioning it so it can not jump to ground through the insulation is (was) the answer. Try holding on to it while it is sparking and touch metal on the trailer. Then you will know for sure.