About Bill Gibbs Expertise Any questions about R.V.'s not including the automotive end, such as engines and drive trains.
Experience I have been repairing R.V.'s for about 17 years, Service Manager for 5 years, Lead Tech for 4 1/2 years at the largest dealer in area, Troubleshooter clinics in Ore. Dometic, Norcold certified
Education/Credentials High School Graduate, R.V. Troubleshooter Clinics, Springfield Ore.
Past/Present Clients Marathon Motor Coach (Warranty Provider in this area)
Expert: Bill Gibbs Date: 3/24/2008 Subject: Suburban Water Heater
Question I have a 2005 StarCraft with a Suburban gas electric spark water heater. We were camping just this week and about half way through our stay the water heater stopped working. When you turn on the switch, the solenoids activate and the unit lights (good flame as stated in the manual that came with the unit) ... but you can hear the sparker keep firing, then the solenoid cuts the gas and it goes out. This happens three times and then the unit just stops trying. I can hear the control board humming, and I don't remember this sound.
Is this the control board? or a thermostat problem?
Answer Jamey, This sounds like a igniter board issue. First because the igniter keeps going. That is saying that it is not sensing the flame, especially when it does this 3 times and then quits. They have a 3 try board. You can check the connections both on the board and at the electrode . Use an eraser to clean the contacts on the board. If all is good then yes it is likely the board. Thanks, Bill
