hot water heater help

[vman59]

I have an Atwwood propane hot water heater in my camper and has never given me a problem as long as I have owned it until this weekend. It would light same as normal but would only run for maybe a minute or two click and shut off. it would do this each and every time I lite it. Anyone have any idea's as to whats going on?

Thanks

[Jim Almquist]

Sounds like you might have a dirty or bad thermocouple. It might be as easy as just cleaning it if there is soot built up on it. It could also be going bad.

[Archerysniper]

+1 and you can get one at about any hardware store.

[upnorth]

I would also make sure whatever it uses for a chimney is clean and not clogged.

[DonBo]

Mine's been doing the exact same thing lately. Was gonna call my guy to come look at it, but with the advice above I think I'm going to try to fix it myself, maybe save $75.

Thanks again HSO!

[Ufatz]

Dirty thermocouple. Buy new. Install. problem over. Easy.

[vman59]

ok put in new thermo couple and it still does it. Pilot light lights no problem and doesn't go out at all. Yet after I hold the pilot on for 30 seconds and back the knob off to the "on" position the main burner lights. Again after 2-3 minutes of the main burner firing it clicks and shuts off.

[upnorth]

Check your exhaust.

[Redlantern]

Is the thermo couple being heated by your pilot light? If not, it will shut off automatically after it cools down enough. The heat of the pilot light is what creates the electricity to hold the thermo couple open.

Checking to see if the exhaust is a good idea, too. Probably should be done at least annually, if not more frequently, for your own safety. Off topic a bit but do you have a co detector in your camper? Not a bad idea for anyone using a fuel burning device in their camper, tent, fishhouse, etc.

[vman59]

yep there is a co detector which is checked to make sure its working a couple times a year. Done playing with it going to convert it to electric. I do appreciate all the help and advice very much.

[jentz]

upnorth has the easiest and most likly problem advice.My campers exhaust vent clogs and does the same thing,Vacuum with a extension tube should clean it.Then if that dont work throw $$ at it.