Service Manual: Suburban Water Heaters
Service Manual: Suburban Water Heaters
WATER HEATERS
SERVICE MANUAL
S
SUBURBAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Post Office Box 399
Dayton, Tennessee 37321
I. Suburban Manufacturing presents this Service Education Program to better assist technicians in
understanding our water heaters.
Our portion of this program will be approximately four hours, in which time we will discuss four major
areas: 1) Model NumberIGeneral Operating Instructions, 2) Water Heater Overall Construction, 3) Gas
and Electric Units. 4) Direct Spark Ignition Units.
Each section will begin with a series of questions that will be answered and should provide you with the
ability to make a quick and accurate diagnosis and repair.
A. Distribution Centers:
B. Necessary tools and equipment to service Suburban Pilot and DSI Water Heaters:
A. Lighting lnstructions
Gas and Electric - Read all safety informationfirst. Turn gas cock clockwise to "OFF" position and
temperature indicator to the lowest setting. Turn off all electric power to the appliance. Wait 5
minutes for gas to clear the area. Turn gas cock counterclockwise to "pilot" position, press reset
button and light pilot, hold down until pilot remains lit. Turn gas cock counterclockwise to "ON"
position. If pilot goes out, repeat above procedure. On initial start-up, this may take several times
to purge the air from gas lines. Turn on all electrical power if combination electriclgas, and set
temperature dial to desired setting.
Gas and Electric With Reianitor - Place reignitor control in "OFF position. Turn gas cock clockwise
to "OFF" position, and temperature indicator to lowest setting. Turn off all electric power to appliance
and wait 5 minutes for gas to clear. Turn gas supply and electrical power to appliance on. Turn gas
cock counterclockwise to "pilot" position, press reset button and switch the electric reignitor module
to "ON" position. Spark will start between electrode tip and pilot hood. When pilot lights, the spark
will stop. Continue depressing reset button for approximately 1 minute or until light remains lit. On
initial start-up, it may take several times to purge air from lines. Turn gas cock counterclockwise to
"ON" position and set temperature dial to desired location.
When reignitor switch is in the "ON" position, it will operate automatically when the pilot flame is
extinguished. When the vehicle is to be stored or the LP supply is to be turned off, be sure to turn the
reignitor control switch to the "OFF" position. This will prevent the battery from being discharged (the
reignitor will continue sparking). The reignitor has an alarm that will sound when the pilot is
extinguished or the LP supply is turned off.
Direct Spark lunition - Read all safety information provided. Turn off all electrical power to the
appliance. Turn off gas supply and wait 5 minutes for gas to clear the area. Turn on gas and
electrical supply to the appliance. Turn switch to "ON" position, there will be a 15-second purge
before spark. If lockout occurs before main burner lights, turn switch to "OFF" position, wait 5
seconds and turn switch to "ON" position. This will restart the ignition cycle again. On the initial start-
up, it may require several ignition cycles to purge all the air from the gas lines.
B. VoltagelGas Pressure Requirements
The DSI water heater must have an acceptable DC-voltage range to function properly. An adequate
voltage range would be between 10.5 volts DC and 13.5 volts. This voltage must be supplied directly
from the battery or from the power converter wired in parallel with the battery.
The LP system working pressure should be 11" of water column (WC). When testing the pressure
of the system, at least'one other gas appliance needs to be in full operation to get accurate results.
Check pressure with manometer at unit and pressure coming through orifice to get correct reading.
Adjust accordingly. Do not overfill the propane tanks. The minimum working pressure is 11" WC,
while the maximum is 14" WC.
-
C. Safety Gas Leak Check
A leak in the LP gas system is a critical area that involves checking for and then repairing the leak.
Most leaks occur when the system is open for service and improperly resealed, when LP tanks are
filled, or when appliances are installed. One way to check for leaks is to use a pressure gauge and
simply pressurize the system and turn off the gas valve. If pressure drops, find the leak and correct
it. A liquid leak solution can be applied to any fitting that was opened. Do not use a soap solution
with ammonia, as it is corrosive to brass. Also the electronic gas sniffer is a must for finding leaks in
hard-to-reach pla.ces.
A. Glass-lined Tank
The steel, glass-lined tanks provide long life under varying water conditions. This same construction
is what is used for more than 7 million residential water heaters sold annually. The baked-on enamel
process reaches temperatures in excess of 1600°F. Three (3) year tank warranty, replaceable anode
rod, high output, fast recovery, gas connection supplied, foam jacket on all gaslelectric models.
-
B. Anode Protection Water Heater
Each Suburban water heater is equipped with a replaceable anode rod. The sacrificial anode
equalizes aggressive water action providing cathodic protection for the tank. The anode rod is a very
important factor in tank life and should only be removed for inspection of draining. Replacement of
the anode rod is recommended when consumption or weight loss is greater than 75%. With regular
inspection and replacement of the anode (part number 231419), tank life can be greatly extended.
Frequency of anode replacement will vary depending on the water conditions and usage.
C. Temperature and Pressure Valve
Temperature and pressure relief valves will normally drip during heating cycles. In a closed system,
a liquid will expand when heated and cause a rise in temperature and pressure. How much is
excessive and why only sometimes? Here are six basic reasons:
1. The temperature and pressure of incoming water.
2. The cleanliness of the thermostat or "probe" position of valve.
3. The pressure setting of relief valve (150 PSI).
4. Age and condition of the spring assembly inside valve.
5. The temperature setting of preset or manual thermostat.
6. The evaluation and atmospheric pressure at which the heater is used.
D. WinterizationIFlushing Instructions
. .. If the RV is to be stored during winter months, the water heater must be drained to prevent damage
from freezing. The followina steps can be followed to do this:
1. Turn off power and gas.
2. Turn off pressure pump or your water hook-up source.
3. Open both hot and cold water faucets.
4. Open drain on water heater.
5. Follow RV manufacturer's instructions for draining entire water system.
E. Odor from Hot Water System
Odor from the hot water system is not a service problem, and many water supplies contain sufficient
amounts of sulphur to produce an odor. The odor is similar to rotten eggs and is often referred to as
sulphur water. It is not harmful - only unpleasant to smell. Sulphur water can be caused by a
chemical action or by bacteria. The solution to eliminate is heavy chlorination of the water system.
Add about six ounces of heavy chlorine (common household liquid bleach) to each ten gallons in the
water tank. Then run the heavy chlorinated water through~utthe system, opening each faucet one
at a time until you smell the chlorine. Let the RV sit for a few days and the chlorine should take care
of the problem. Then you'll need to take care of the chlorine. You may consider adding a filtering
system that removes chlorine and prevents sulphur water.
1. pilot Adjustment
2. Burner Adjustment
1) Incorrect gas pressure - check for correct gas pressure coming through main burner orifice;
should be 11" WC.
2) Main burner orifice could be blocked - remove and clean with alcohol or compressed air. Do
not enlarge orifice hole.
3) Lint or dirt in burner tube - clean burner tube.
4) Gas control valve defective - no gas flow through valve. Remove and replace.
UNITROL CONTROL
A-BURNER TUBE
B-AIR SHUTTER
C-GAS COCK
D-RESET BUTTON
E-PILOT ADJUSTMENT
F-TEMPERTURE
INDICATOR
G-SPRING
SIT CONTROL
P
?
A-GAS COCK
B-TEMPERTURE
INDICATOR
C-PILOT ADJUSTMENT
D-BURNER TUBE
3. Temperature Adjustment
1. Reignitor
A reignitor eliminates the need for matches to light the pilot. It will maintain a pilot flame under
windy conditions, and has an alarm which willsound when the pilot flame is extinguished or if the
LP gas supply is turned off. It is available on all pilot models. A reignitor can be field installed.
ROBERTSHAW
n
THERMOSTAT ONLY
If any of the
origlnal wire as
supplied with th
heater must be
replaced. It must
be replaced with
14 GA. 105 C
Ire or Rs
equbalent
SW WIRING DIAGRAM
T
12 UDC. ONLY
IFANY OF THE ORIGINAL WIRE AS SUWLI ED WITH THE WTER
HEATER MUST BE REPLACED, IT MUST BE REPLACED WITH 18
G4,105' C MAE OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
MODULE 10
CAUTION: Due to possible conditions, do not touch the microammeter or lead wires during the flame sense
test. Always remove power before any adjustments.
---_
RESET
to pilot position. Press Reset Check Gas Pressure should be Check LP supply and Vehicle
Button and light, hod down Pilot reset 11" W. C. Regulator
for 30 seconds.
Yes
T
Pilot Flame not enveloping tip Check for clog ed ilot orifice or
of thermocouple adjust 8101Flame
Yes
v
Yes Yes
v
Yes
T
Yes
Check Burner alignment
Yes
I Align Burner Tube with Manifold
1
c
T
required, Burner flame remains on Temperature selection knob set too Readjust to lower or higher
until desired temperature is Setting accordingly
reached
T Yes
T v
Yes T
Note: You should check or replace Note: Odor from the water system
the Anode Rod annually can be caused by not servicing your
Note: Some external weeping of Anode, or sulphur water can be
popoff valve is normal to allow for caused by a chem~calactlon or by
expansion of the water. Bacter~aso vou may flush your tank
w~tha Cloroi m~xtuieto r~dsrnells
Please see you: Owners Manual
Turn switch on. Thermostat calls Check 12dvc Power input to the
for heat OnIOff Switch
Yes
T
Yes
Yes
I
I
Check for l2vdc on Red Wire at the
Module Board
I
1
-No-- Check connections and wires to
Module
Yes
r
T
Light Switch remains on and the Does the Water Heater light Check System Gas Pressure should
Burner did not light be 11" WC
. Yes
Yes
If no spark at Electrode replace
the Module
Check for 12vdc at Gas Valve -Yes-- valve tap or for a restriction at
the Burner or Orifice
Yes
The light goes off and the Burner -No-. alignment. The flame should be
remains on Hard blue.
electrode.
I J
Yes
T
Yes
T
1 System OK
Turn Switch to 'On" Position. Check for 12vdc across terminal #2 & Check 12vdc Power. Replace switch.
Thermostat calls for heat 6 on switch
Yes
T
Check 12vdc thru ECO Limit Switch Check Manual Reset Button. If not
operable replace Llm~tSw~tch
Yes
T Check Thermostat for 12vdc on both Replace Thermostat Switch
sides of Switch
Yes
T
Red light on Iswitch Appears for Check for 12vdc on Terminal #4 at Replace Light Switch
Yes
T
Yes
I Check System Gas Pressure should
be 11" W.C.
Module
Yes
T
T Yes
T
I
The light switch goes off and the
Burner remains on
1 I
I I -No--
If Flame appears and then oes out
check for proper Flame probe
adjustment. Check flame contact
to electrode
Make sure the Burner and Manifold
Tubes are aligned correctly and
Air Shuner is set. Flame should
be hard blue.
Yes
T
and shuts off thermostat is tight against the clean mounting area
tank and covered with ~nsulation
Yes
T
Note: External weeping of popoff Note: You should check or replace Note: Odor from the water system
valve is normal to allow for the Anode Rod annually can be caused by not s e ~ i c ~ nyour
g
expansion of the water Anode or sulphur water can be
caused by a chem~calactlon or by
bactcrla so vou mav flush vour tank
with a Clorox mixtuie to rid smells.
Please see your Owners Manual.
.
.
Yes
.
Check Breaker or Replace Switch
.
Yes
.
Yes
Yes
.
1
. IWith the wer off check the
element econtinuity, should
read 14.5-17 Ohms
Replace Element
.
Yes
.
.
Yes
r Replace Element
Note: Some external weeping may Note: Odor from the water system can
occur at the T&P (Temperature Note: You should check or replace be caused by not servicing your
Pressure Relief) to allow for water the Anode rod annually Anode, or sulphur water can be
expansion when heated caused by a chemical action or by
Bacteria so you may flush your tank
with a Clorox mixture to rid smells.
Please see your Owners Manual.
SERVICE BULLETIN
TECHNICAL SERVICES INFORMATION
-
WATER HEATERS ALL MODELS
ANODE ROD INFORMATION
TSI: RV94-560 DATE: 05/09/94
Replacement of the anode rod is recommended when consumption or weight loss is greater
than 75%. The sacrificial anode equalizes aggressive water action providing cathodic
protection for the tank. The anode is a very important factor in tank life and should only be
removed for inspection or draining.
OPERATING THE WATER HEATER WITHOUT THE ANODE, VOIDS SUBURBAN'S
LIMITED WARRANTY.
Whenordering repair parts from your dealer or a distributor. always give the
follow~ng~nformation:
.
1 Part Number (Not Item No.)
.
2 Part Description
.
3 Model No . and Serial No. of your Heater
.
4 Number of Parts Required
Part Number
Description SW6PE SW6PER
ModuleBoard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ......
Fastener Module Board Cover (2 Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ......
.
Cover Module Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bushing.Snap11T......................................
......
......
......
......
Reignitor Support (2 Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121864
Reivilor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 231620
Bus 1ng.Snap718". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ......
Bushing.Snap112" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ......
.
Bushing Strain Relief 718" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D.C. Junclion Box Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...... ......
......
Screw #8 x 318 Hex H.D. (2 Required) (Junction Box Mounling) . . .
Back Assembl Flue Collector
Front.Flue~okector. . . . . . . .
. .............................
Valve Pressure Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw#lOx1/4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw #I0 x 318 (2 Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cover, ThermostaVHi-Limil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Gaskel Thermoslat Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw #8 x 318 Hex HD (2 Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grommet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw 8-32 x 318 Hex HD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw 8-32 x 318 Hex HD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Bracket Eleclrode Mounling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw 8-32 x 318 Hex HD (1 Required) ......................
Pilot Burnerlthermocouple Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Electrode Reignitor .....................................
Screw #8 x 318 Hex HD (3 . Reauired)
. . ........................
Cover.Elemen1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gasket. Element Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BurnerAssembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Or~fice.Cup#58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
114 Loxit Nut (2 Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric Element wilh Gasket ..............................
.
Bushing Strain Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bushing.Snapl1E" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bushing.Snap31.......................................
Bushina.Snao11T......................................
. . ....... Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
~witch."~lecl~c
GasFininj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bracket, alve Mounling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
Valve Gas (LP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manifold Oullet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manifold. Outlet ........................................
#I0 x 318 (4 Required) ...................................
Screw #8-32 x 318 Hex HD. THD . Culler (2 Required) ...........
ThermostaWalve (Robert Shawl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nut 10-32 Keps (One Per Switch) ..........................
.
Switch Assembly 12 V.D.C. T-SlaVHi-Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch Assemblv . 120 V.A.C. T-StaVHi Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw #8 x 318 Hex HD (2 Reauiredl ............
..........
Cover :
. Junction Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Grommet Gas lnlel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bushing. Snap 718" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.C. Junction Box Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
Nut 10.24 Keps (Green) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bushing Snap 718" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foam Jacket (2 Re uired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(With any order lorloam Jacket, also order Banding Kit 520772)
.
Sw~tchLamp and Plate Assembl
Screw 10.24 x 112 Whiz L O C ~(2 Aequjrebj
...................
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Burner Bracket Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nut 114-20 Hex Keps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 18
Figure 19
24
For repairs that are not listed, contact Suburban Factory Service Department for approval and authorization number.
All flat rates include diagnosticlset-up time and gas leak test.
NOTE: When more than one component is defective, compute the total of both replacement times but only one set-
up time.
Claims for repairs which exceed the published flat rate time schedule will not be covered. Contact the Factory Service
Department if assistance is required to diagnose or troubleshoot.