Gas Heater Slow to Ignite

[jsnyder2914]

I have an older (early 90s) Teledyne-Laars EPG-series propane heater.

It does ignite, but it seems like it's taking longer. It used to ignite within 10-15 seconds of starting the pump, but now takes a couple minutes.

The pilot is lit, and the pressure switch was replaced a couple years ago.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,
Jay

[thepoolman1]

I deal with these heaters quite frequently. First, make sure that the circulation system is in good working order. A system that is as old as you mention may be a little "tired," not moving the water as it used to. The first Laars heater school I went to in 1991 taught that 90% of all service calls related to heaters have nothing to do with the heater. I have found that to be true. These are large gas appliances that require the proper amount of water running through them so that they literally do not burn up or start a fire. It might be time to replace your pump or filter.

When the heater lights, does it seem to "explode," a larger than usual sound when it lights? If so, the problem is most likely spider nests in the orifices. Over half my service calls on heaters that do not light are related to this if the pool circulation system is in proper order (clean filter, no clog in the pump basket or skimmer, etc.). Did two last week; spiders. You should fire your heater at least once a month to help stop this problem (once a week is better, 5 minutes is all).

Remember, you are dealing with an appliance that has some electronic parts inside that have wiring running to them. Corrosion at the terminals is often a problem. Turn all power to the pool OFF. Open the cabinet. Inside in the upper left you will find the ignition device. Remove and then replace each wire, one at a time. Turn power back ON and try again. That may also solve the problem. Did that once last week.

Beyond that, most people are just glad that their heater this old fires at all.

[jsnyder2914]

When the heater lights, does it seem to "explode," a larger than usual sound when it lights? If so, the problem is most likely spider nests in the orifices. Over half my service calls on heaters that do not light are related to this if the pool circulation system is in proper order (clean filter, no clog in the pump basket or skimmer, etc.). Did two last week; spiders. You should fire your heater at least once a month to help stop this problem (once a week is better, 5 minutes is all).


Remember, you are dealing with an appliance that has some electronic parts inside that have wiring running to them. Corrosion at the terminals is often a problem. Turn all power to the pool OFF. Open the cabinet. Inside in the upper left you will find the ignition device. Remove and then replace each wire, one at a time. Turn power back ON and try again. That may also solve the problem. Did that once last week.

Beyond that, most people are just glad that their heater this old fires at all.

Just had the ignition device and thermocouple replaced last week, as the pilot would not stay lit.

(I should also say that, prior to last week, the heater hadn't been used in probably a couple years)

If it is spiders, is there anything I can do to clean it out, other than running the pump?

Since it does ignite, can I assume that the pressure switch is okay? Is there any user adjustment that can be done to the pressure switch, if necessary?

Thanks for the help...

[Poconos]

The spiders and probably other critters poolman is referring to wind up in the burners and gas manifold. By the time the gas hits the burners it is at a really low pressure so it doesn't take much to mess up or block the gas flow. Never took them out of a pool heater but I suspect the burners themselves should be easy to remove. Once you get them out you'll see how they are vulnerable to obstructions. Once they do light if you can look inside you may be able to see if the flames are steady, even, and blue with orange tips. I think you want the flame tips to be slightly orange or yellow. Too much air and the flame is blue, too little and it turns yellow or orange indicating incomplete combustion. The owners manual should tell you how to adjust the air vents to get the right gas/air mixture.
Al

[jsnyder2914]

Update:
My spa heater that was taking a few minutes to ignite and heating the water perfectly as recently as last week will no longer ignite at all. Even after 30 minutes, nothing happens.

Going back to the earlier replies, now that it suddenly won't ignite at all, what should I look for, and how easy is it to get to?

A few years ago, I had a similar problem, and the repairman said there was a tube going from the manifoild to the pressuyre switch which was clogged. Once he unclogged it, it worked fine. Where is the tube and pressure switch located, and is it something that I can safely test and/or replace?

Thanks again...