billh42 Posted September 6, 2015 Report Share Posted September 6, 2015 I noticed the other day that the furnace in my fifth wheel was throwing some soot. I checked the combustion air intake and it is clear. Did not see any rust or cracks in the heat exchanger and the CO detector shows no CO inside. We have been sitting at 7000 foot altitude while work camping this summer and I am wondering if the altitude is affecting the combustion. Less oxygen = yellow flame = soot. Or is it possible to get "bad" propane? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted September 6, 2015 Report Share Posted September 6, 2015 Soot is incomplete combustion, whether from elevation or the air damper out of adjustment. I have no idea what elevation you normally run at, but it sounds like you need to adjust the air mixer for proper combustion at the location you're at. Once you've got it set for your current location, you'll need to keep an eye on it once you get to a lower locale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrknrvr Posted September 9, 2015 Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 There is a chance that the gas valve is leaking and leaving a very small flame burn. I mean small. I have seen this on water heaters and there is a black area above the water heater. A test with a leak detector for fumes exiting the exhaust along with a drop test on the propane system would help with diagnosing this situation. Safe Travels, Vern Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rvrev2 Posted September 9, 2015 Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 I had a similar issue with a water heater on a Bounder motor home. Adjusting the water heater did nothing. I finally replaced the lp regulator. That was all it took. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.