2005 Meridian 36P water heater throwing flames

Why not · 05-20-2015, 01:04 PM

I went to lite my water heater yesterday after inspecting all connectors and wiring.
Hit the switch to lite it up walked outside and flames were coming up the outside of the water heater. I blew it out before any wires were spooked. I reset it and it did the same three more consecutive times. Any ideas what on earth this could be? It's never done this before.

dnystrom · 05-20-2015, 01:32 PM

Some critters crawl in there? Just a guess. Let us know what you find out.

PhilNDenise · 05-20-2015, 01:46 PM

I would suggest getting professional help before youre whole rig goes up in smoke, or god forbid someone gets hurt. The most important thing a person could know is there limitations.

garbonz · 05-20-2015, 02:15 PM

That happens alot and usually means a weak spark from the DSI igniter cause it's dirty or corroded. That means that instead of lighting up right away when the gas flow starts, it waits a bit till some gas builds up and POP. The POP force is enough to blow out the flame and it happens all over again. It is a pretty simple process to change or clean the igniter, or you can have it done.

Makes a very impressive noise. LOL

garbonz · 05-20-2015, 02:18 PM

CONTINUOUS flames? That is really weird. Something wrong witht the gas valve or the flame orifice. Or the entire flame path is blocked up with nests or something and the flame is backing up without adequate air flow. You will need to take it all apart and clean it, but maybe best to have it looked at. Please post the resolution so we can all l,earn

Why not · 05-20-2015, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Why not

I went to lite my water heater yesterday after inspecting all connectors and wiring.
Hit the switch to lite it up walked outside and flames were coming up the outside of the water heater. I blew it out before any wires were spooked. I reset it and it did the same three more consecutive times. Any ideas what on earth this could be? It's never done this before.

Thanks everyone for their response. I worked on it some today and the same results. I am disassembling from the valve out tomorrow to give it an eye in tube inspection. Flame does not stay on the valve shuts off after a few seconds. The inline diode bypass did not make a difference. I will keep you posted. Till then the 110V is still working 🚍

Why not · 06-02-2015, 12:15 PM

No luck, disassembled from valve out. Light pilot three times, never lights the heater. Flames are minimal now and can just easily blow.
Ok someone suggested going all the way up the heat tube with hanger to assure nothing was blocking. I did everything to try and get dust to even come out so nothing still.
I've checked diode, I think I'm at a loss but refuse to give up. After 35 years with these things I've learned never give up��

Johndale · 06-02-2015, 06:07 PM

Have you checked the adjustable air valve. As you look at the heater it has a single screw holding it in place. The book says start wit a 1/4 inch gap and adjust flame until it burns smoothly. Mine was rusted and was hard to move it and I removed the flat panel on the out put side of the burn tube and got spiders and all type of dead bugs out.

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Why not · 06-04-2015, 08:36 PM

So I'm at work, needed alcohol "not single barrel" to clean a part.
I said to myself, hum maybe I'll completely take it apart, I'm almost there anyway and use this industrial stuff?!?!?!?
Took down to tank and boards. Cleaned it all, including the pop off. Put it all back together. Went aboard flipped switch, come out plugged in igniter , it sparked right up. Adjust fresh air flow. Went thru three cycles, while piddling. Works like a new one. So here is my lesson learned. take it all apart first time, clean,clean,clean.

dstinch · 06-05-2015, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Why not

So I'm at work, needed alcohol "not single barrel" to clean a part.
I said to myself, hum maybe I'll completely take it apart, I'm almost there anyway and use this industrial stuff?!?!?!?
Took down to tank and boards. Cleaned it all, including the pop off. Put it all back together. Went aboard flipped switch, come out plugged in igniter , it sparked right up. Adjust fresh air flow. Went thru three cycles, while piddling. Works like a new one. So here is my lesson learned. take it all apart first time, clean,clean,clean.

Some times it is as simple as blowing air thru the burner tube because spiders and things get in there when it is not used.

Don