I’m in Hot Water

[Betterboat]

Greetings fellow, streamers,
Our 2017 international 25FB has a Atwood XT water heater which works fine on electric and on gas IF I manually light it - I did clean the contacts on the electrode/spark probe, which were pretty corroded, and I also checked the gap according to specs with no success. Before I go and buy a replacement spark probe, is there something I might be missing or other testing I should do ? It works fine when manually lit, but not my preferred method.
As always, thank you in advance for any help you can offer
BetterBoat

[Lafitte]

Get a “dinosaur” circuit board. Easy to self install.
Search on site for it.

[ITSNO60]

First make sure that the wire that supplies the spark electrode is not shorted anywhere, if it is it won't allow the spark to reach the electrode. Also clean any spade connectors that may be present. Finally, make sure the surface that the spark is supposed to jump to is grounded.

[kb0zke]

After you have cleaned the spade terminals make sure that the screw is actually tight. Don't ask how I know this. <grin>

[GetawA-S]

I had the same situation on our previous trailer, a 2019 Sport. I had to replace the board. As Lafitte says, Dinosaur is best. LOTS of post a couple of years ago about these. Shame on you, Dometic!
But you can try the cheap fixes first…

[waninae39]

after 3 failed boards in my last sport 22fb, the dinosaur circuit board was installed and worked fine for the next 4 years. never an issue

[P. Wee]

I also have a 2017 25ft. International Serenity and have had problems with the same WH. I have found that while in transit the ingniter and pilot get misaligned and need a simple adjustment to correct.

[silverlabs]

Buy a new igniter. They are cheap and are a common fail item. You already mentioned corrosion on it.You should probably test with a multi meter to see if in fact there is a current to the electrode, but in all honesty you have spent more of your time cleaning and gapping and reinstalling than what the part cost. It's a common replacement when I am out working on these units. That and the thermal fuse are typical fail points. Others have mentioned the board. If you do replace a board anytime in the future the Dinosaur board is the way to go. Unless the igniter isn't getting a signal from the board, I doubt from what you have described its a board issue. Good luck.

[CLOUD9WYO]

Originally Posted by Lafitte

Get a “dinosaur” circuit board. Easy to self install.
Search on site for it.

Fully agree. Had ignition issues - gone with the dinosaur circuit board. Much nicer construction.

[Fungus]

+1 for the igniter and the dinosaur board. Both easy to install. I bought two igniters and carry the extra one as a spare.