weezy
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Post by weezy on Aug 9, 2015 22:57:10 GMT -8
Hi
I have a 1972 Sprite Musketeer with an original propane gas heater that does not work. I can't seem to get the pilot light going or hear any sound or smell of the gas coming through. Do you think i'm better off just buying a little heater or does anyone have any suggestions of simple things to try first. The gas works on the stove.
Any tips welcome!
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Aug 10, 2015 5:40:22 GMT -8
The first most important tip is: Safety First! If you are not knowledgeable or comfortable working with propane appliances, please please PLEASE have it checked by a professional. We don't want to hear of any catastrophes, and especially not as a result of advice given here.... Does the pilot attempt at all to light, or is there absolutely no fuel for it? Without knowing specifics about yours, the basics are all about the same... First, Check to see if there is a shutoff between the tanks and the heater itself, or on the heater leading to the valve. Another possibility is that the heater is in need of a good cleaning, as insects can make their way into the smallest of spaces and gum up the works. Another distinct possibility is that the valve has failed, and the heater is no good, being as it is 43 years old, and they are just like any other appliance, non-use does them more harm than good over the years. (Also check the condition of the burner chamber...if it rusts through, the heater is definitely no good to use.) There are certainly plenty of options for replacement heaters. In the 70's the propane heaters were used almost exclusively because there were less places to camp with reliable electricity. If you are camping mostly in full-hookup grounds, a small electric fan heater will do a lot in a small space. (Run a separate extension cord to the pole if overloading the electrical system is a possibility.) The Wave 3 catalytic heater is a great choice, and highly popular as well, as a replacement for a propane-fired unit. Replacements will ultimately be your choice, as far as the necessity or the utility, but take your time to research what will likely work best for you. It wouldn't be this one would it?
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Aug 10, 2015 18:44:28 GMT -8
Our's is an Attwood Everest Star furnace about 30 years old. It is tied in to the same LP line as the refrigerator which seems to start up every time, as soon as the gas is turned on. For some reason I have to keep trying to start the furnace over and over again...its as if the Propane just doesn't get to the ignition source.(electronic piezo ignition)NOT pilot light). Once it finally does light there is no problem, furnace cycles on and off as it is supposed to. Just takes a lot of patience.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Aug 13, 2015 8:20:35 GMT -8
On my Suburban forced-air furnace, you can't just light the pilot, you must hold in the pilot button for a good minute to get any gas flow to even light it, and then keep holding it for another minute or so until the pilot flame heats up a thermocouple enough to open the main gas valve.
Or it could easily be a clogged pilot nozzle. You could try using a thin wire to clear it.
We'd need to know what model you have to get specific.
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kathleenc
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Post by kathleenc on Aug 13, 2015 8:47:25 GMT -8
Be careful - I believe it was a situation like this that cause a large explosion in China yesterday!
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bpmcgee
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Post by bpmcgee on Aug 14, 2015 9:14:26 GMT -8
If there's no gas at the pilot then there's 3 choices -- the gas isn't making it to the heater, the gas isn't making it through the valve (bad valve), or the gas isn't making it out the pilot tube (clogged tube or orifice).
B
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Post by vikx on Aug 14, 2015 21:25:25 GMT -8
Cleaning the pilot opening with a wire is fine, but don't poke a wire thru any orifice! (the small brass fitting with a tiny hole) The orifice controls the amount of gas and can be damaged by a wire. Wonder how I learned that the hard way??
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