sketchy water heater flame

[movin-in]

Full timer in 2009 Flying Cloud. I flip the switch to my Atwood water heater in the morning 10 minutes before a shower. The unit "clicks" a few times a fires up well. Though seconds later and at random times thereafter the flame lessens and eventually goes out, then more clicks. The only time it will run uninterupted is when the access door is open. Thus, I thought adjusting vent tube to more air would help. Not so. No other adjustments that I can see.

Also, should I leave the switch and thus heater on at all times as a full timer or is intermittent use appropriate?

Thank you

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I have had the same problem. Remove the tube to make sure there are no bugs or webs inside of it. And you will need to adjust the tube like you already did to get a proper flame. Mine was more sensitive in cold weather at high altitudes. I did it the first time by just looking at the flame and the second time by the instructions in my owner's manual; both ways were about the same. It can be pretty touchy. Make sure both propane tanks are open so you have enough pressure at the water heater.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by movin-in

Also, should I leave the switch and thus heater on at all times as a full timer or is intermittent use appropriate?

Hi, I used to leave mine on all the time, but now I turn it on in the morning, then off when done, then on again in the evening, and then off for the night.

[Lumatic]

Before you start disassembling blow out the burner and burner tube. That may solve your problem.