Water Heater Inquiry

[ByDesign]

Our water heater was making alot of noise during LP heating cycle.

So, I opened the acces door and noticed that the air mixture seemed to be to rich. I attempted a "Blue" flame adjustment and was successful, and the noise level went "way" down.

But, this was with the outside access door open. Once this panel was closed ti began making the noise again. Intermittant at first, then back to "always".

I tried to adjust accordingly to compensate for the lack of available air when the panel is "closed". But what's weird its that it acting as if its getting "to much" air .... again.... and seems to always revert back to the loud operation and most an orange/yellow flame, instead of blue. Once the access panel is open again, I can adjust to get the perfect Blue operation.

Anyone with any insight on this ???

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/CWhasp/General/Mother%20Ship/MotherShip038.jpg

[barrelslime]

Check your vent.

[ByDesign]

The vent on the access panel is totally void of obstructions.

Is that the vent you refer to ?

[barrelslime]

It should also have a roof vent.

[Seann45]

Also have your propane regulator checked... might be a feed problem

[ByDesign]

Ok, the roof vent sounds interesting. Will attempt to check it out.
All things LP seem to be in operational order.
(stove top, Oven - although it's tuff getting the pilot to stay lit). Fridge is on 120V. (LP is backup). Haven't tried the furnace yet. To dang hot.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions !

[ByDesign]

Just to verify something, if the WH LP flame is mostly Orange I'm assuming the burner is getting "to much air" ??

When I decrease the air mix the burner flame becomes more "blue", thus indicating better operation, and the noise level decreases.
So why does it act as if it's getting to much air when I close the outside access panel ??