hot water heater flare up!!!

[glacierrunne]

Got most of my plumbing leaks fixed so decided to light the hot water heater.It's a 6 gallon Atwood. The pilot light was easy but when I turn the knob to ON ,it FLARED up by the slide air shutter. I was able to turn it back to pilot right away---- soooo no harm but I've got all the manuals out and want to know if there is any help out there on this one. I've got a 1980 Caravelle. Thanks, Don

[peegreen]

Try taking off the burner tube and cleaning it out. A favorite place for spider webs and nests causing gas blockage and flare ups as you observed.

[lewster]

Sounds like the LP delivery system needs a thorough cleaning. Take everything apart, clean the burner and orifice, all tubing, etc. It should take care of the problem unless you have a propane leak somewhere else. Also, be sure that the air mixing opening is properly adjusted.

[john hd]

yup

sounds like bugs in the pipe.

john

[glacierrunne]

Thanks guys! That makes sense, since the trailer has not been used for several years. I have two more plumbing leaks( hate those gray fittings used in the 80's) to fix then will clean burning tube. I'll let you know what I find! Thanks again, Don

[glacierrunne]

Big Time Spider web, cleaned it out and everything works just Fine! Thanks again for the Tip. Don