U-tube design

[10sscott]

Hello all,
I am having some issues with my Bowen G610-3B water heater. When ignited, the flame shoots out of the inlet of the u-tube, rather than through the inlet and out the exhaust end. I have tried to push a wire through, to clear any possible obstructions, but the tube is not cylindrical all the way through. I was able to negotiate he wire through once, but there was certainly not enough room to "tie a rag onto it, and pull it through to clear the soot". Has my u-tube been damaged, or is the a part of the design? I hope the pictures will help.
Thanks

[HowieE]

It is clearly not soot that is the problem. There are most likely baffles in there to direct the flame against the walls of the tube.

I would try compressed air while holding a clean rag over the outlet end. I say this to see if any nesting material blows out.

[rmkrum]

And to keep from getting a face full of soot😀😀😀


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[10sscott]

Thanks! I only got a little dirt out with air, hopefully it will help- once I get the trailer back together.

[ijustlee]

Try blowing a hair dryer into it and feel if the same amount of air comes out as goes in. I don't think there are any baffles or anything in my 10 gallon unit and it looks round and symmetrical as far as I can see. You may have a nest in there or it may have been fired when empty and melted the tube.

[10sscott]

Thanks ijustlee, the tube melting would explain the weird shaping inside.