Visit our Popular Forums

redthies · 11-23-2010, 07:26 AM

As the title says, I am looking for the reset switch and limit switch locations on a suburrrrban furnace in a 1984 31 International. I am fulltiming in it and it is around -18 with wind chill, so any speedy response would be appreciated! I don't know the model number of the furnace...

Mike Leary · 11-23-2010, 08:37 AM

What model Suburban is it? On ours (with some dexterity and luck) the limit switch can be removed without pulling the furnace, if they left enough wire.

redthies · 11-23-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redthies

I don't know the model number of the furnace...

I tried putting the electric heater in front of the open furnace panel as suggested in another thread, and presto! Heat! That would be the limit switch then?

redthies · 11-23-2010, 06:35 PM

And where the heck is Cactus Hug? We spend a ton of time in Arizona and have never heard of it...

Mike Leary · 11-23-2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redthies

And where the heck is Cactus Hug? We spend a ton of time in Arizona and have never heard of it...

Ever see "Brigadoon"? Cactus Hug is the mythical town we winter in, just a dreamless sleep away from Ajo.

Mike Leary · 11-23-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redthies

I tried putting the electric heater in front of the open furnace panel as suggested in another thread, and presto! Heat! That would be the limit switch then?

I've never heard of that fix, interesting. I understood the high limit switch prevented too much heat and shut the burner down, but the fan kept going.Have you shorted the thermostat wires to see if that's the problem?

lewster · 11-23-2010, 07:14 PM

Do a continuity test on the high limit switch to see if it is open (failed) or closed (good). Don't forget to test the sail switch while you are at it.

Mike Leary · 11-23-2010, 07:22 PM

Lew, what does the "sail switch" do? I've replaced everything else in our Suburban (a couple of times), but not that switch.

lewster · 11-24-2010, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Lew, what does the "sail switch" do? I've replaced everything else in our Suburban (a couple of times), but not that switch.

The 'sail switch' which is also called the 'air prover switch' is a little momentary contact device with a long tail or 'sail' attached to it. It is positioned directly in the path of the blower motor exhaust (generally in the squirrel cage).

When the blower motor is operational, the sail switch has the force of the blower air on it and it closes, providing continuity in the circuit that is responsible for opening the gas valve and igniting the burner. If the blower is not up to speed and putting out a sufficient amount of air, the sail switch will not close and the burner will not ignite.

If you have an older unit without an igniter board, you might also check the time delay relay.

redthies · 11-24-2010, 06:59 AM

Thanks for the info Lew. Any idea where I might find service manuals for older furnaces? I will check those switches and relays later this week. It is supposed to be in the mid 40s again tomorrow and the furnace is working fine now. Seems odd that we have a furnace that gets "too cold" to run...

Mike Leary... I sure know where Ajo is... Many a night has been spent in Organ pipe NM. Wish I were there now!

redthies · 11-24-2010, 07:20 AM

A photo to bring some warmth to this chilly thread... Organ Pipe in early Nov.

Mike Leary · 11-24-2010, 07:46 AM

Thanks Lew, that clears it up. Here's O.P. a couple of nights ago, everyone should visit that great spot at least once. We've been coming down for seventeen years!

Smartstream · 11-24-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Thanks Lew, that clears it up. Here's O.P. a couple of nights ago, everyone should visit that great spot at least once. We've been coming down for seventeen years!

Enough of this desert stuff Mike. Here is what you are missing in the Pacific North West.

Enjoy the warmth, Dan

Mike Leary · 11-24-2010, 08:50 PM

Get on down here, Dan, we'll save a spot in Cactus Hug for you. Avoid Flagstaff, though.

Smartstream · 11-24-2010, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Get on down here, Dan, we'll save a spot in Cactus Hug for you. Avoid Flagstaff, though.

Thanks for the offer Mike but I prefer trees and water to sand and cactus.

If it gets too cold I have a couple of good jackets.

Cheers, Dan

redthies · 11-25-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartstream

Enough of this desert stuff Mike. Here is what you are missing in the Pacific North West.

Enjoy the warmth, Dan

I am right across Jaun de Fuca lookin at you!

Smartstream · 11-25-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redthies

I am right across Jaun de Fuca lookin at you!

You probably have a better view of the Olympics then we do. Where in Victoria are you? We have friends in Saanich unfortunately they have one of those SOB's, some people just don't get it.

Keep warm, Dan

redthies · 11-26-2010, 06:53 AM

We are at "William Head" in Metchosin, and have lived in Saanich. We are spending the winter at Weirs Beach right on the water, and look straight at the Olympics. We face Mt Baker as well so the sunrises are spectacular! The growth on this side of Victoria is unreal, and the drive to town has gone from 20-25 minutes 5 years ago to almost 75 minutes now. We will look for a place to park in Saanich for the summer I think. We are full-timing so it might be hard to find an affordable place for the summer months...