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I have 2 suburban furnaces in my motorhome, neither one is…

Customer Question

I have 2 suburban...

I have 2 suburban furnaces in my motorhome, neither one is working properly.

Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model/year of your RV?

The first one is a Suburban model NT-34S. The fan will come on, the igniter sparks, but the propane gas does not light. I removed the igniter panel, and there is no gas smell, so I don't think gas is being let into the combustion chamber. Is the problem likely the solenoid that controls the gas? There is a limit switch, too...

Mechanic's Assistant: Just to clarify, what are the exact lights you're talking about?

The furnace does not heat

Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your RV yourself? What have you tried so far?

Yes I am trying to fix it myself. I already described what I have tried.

Mechanic's Assistant: Is there anything else the Mechanic should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you.

The 2nd furnace is a Suburban NT-16S. It actually goes a bit farther. It ignites the burner, heats for about 10 seconds, and then the burner flame goes out.

Submitted: 1 year ago.Category: RV

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Answered in 3 hours by:

12/29/2021

RV Mechanic: Chris (aka-Moose), RV Mechanic replied 1 year ago

Chris (aka-Moose), RV Mechanic

Category: RV

Satisfied Customers: 80,341

Experience: 24 years of experience diagnosing & repairing

Verified

Howdy from Tennessee, I'm Chris aka Moose. Glad you've come here and are willing to let us at Just Answer assist you. May I get the first name of the person I am helping?

If you turn on all the stove and over burners do they burn good, high, and only blue?

Customer reply replied 1 year ago

Mikestove lights no problem with a good blue flame

RV Mechanic: Chris (aka-Moose), RV Mechanic replied 1 year ago

Thanks for those details, Mike, sorry you are experiencing this frustrating furnace issue.

I suggest you go to the circuit board and OHM test the wiring that flows through the thermal sensor and sail switch when the furnace is turned on. You should get a closed circuit if both are good and working. If that passes then you need to replace the gas valve, it is likely clogged with debris preventing good propane flow.

Thank you for seeking us for help, I hope I provided what was needed if not please press reply if you need to follow up. If you liked my answer please let me know. Moose

Customer reply replied 1 year ago

since I submitted the questions, I got both furnaces to come on and work. I suspected the solenoid that allows the gas to go into the burner wasn't working. So I used a hammer to tap on the the black steel gas pipe, near the the gas shutoff valve. Wah-lah! Both furnaces came on and stayed on.However, after about 6 cycles (without hammering) the NT-34S did not come on. Another try with hammering got it on again!The problem is the furnace unit would have to be removed to access what you suggest, and would be a lot of work. any other suggestions?

RV Mechanic: Chris (aka-Moose), RV Mechanic replied 1 year ago

Your hammer trick kind of confirms the issue is a gas flow concern. The only way to address that is to access the gas valve.

Customer reply replied 1 year ago

You are referring to the solenoid actuated valve, correct?is there anything that can be used to lubricate the valve?

RV Mechanic: Chris (aka-Moose), RV Mechanic replied 1 year ago

Yes, I am referring to the solenoid that controls the gas flow. No there is not an additive to clean with. It would cause a fire if that were ddone.

Customer reply replied 1 year ago

ok, thank you

RV Mechanic: Chris (aka-Moose), RV Mechanic replied 1 year ago

Glad to help. If you need to respond to this concern later, please do so. Thanks for letting us help you. In the future, if help with new concerns is needed and you would like me to help. Open a new question at www.justanswer.com then write "For Chris-aka-Moose ONLY" at the beginning of your question.

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