Hot water tank not working on propane

[montanatraveler]

I have a 2021 Heartland Fuel 362. My hot water tank is not working when trying to use propane. All other gas appliances work. When turned on the unit clicks, flame comes on for a few seconds then shuts off. I put new thermal fuse in, but it didn't help.

Any suggestions?

Thank You

 

[taskswap]

Most of these things have a small component called the "spark and sensor" assembly. It's a small electronic spark plug plus a thermostatic control that detects when the pilot is running. The sensor sits right above the pilot. When turned on, the controller puts just enough propane through for the pilot (but not enough to run the water heater itself), then fires the spark. The idea is this should ignite the pilot, which then puts a small (Bic-lighter size - you can see it visibly if it's not too bright) flame under the sensor. This heats the sensor, which activates a circuit in the controller that adds more propane to fire the HWH for real. It's a safety control - and they're notorious for going bad. (It sits in a flame all the time - not a surprise.)

This is usually an easy part to replace but if you're not sure of the next steps here I'd definitely recommend an RV tech in this case. It's usually a safe procedure but we're dealing with propane here - I'd feel terrible if bad advice led to something bad happening for you. This type of failure is very common and there are only a few brands of HWHs out there so any decent mobile service tech will be able to help you out. If you really want to give it a go these parts are easy to find on Amazon. You didn't say your brand/model #, but just for reference, the one for a popular Atwood is like $12:

https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-93868-Water-Heater-Replacement/dp/B07MKH9THG

 

[2019_V22]

The spark generator and flame sensor that you posted is a "Flame Rectifier" device. There is NO thermostatic action from that device. The flame is acting as an electrical rectifier. The electrode probably needs to be cleaned, or there is not ample flow of gas through the valve and orifice. See article...

https://www.hvactrainingsolutions.net/hvac-training-flame-sensor-and-flame-rectification/

 

[taskswap]

OK... If you want to be exactingly specific in your choice of language, your "flame rectifier device" (which the manufacturer calls a "spark and sensor electrode, if you actually want the search term required to buy one) may need to be cleaned (or if you're not sure how, for the price of the can of acetone and appropriate cleaning brushes you can get a new one on Amazon).

I'm not an HVAC tech and I did advise the OP to work with one. But these are also very cheap devices that are simple to replace as a test and have twice been the fix for my own past issues, one with a home furnace and one in an RV. YMMV.

 

[2019_V22]

OK... If you want to be exactingly specific in your choice of language, your "flame rectifier device" (which the manufacturer calls a "spark and sensor electrode, if you actually want the search term required to buy one) may need to be cleaned (or if you're not sure how, for the price of the can of acetone and appropriate cleaning brushes you can get a new one on Amazon).

I'm not an HVAC tech and I did advise the OP to work with one. But these are also very cheap devices that are simple to replace as a test and have twice been the fix for my own past issues, one with a home furnace and one in an RV. YMMV.

It was important to state that the lack of any temperature interpretation with the "spark and sensor" assembly. Since propane, LP gasses contain moisture, oil, and other contaminates, the electrodes, burners, orifices, and even the gas valves can become fouled and require maintenance. I am a previous HVAC tech, and current residential/light commercial appliance servicer, company owner, so I felt free poke the bear with experienced clarification if I chose.

 

[taskswap]

Oh to be clear, you are absolutely free to poke. I am in no way a certified tech and think more folks should involve them for things that often get posted online instead.