This is a 200t Multi fuel forced air heater.
My basic question is, should the ignitor stay on, HOT, for all three cycles to start. As soon as the motor starts the ignitor goes out and no start.
This is what I do know.
1. New ignitor
2. Photocell good
3. Pump pressure at 5.6 psi
4. Running K1
5. Voltage at heater is fine, not an outlet specific problem.
Could it be the controller? Seem odd that the heater cycles 3 times yet the ignitor goes out after the pump starts. Shouldn't the ignitor stay on until the photocell detects flame?
Thanks, John
John- the ignitor does not stay on for the duration of the running time. It only stays on for the first 5 seconds. This is long enough for the flame to ignite and perpetuate itself, assuming the fuel delivery system is up-to-par. The photocell monitors the flame color and if the flame becomes off-color then the photocell tells the control board to shut the unit down. Naturally, too rich or too lean affects flame color.
Now, I'm confused by your description "the heater cycles 3 times". Tell me more.
I'm glad to see that you checked the pump pressure. Have you used soapy water to check for air leaks all the way to the nozzle? A leak in the airline, fuel line, or a crack in the nozzle adapter will cause no fuel delivery, or reduced fuel delivery as well as reduced atomization of the fuel - all of which can cause a lack of combustion. A restricted fuel filter will cause starvation.
Eliminate all possibilities of a fuel delivery problem before you start blaming electronics because there is not much way to test the board or the photocell successfully without DESA's diagnostic tool. Unfortunately, replacement of the componants is cheaper than the tool.
John- Let me start by saying that your model as stated "200T" is not a model number. It's simply is a series of 200k heaters that have a thermostat. There are at least 7 actual models of the 200T and most take common parts, but , in order to get the right stuff you must identify the true model of your heater. By knowing the model a manual can be accessed. Examples; R200BT, RM200T, RE200T, etc.
As you already know, the cycling is not natural. And, if I understand your description correctly, the ignitor starts to glow, the the unit cycles, preventing a full glow, & preventing combustion.
I've never run into this situation, myself, but if I was working on the heater my first suspect would be the thermostat. It is easy to troubleshoot simply by bypassing it.
Next, would be a loose electrical connection "somewhere".
Next would be to replace the board & photocell.
Tbugger
×
Hi,
Here are a couple of tips that I wrote that tell you how to troubleshoot a Torpedo or Reddy heater...
Reddy Heater - Troubleshooting Torpedo Heaters
Torpedo Heater Pump Pressure Adjustment
heatman101
///////////
3,808 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Tbugger, Thanks for the response. I will try to give some more information. I like lists. It is easier for technical reading so bear with me.
1. all fuel and air lines are good. all fittings are clamped.
2. the pump delivers fuel to the nozzle. it will flood itself after unsuccessfull starts.
3. filters are all clean. air and fuel.
4. my confusion is that as soon as the pump starts the ignitor dims. It is almost black, or off, however you would like to term it, efore the fan is at speed.
5. cycle question, Here is the procedure it follows, automatically.
1.
Sorry-wrong key.
1. ignitor powers up to red color, fan starts, ignitor goes out, fan powers up to speed and then shuts off.
2. Fan powers up again and then stops.
3. fan powers up once more and then stops.
4. at this point I get a flame error on the control panel.
I have to reset the heater to get it to cycle again, power off or unplug. Oh it does have clean fuel and has run recently. when we get it to start we do not turn it off.
This cycle happens over a time period of approx 10-12 seconds. automatically, definately being contolled by the ignition control board. It just seems that the ignitor is not on long enough to give the fuel an opportunity to light.
I am stumped.
I will try the thermostat bypass, can't hurt. I do not have thexact model number as the heater is not local to me. This weekend I will get more detailed information and see if the bypass helps.
×