Jandy LX400 Heater help

[cygnusecks]

Pool is brand new with a Jandy LX400 heater for the spa. When I go to turn the heater on in the evening, it will attempt to fire 3 times (going through the normal firing cycle of 15 second flush, 15 second ingition, 15 second flame). But the first 5 or 6 times, the firing shuts down with an "AGS" warning (auto gas shutoff). The jandy manual says the most likely cause is fluctuating water pressure, or a variety of other reasons. However, after the 5th or 6th time, the firing "catches" and burns until the spa is at the right temp.

Is this a case of a new heater needing a "break-in" period, before it'll "catch" on the first firing? Once it fires, it does a great job, but I hate having to stand over it and reset it each time it gets the AGS warning and shuts down.

[imfignewton]

You need to call Jandy and have the local service rep come out and investigate.

[Poconos]

Shouldn't be any break-in period. Almost sounds like one of the interlocks or safety devices is on the hairy edge and eventually decides things are OK. Other than that I don't have a clue...sorry. All I wanted to say is when you do find out what the problem is we'd appreciate a followup post. One of those things that may stick in the brain for future reference.
Al

[cygnusecks]

Well, I called the local service rep (its still under warranty) and he just left.. the problem was that the people that hooked up the propane tank apparently did not "set the gas pressure" on the heater, and this particular heater model is very finicky about gas pressure (I guess that's a good thing!). I have no idea what "setting the gas pressure on the heater" means. He says he fixed it so I'll give it a go tonight!

[Poconos]

Pressure in a propane tank is pretty high...not sure what. Enough to keep the propane in liquid form. Gas is taken off the top of the tank so no luquid should get out. The liquid is actually boiling off in the tank. There is a pressure regulator in the line, at the tank output, that controls the pressure of the gas to the heater. These are sometimes adjustable and this is what he was tweaking. Glad it was a simple solution....or at least hope it is.
Al

[cygnusecks]

I did some more digging. Yes, you are very correct the pressure in the tank is high. There is a regulator on the tank itself that brings that down to a low level, like .5 PSI. Then, there is a gas valve just inside the heater itself which regulates the manifold pressure (the final pressure of gas as seen at the nozzle), and is adjustable. This is the valve that was not correctly adjusted. It wasn't letting enough gas in, so it was triggering a safety device which checks for correct gas pressure.

The rep was very knowledgable, and even gave me a replacement remote control for no charge since mine was cracked! I have fired the heater and it works like a charm. Too bad the other 99% of the pool building experience was such a nightmare Hopefully the scars will fade over time.