Heater Question on 79 Argosy

[ArgosyGypsy]

We have a 1979 Argosy Minuet 7.3 we are workin on fixing up. I believe the guy we bought it from said the suburban heater was run by turning knob on the right of the overhead AC all the way to the right and then turning on the wall mounted suburban thermostat. Does this sound right? When I turn on the Thermostat, cold air blows through the vent but no heat. Is the Heater a gas appliance? If so, I will be taking it out and will be asking about how to remove safely! 30 year old gas appliances are scary to me! Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this- our trailers funkadelic

I can post some pics as well if it helps!

[TG Twinkie]

What model furnace do you have? My Argosy is a '74 so it may have a different model. It has nothing to do with the AC. On my unit you turn the thermostat fully to the left. Then you light the pilot in the furnace. Once the pilot stays lit you set the thermostat to the temp you desire. The blower should come on and when the sail switch is happy the main burner will come on.
You should check the model # to make sure it was not on the recall list from those days. Also install a Co2 detector for safety.
We always have a window cracked when running the furnace along with Co2 and Smoke detectors.

[87MH]

A:
Glad to hear that you and MD are working on the Argy.

The heater is a gas (LP) appliance. As such it needs a gas supply with an operational regulator.

I replaced both the water heater and the furnace due to age and reliability issues. These units are creeping up on being 40 years old and I just did not trust an aging gas fired unit to work properly, especially since both are liable to be turned on during night time hours.

On top of that, the original gas regulator recently developed a leak and I found it necessary to install one of the new manufacture regulators.

The older I get the more I don't trust the older gas appliances.

Expensive? Maybe a bit but what price do you put on safety.

Missed seeing you at Blanco, but we Mary and I plan to make more rallies in the Hill Country this year.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by ArgosyGypsy

I believe the guy we bought it from said the suburban heater was run by turning knob on the right of the overhead AC all the way to the right and then turning on the wall mounted suburban thermostat. Does this sound right? When I turn on the Thermostat, cold air blows through the vent but no heat. Is the Heater a gas appliance? If so, I will be taking it out and will be asking about how to remove safely! 30 year old gas appliances are scary to me! Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this- our trailers funkadelic

I can post some pics as well if it helps!

Photos would help.

I have never heard of a connection between the AC and wall thermostat for the furnace.

As long as the gas is turned off at the bottles you can safely remove any gas appliance.

You probably will have a hard time finding a qualified technician to work on an old furnace for liability reasons. New furnaces are more techy, but if they work like they should, just one step to start them. You will find more than you ever want to know if you search the forums.

[ArgosyGypsy]

I love the forum! It's like-help to the rescue!!

Denis- I'm sorry we missed it too, sounds like it was a blast! Family obligations, you know We look forward to the other ones you and Mary host! please let us know!

Ok, so I'll snap some pics of the heater situation and post them for advice. I hear you on the old gas applicance issue.

Thanks for the info on the heater and Ac not being connected! I couldn't figure how that would work!

What regulator is good for replacement of original- mine is scary!

Also, is there a procedure to check for leaks in the propane lines other than the soapy water standard for LP gas?

I do have a co2 detector and we will prob be using the Lil Buddy heater so it will get good use!

Thanks for all the info and happy new year to all!

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by ArgosyGypsy

I do have a co2 detector and we will prob be using the Lil Buddy heater so it will get good use!

I suggest a propane detector and smoke detector as well as a carbon monoxide detector.

Just to clarify CO2 is carbon dioxide (generally good) CO is carbon monoxide
(bad)

[ArgosyGypsy]

Awesome! We do have the monoxide detector and I'll get a propane one as well. I guess co2 might be what we exhale Thanks for the info. I have company coming in this weekend so will prob investigate early next week and see what shape the original heater /lines are in.

Thanks all and happy Weekend!!