water heater pilot light blows out

[joanfenn]

Okay,I am getting the camping bug again, real bad here.  But go out to the trailer and there still is a foot of snow. 

One thing I am curious about is the water heater on the trailer is the old fashioned type that you have to light the pilot light outside.  The motorhome is 10 years older and it has the good old dsi that works great.  Just press the button and the water heats.  Would love to have that in the trailer also.  But I can't justify that expense right now unless of course there is something wrong with the one in the trailer. 

The pilot light seems to go out in the slightest breeze and we usually have to light it everyday.  Of course I don't  have the make or model right now which I can get if it would help, just have to find my snowshoes and go out in the light. 

Would some kind of a baffle work to keep the pilot lit?  Everything else seems to work the way it is suppose to, easy to light, and the safety thing shuts the propane off right if the pilot goes out.  I would hate to spend the money if I didn't have to W% .  Anyone have any ideas?

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Try readjusting the height of the little mercury bulb that is over the pilot light...it shouldn't go out in the slightest breeze.  Yep, a heavy wind can knock it out, but otherwise it should stay lit.  Most common reason is its too far away from the flame, or too deep in the flame where the flame is cooler.  Carbon buildup on the bulb can sometimes cause this too, so carefully scrape the carbon away.

Kev

[Lefty]

Would some kind of a baffle work to keep the pilot lit?

Theres should be a cover over the burner assembly section that prevents wind from blowing out the pilot light. If you can open the door to the water heater and see the burner assembly... yours is missing.

If it is, you might could make a replacement with some sheet metal,tin snips, a little bending, and some sheet metal screws to hold it in place.


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[joanfenn]

Thanks guys, that's what I was thinking.  Will have to take a closer look at this in the sunlight.  maybe when I am down at the rv place I can take a look at some of the water heaters they have for sale and take a few candid shots with my camera.  Just to get an idea.  Thanks again.

[Froggy1936]

Hi Joan I had the same problem so i added a piece of aluminum to shield the flame (leaving enough opening for air to get in and to see the flame) This is held in place by the bolt that holds the flame assy in place. You can make such a shield from a soda can that can be cut with sissors (be careful of very sharp edges) The hole can be punched with a paper punch .  But since i added the electric (110V) hotrod heater i have never needed to use the propane at all Just have to remember to unplug it when draining syestem to prevent burnout. Its been working for 5 yrs so far Frank

[Froggy1936]

Opps i also added a piezo ignighter (the red button & wires at flame area) No matches or lighter needed Frank

[joanfenn]

Thanks Frank, that looks doable.  Another great idea.

[Oz]

Just a helpful side note.  It's good a good tool every member to download the Appliance ID Record from the link found in the "Logsheets" right side-bar block on the forum main page.  With that, you'll be able to have all your appliance makes and model numbers in one, handy place!

I had the same problem with my first Indian.  I cut the top off a tin cand and a slot in one side and slid it over the tube.  It worked fine and I had so many other things on the "to-do" list, I just left it that way.

[joanfenn]

I will put that on my list of things to do, but first I have to find the RV's out back in all the snow.

[joanfenn]

Okay I have the list downloaded and printed out,BUT, it doesn't apply to me.  I don't have an ice maker, Food Center Blender or trash compactor.