Re: [a/s] Old Furnaces- warning- long and boring

[Susi and John Burchard <saluqi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a newer Suburban furnace in the Argosy MH, installed about four years ago
as replacement for the old one in which the cast iron burner had finally rusted
out ... the slits were just too big ... and now it won't light.  When you set
the thermostat there is a long wait (about three minutes) before anything at all
happens.  Then the fan starts, but there is no ignition (I could hear the
ignition spark, when it was working) and the blower then cuts off.  Then after
another couple of minutes the blower starts up again, and blows cold air forever
until I shut it off.  Still no ignition.

This is not a problem which developed gradually.  The furnace was working fine
through mid October, when I had occasion to use it during a ten day trip to
Wyoming, and didn't work at all next time I tried it, around mid December.  A
warm comforter (and two or three hounds) solves the comfort problem while
sleeping, but it would be nice to be able to warm things up before showering and
cooking breakfast in the mornings ...

I am 100 miles more or less from any kind of RV repair facility and the one I
did contact said they can do the diagnosis if I can remove the furnace and bring
it to them "bench ready" so to speak.  They are not interested in spending the
time (nor I in paying the cost) for them to remove it.  I think I know how to
remove it (have watched the process a couple of times) but would appreciate a
refresher, private if you like (to saluqi@ix.netcom.com).  BTW every LPG line on
my coach has its own manual shutoff valve ... in addition to the master shutoff
valve at the propane tank.  I have tested them all, and they all work.

I will be passing through that location (Quartzsite AZ) next Friday around
midday and thought of bringing them the furnace then, and hanging around while
they diagnose it.  Or I could leave it with them and collect it again on Monday
during my return trip.  But it would be nicer to have it working while camping
in CA (cold at night, where I will be).  Their off-the-cuff suggestion was it
could be either limit switch, sail switch or circuit board, and impossible to
tell which without pulling the furnace.

John

Susi and John Burchard
Tepe Gawra Salukis
saluqi@ix.netcom.com