Too much gas = big flames lighting water heater pilot

[Kate Camp]

2015 195RB: The pilot for the water heater has always been easy to light but on last weekend's trip, the entire compartment whooshed into flames--and kept burning. I thought perhaps I had held the pilot button down too long but when it kept burning, I had to reach in and turn the indicator back to the off position. I let it clear for 30 minutes with the door open, then tried again. Same thing--whoosh! Got it turned off and didn't try again. I'm guessing that the tube leading to the pilot light has separated somehow, as simply opening the compartment and adding a spark did not create the same effect. It only burst into flames when after I had held down the red button 15-20 seconds to light the pilot. Advice needed: Can I fix this myself? What should be the first step? I would appreciate any help you can offer!

[norty1]

Sounds like the tube is clogged with a spider web or some debris. The easiest first thing is to blow the tube out with compressed air and try again.

I have removed the tube from the gas regulator to the end and cleaned it out gently with a small wire and compressed air. Do not try to enlarge the orifice at the end.

[Jagiven]

I would suspect spider too. They love propane. My experience they build a nest in the mixing pipe. Remove it clean it out. I also blew out the burn chamber, as long as it was a part.

[skids]

The way I light mine is first light the long wand lighter, then push the button for the pilot gas. Did you hold the pilot button down for 20 seconds without a flame at the tube tip???

[skids]

I would try to find the gas leak (if there is one) with a bubble test using soapy solution. Have your fire extinguisher handy next time you have a flame in there.

[DocBrown]

X3 on the tube being clogged. Had something very similar happen once. Lesson learned, even though we use electric to heat the water, I now blow out that tube at the beginning of the season or after sitting for a period of time.

[Youngstown]

I also had the same thing happen to me 2 weeks ago. We have a 2017 174BH and this was the first time I had issues with the pilot light in the 3 years we have owned it.

x4 on the tube being clogged. Just 2 screws to remove the tube and I cleaned it out with just a paper towel. Replaced and it was good as new.

[skids]

OK, so HOW do you blow out the pilot lite gas tube with compressed air???

[Kate Camp]

I'll give this a try--and I'll have that fire extinguisher handy!

[Kate Camp]

SuperGrandma 1, Spidey zero! How amazing that a tiny spider and some strands of spider web could make such a difference! I removed the connector tube (it has a single little bolt with an oval slide adjustment) and gently stuck a flexible brush (a drinking straw cleaner) in the tube toward the right-angle bend leading to the pilot light. The brush came out with web fragments the first time and the spider the second time. Prepared for anything with my elbow-length grilling gloves, I lit the pilot. Perfection! Thank you all so much!

[oldmanAZ]

Glad that it's resolved and thanks for letting everyone know.

[norty1]

I remove the tube and blow it out from the large end. Then a single strand of tiny wire will clean the end out. Never force or enlarge it. I inherited a set of orifice cleaning tools from my Dad. It is a tool that ac and heating techs use but it's not really necessary.

Spiders are attracted to the smell of LP gas.

It's the easiest fix for intermittent propane problems.

[campingVA_ktdb]

Youngstown, I have the same model and I am currenlty having this very issue. So what was your fix exactly? I am new to Travel Campers and don;t like assuming I actually know what people are talking about.

[Kate Camp]

Youngstown, Norty1 and I all fixed our problem by removing whatever bolts or screws hold the tube in place and then carefully cleaning out both the removed section and the section of tube leading to the pilot light. My 195RB has one screw plus a sliding adjustment. In each case, a spider web was the problem. I used a long thin brush; a piece of paper towel twisted tightly into a spiral with a point would work too. Just be gentle! If you want to post a photo of your water heater compartment, we can probably be more specific.

[gypsmjim]

As an afterthought, so it doesn't happen again, line the inside of the water heater door with a fine mesh SS screen. Then spiders won't get in.