7lazy77
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Post by 7lazy77 on Dec 17, 2018 2:07:01 GMT -8
My camper has a Coleman furnace (Model 8613A - 9100 btu) & after much searching on the internet, I can't find much information on it. I am going to blow it out & check the vent for any obstructions (nests, etc) before attempting to light it for the first time. There is a thermostat in the camper, but how do I know if it has a fan? On the round control knob, how do I know what position is at (or needs to be at) to control the operation of the furnace?
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Post by vikx on Dec 17, 2018 21:37:55 GMT -8
Coleman RV furnaces were recalled many years ago and manufacturing ceased about the same time. The burner chamber tended to corrode and burn thru. There was also some explosion issues. Before you try to operate your furnace, be sure to carefully inspect the burner chamber and gas lines.
That said, if it has a fan, you should be able to pull the furnace body and see it. Since it has a T'stat, I'm guessing it is a furnace rather than a passive heater. To start your test, you must have a 12 volt battery with a full charge, preferably on a converter getting a steady 12.6 volts. If the battery is low, an RV furnace won't trip the sail switch or try to light.
With the furnace gas supply off, turn the t'stat all the way up. Within 30-45 seconds the fan will run. Turn the t'stat to off and the fan will stop after a minute or so. Obviously, if you hear the fan, that answers one question.
As far as the knob is concerned, I don't know which one it is or where to turn it. Also, some furnaces have a pilot light, others have an ignitor. I'm not sure if the old Colemans ever had an ignitor. Can you post a photo of the knob?
Also, if the PO said the furnace worked, I would ask him/her to give you instructions.
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7lazy77
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Post by 7lazy77 on Dec 19, 2018 22:37:19 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Dec 20, 2018 0:15:53 GMT -8
Ah, thank you..
Your heater has a pilot as listed on the knob. Also, this is a good quality heater (tho still INSPECT carefully) and not prone to exploding. From the wiring, I'm guessing those are t'stat wires with no fan. That means this heater is fairly simple and more of a "house type" passive heater.
There should be a notch, bump or arrow to point where the knob should go. Again, guessing it is at the top, because the knob right now is 'off' at the top. There should be an opening to light the pilot in the burner chamber. Put the knob in the pilot position and push in. Hold for at least 45 seconds and light pilot with a BBQ lighter. This might take several tries.
IF YOU SMELL GAS AT ANY TIME, STOP! There could be a dangerous leak.
When the pilot stays lit without the knob being held in, it's time to light the heater. Slowly turn the knob to ON. The heater should light.
NOTE: Some pilot knobs turn to the side rather than push in.
I hope this helps. Please be very careful, especially with cleaning and inspection.
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7lazy77
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Post by 7lazy77 on Dec 20, 2018 12:06:46 GMT -8
Thank you sir! I will have the furnace professionally inspected & cleaned before I attempt to light it. Camper will be used for ice fishing trips with daughters. I have a portable Buddy heater I will use for the time being, which is much safer with a low-oxygen sensor in it. I have also already installed a carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in the camper. Never can be too cautious when it comes to propane in small areas.
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