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jimthesailor · 01-08-2010, 10:10 AM

My Argosy 24 1976 has a suburban furnace that doesn't want to blow, the pilot lite lites, but that's it. Any ideas where to look first? the power is on to the DC system (And AC).

**azflycaster** · 01-08-2010, 10:18 AM

The thermostat would be the first place I would look. Inside the thermostat there is a set of contacts. Make sure they are clean and touching.

arodriguez60 · 01-08-2010, 10:39 AM

You can bypass the thermostst by tying the 2 blue wire together. if the fan turns on then it a problem with the thermostst like Richard said. Here's a manual on suburban heaters. It may not be the exact model but it will show you the basic wiring and how it operates

Lumatic · 01-08-2010, 01:03 PM

The blower runs on 12v. Check the 12v fuse in the fuse panel. If that does not do it check the thermocouple, microswitch and sail switch if you know how to do that.

jimthesailor · 01-09-2010, 10:57 AM

thermostat tests good, connecting the blue wires together does nothing. space is very limiting, I have the shelve above removed and the water heater is out too (new water heater arrives this week.) Im contemplating removing the unit to gain access to the wiring. I did check the + and - wires coming to the unit and I do have power to them. Any thoughts on removing the unit or even removing the kitchen cabinet? I've been wanting to put new wood flooring down and run new plumbing and this may be the ticket to easier access.

**azflycaster** · 01-09-2010, 11:06 AM

I would also check the continuity of the 2 blue wires. I had a loose connector that prevented my furnace from starting. The connector was located behind the wall the thermostat was located on. It was inside the closet in my bath area.

You could also just jumper where the two blue wires connect to the furnace and bypass the thermostat for testing.

Lumatic · 01-09-2010, 12:48 PM

The body of the furnace itself may slide out of the cabinet on 2 tracks. The furnace body is released by taking out a screw at the base.

Older furnaces are difficult if not impossible to find parts for or a tech who is willing to work on them. Others have decided to just replace the furnace. Newer furnaces are a lot less troublesome.

By the way, what model furnace do you have in your Argosy? There was a problem with the NT22 crossover tube letting carbon monoxide into the trailer and it was recalled.

jimthesailor · 01-09-2010, 03:15 PM

Yes, thats what I have , NT22. seeing that it's so old, I don't think anything would come drom the recall other than good advice to replace. Where would I check/contact?

Jim

Lumatic · 01-09-2010, 06:29 PM

The recall has long since expired. I and a few others have replaced with a NT30. There are a couple of old threads you may be able to find in a search. Also there was an interesting thread a few days ago about a higher tech Atwood furnace.

arodriguez60 · 01-11-2010, 08:09 AM

I replaced the blower motor and the crossover hose recently on my nt22. I bought all the parts from ppl motorhomes. Did you check out the manual that I posted? It has part #'s wiring diagrams and how to diagnos problems. It is very useful

jimthesailor · 01-12-2010, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the manual, it will be very helpful. my crossover tube is certainly cracked. what material did you replace it with? did you deem it more feesible/practical to rebuild it vs buying a new unit?

I ended up pulling the kitchen cabinets, dinette, and the old 12" square flooring tiles out, and I'll repaint the walls, put new flooring down, and rebuild new cabinets. thinking of putting in a bigger/newer frig. too. old cabinets are in great condition, just want a different look.

arodriguez60 · 01-12-2010, 07:29 PM

The unit was in great shape. The blower motor had a bad bushing.My AS is from NM . very dry climate. no rust. When I ordered the motor the salesperson sold me the crossover hose and a rope seal. I hadn't thought about these parts. Works beautiful. I don't regret fixing it.

RichHog · 01-12-2010, 09:57 PM

Thanks for posting the manual. When I tried to start the unit he pilot light lit but no blower etc. came on. Now I can at least look for voltage on it and try to find out what's wrong before moving on to the replacement step.

Did you get the parts from PPL in Houston?

arodriguez60 · 01-12-2010, 11:23 PM

yes. I couldn't get anwhere on the web site so I called them. They were very helful.

RichHog · 01-13-2010, 07:47 AM

When did you do the work on your furnace? Figure I ought to give mine a shot on repair before I order a NT30

Lumatic · 01-13-2010, 08:01 AM

I put the NT30 in a few years ago.

I also tried to fix the NT22. Parts and finding someone who knows what they are doing and is willing to work on it was a real problem. Trying to fix the old furnace was a waste of time and money.

Lumatic · 01-13-2010, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimthesailor

my crossover tube is certainly cracked. what material did you replace it with? did you deem it more feesible/practical to rebuild it vs buying a new unit?

Auto radiator or gas tank hose has been used.

Your other question, throw it out there are better things to waste time on.

arodriguez60 · 01-15-2010, 08:36 AM

I worked on mine during the chistmas vacation. Got it ready for rally at Picacho Peak.

RichHog · 01-17-2010, 05:30 PM

What do you connect (2 blue wires for thermostat) red + what else to battery or 12V power supply? Propane tank to gas line? etc to test the system in the shop or garage? How do you know if sail switch is shot? main power board? or other typical things that fail?

Thanks

Lumatic · 01-17-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichHog

What do you connect (2 blue wires for thermostat) red + what else to battery or 12V power supply? Propane tank to gas line? etc to test the system in the shop or garage? How do you know if sail switch is shot? main power board? or other typical things that fail?

Thanks

You got the connections right. I THINK if the blower comes on but the furnace does not light it may be the sail switch. Could also be the microswitch. There is no circuit board in a NT22a. I'm not an expert, maybe someone else will chime in who is.