Truma water heater

[Saxon66]

Hi. Advice for a newbie please. We picked up a (new to us) 2007 CI Mizar gtl living on Friday, and very pleased with it we are too (generally). One problem though; the Truma water heater seems to have an issue:

Following the instructions in the manual, I removed the outside vent cover (is this correct?), ensured the gas was on and flicked the switch to 50 degrees. Following a couple of false starts where it wouldn't light there seemed to be a small 'backfire' from the outside vent. Returning to the manual I duly followed the instructions and waited fifteen minutes and then tried again. We didn't get the red light this time and low and behold we had lovely warm water 10 minutes later. I took a look outside and the vent was giving off what looked like smoke. Obviously I switched it off straight away as I'm guessing this isn't normal?

So we have two problems, it looks like the boiler isn't functioning correctly (or am I doing something wrong?) and my nice shiny paintwork has smoke marks around the vent (any ideas on how to remove this would be greatly appreciated as it has, so far, resisted any attempts to shift it). Thanks folks!

 

[Stealaway]

So we have two problems, it looks like the boiler isn't functioning correctly (or am I doing something wrong?) and my nice shiny paintwork has smoke marks around the vent (any ideas on how to remove this would be greatly appreciated as it has, so far, resisted any attempts to shift it). Thanks folks!

How much smoke? There's going to be some smoke if there's gas burning. Does the vent block the chimney entirely? Smoke marks should polish off the paintwork with some Mr Sheen

 

[scotjimland]

You may get a small puff if it hasn't been run for a while, it should clear fairly quickly

but smoke isn't normal, it indicates lack of oxygen for combustion.. the vent is a balanced flue , it may have debris or other obstructions.. mouse nest for example.. also check and the aire vents in the boiler cupboard are clean and clear

 

[Saxon66]

Photos of vent with and without cover. And smoke damage after about 5 minutes use. Should I be removing the cover as per the manual?

 

[scotjimland]

View attachment 231216 View attachment 231217 Photos of vent with and without cover. And smoke damage after about 5 minutes use. Should I be removing the cover as per the manual?

yes.. cover should be removed when using heater ..

if still smoking, remove the grill completely and check if there is any debris in the pipework

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[gus-lopez]

View attachment 231216 View attachment 231217 Photos of vent with and without cover. And smoke damage after about 5 minutes use. Should I be removing the cover as per the manual?

Yes it won't run without the cover in left picture removed- Looking at the other picture I would say it is sooted up . Possibly due to the cover not having been used for a while & dust blocking some of the burner?
If you have an air compressor at home then I'd undo the 6 screws holding the outlet vent on over the aluminium plate & extend the air gun with a plastic pipe which I would then poke in both upper & lower sections & blow it out. If that doesn't work then it means the boiler would have to be removed & dismantled to clean the burner.

 

[gus-lopez]

This is why when parked up that one piece cover should always be used as it is possible for mice to nest in or living here , it will gradually fill with dust to the extent that one I removed & cleaned out had half a mug of dust in it. If I hadn't had a witness on first trip that we had hot water I would have doubted myself.
I reckon there is something blocking the air inlet.

 

[Saxon66]

Thanks for the replies. Luckily I bought from a dealer so they'll be getting a call in the morning. Mr Sheen didn't touch the marks though (nor black streak remover, motor home cleaner or white wine vinegar) so I hope the dealer can shift it or we'll be having a little chat .

 

[Saxon66]

And it turned out to be a giant hornet looking for somewhere to call home......

 

[Spanda]

And it turned out to be a giant hornet looking for somewhere to call home......

Glad it turned out to be something nice and simple.

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[bigchunkytaco]

did they have to remove the unit to clean it out or did he blow compressed air through the exhaust as suggested above?

 

[Saxon66]

did they have to remove the unit to clean it out or did he blow compressed air through the exhaust as suggested above?

Hi

As far as I know, they removed the unit to check it all out.

Cheers, Mike