Furnace smells

[slowpoke]

I have a 2004 28', Safari. I have been running the furnace due to some cold weather in Texas, even though I did winterize. The carbon dioxide monitor went off yesterday and I smelled what I thought was exhaust fumes, not propane. I aired it out and set the thermostat at 40*. Now the monitor blinks red when running and green shortly after the furnace stops running. Still smells what I think is exhaust.

I pulled the cover to the furnace and saw no obstructions or anything out of the ordinary. Same thing for under the cabinets where the ducts are.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[overlander63]

Sounds like a combustion chamber leak. Get it checked out before you try sleeping in it.

[idroba]

It is common for mud daubers and other insects to get into the furnace from the outside vents and build nests which restrict the flow of air through the combustion chamber causing poor combustion. However the combustion chamber should be totally isolated from the interior air path which warms the trailer.

So, I suspect you have a leaking combustion chamber, which is quite dangerous. Please have it checked out by a professional if you do not feel comfortable working on it yourself. This is a possible life safety issue and must not be ignored.

[slowpoke]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll take it in for service.

[Mike Leary]

Is that furnace a Suburban?

[Lumatic]

I assume you mean a carbon monoxide detector (CO), not carbon dioxide (CO2)

[slowpoke]

Whatever

[drboyd]

Get ready to buy a new one. The difficulty involved in changing it out is directly related to where it is. The actual connections are a breeze.

[visosky]

Anyone have a suggestion for replacing an original Subrurban NT-22CA from a 1976 Argosy? I bought it a year ago and took it for our 1st trip in cold Wyoming and the carbon monoxide detector went off because the battery was running down- it seemed like the fan did not have enough power to get rid of the fumes inside. I have 2 kids and a wife and I don't want to have to worry about not waking up in the morning from carbon monoxide... Thanks, any insight would be helpful.

[idroba]

Originally Posted by visosky

Anyone have a suggestion for replacing an original Subrurban NT-22CA from a 1976 Argosy? I bought it a year ago and took it for our 1st trip in cold Wyoming and the carbon monoxide detector went off because the battery was running down- it seemed like the fan did not have enough power to get rid of the fumes inside. I have 2 kids and a wife and I don't want to have to worry about not waking up in the morning from carbon monoxide... Thanks, any insight would be helpful.

Replace it with another NT-22, they are still available I am sure. the mounting may be a little different since yours was made but the size and location of the inlet and exhaust pipes will be very close to the same.

There should be no fumes inside in any event, even with a weak battery. Your combustion chamber is probably leaking, very dangerous. Do not use it until you have it replaced.

[dvisosky]

Thanks Rivet Master. I did some looking around last night and it looks like some people are recommending replacing with a NT-30SP. What are your thoughts on this? Is there anything with newer technology in these heaters compared to something that is 36 years old.