Water Heater Troubleshooting

charlie g · 11-05-2006, 04:53 PM

I have a gas water heater. When I turn it on, switch in bathroom, it stays on for about 2 -3 min and shuts off. Any suggestions as to what I can check?
charlie g

Excella CM · 11-05-2006, 05:04 PM

Check out the search feature on the forums. Many ideas here.

Ganglin · 11-05-2006, 05:55 PM

Charlie,

What brand is it.

steelbird312 · 11-05-2006, 07:49 PM

Charlie, since you are a new poster, I wonder what it is that comes on and then goes off. Of you are saying you can hear it come on for a ful 2-3 minutes, then I would say you probably need a thermister. It also could be that the flu or chimney is stopped up; the gas has incorrect pressure; the gas bottle is empty, etc.

If, however, you are speaking of the red light on the switch, the red light indicates either a failed condition, or the process of attempting to light electrically. When the light goes off, it is lit.

charlie g · 11-06-2006, 07:20 AM

I belive it is a Atwood Heater. I do hear it light and the red light goes off. After about 2 - 3 min it goes off and the red light comes on.

steelbird312 · 11-06-2006, 05:15 PM

Charlie, Make SURE, POSITIVE SURE, that you do not have a bypass valve open, thereby causing the hot water to remain in the tank. It works like this. When winterizing, the bypass valve is opened, which keeps any water from going into or out of the hot water heater. Then, when you try to turn it on, it runs just a short time, bringing the temp up in the tank, and then shuts down, yet you get cold water from the hot tap. I have seen this more than once.
I spoke of a thermister last post, however, I really meant your thermocouple. Now,the tip of it is located in the flame, and it tells your gas valve to stay open as there is a flame, and it is safe to stay open. When they go bad, it will not allow the gas flow to continue, and it shuts down. Now, they are fairly expensive (for what they are) if you buy them from an RV supplier. They can be purchased at Home Depot, or other like store, althhough the bracket may be somwhat different, if you are handy, can be made to work for about half the price.
That may not be the problem, however, as I mentioned earlier. It is what I would chase first.

George Jr. · 11-06-2006, 06:04 PM

I have had the same problem for about two years on my 88 which stays stationary at TCPC Airstream park.

Gentleman told me to run hair dryer on unit for short period, especially heating tube, works every time.

BTW, problem is intermident depending on temp and humidity????????

steelbird312 · 11-07-2006, 06:16 AM

George Jr.
I am at TCPC right now, having my RV port built- come by and say hello if you are here now.
Next, it sounds as if you have a ground that is intermittent, especially since it works if heated (expansion) and weather has an effect.
That is another thing that Charlie might check as well as you. Take the screw out that holds the thermocouple, clean both mounting surfaces., and reinstall the screw. Then, make sure the end of the bulb is in the flame.