Suburban SW3P User manual

SUBURBAN
WATER HEATERS
SERVICE MANUAL
DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
AND
GAS AND ELECTRIC
S
SUBURBAN MANUFACTURINGCOMPANY
Post Office Box
399
Dayton, Tennessee 37321
Form No. 289
8-96

SUBURBANWATERHEATERS
I.
Suburban Manufacturing presents this Service Education Program to better assist technicians in
understandingour water heaters.
Our portion of this program will be approximately four hours, in which time we will discuss four major
areas: 1) Model NumberIGeneralOperating Instructions,2) Water HeaterOverall Construction,3) Gas
and ElectricUnits. 4) DirectSpark IgnitionUnits.
Also discussedwill be:
1)VoltageIGasPressure
2) Gas Leaks
3) PilotIBurnerAdjustments
4) Warranty
5) BasicTroubleshooting
6) HelpfulService Hints
If you haveany additional questions, feel free to ask.
Eachsectionwill beginwith a series of questions that will be answeredand should provideyou with the
abilityto makea quick and accuratediagnosisand repair.
A. DistributionCenters:
SuburbanManufacturingCompany
676 Broadway Street
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: [phone]
Fax:[phone]
SuburbanManufacturingCompany
55712 County Road 15South
Elkhart, IN46516
Phone: [phone]
Fax:[phone]
InCanada:
G.L. ProductsLimited
1030
- 8th Line
Post Office Box 760
Oakville, Ontario
CANADA L6J 5C4
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
Greg Lund ProductsLtd.
4025
- 9th Street SE
Calgary, Alberta
CANADA T2H 2G7
Phone:[phone]
B. Necessarytools and equipmentto serviceSuburban Pilotand DSIWater Heaters:
Manometersor U-Tube
MillivoltTester
Voltmeter
Circuit BoardTester-#Sf30
Gas ThermostatWrench
Nut Drivers
Open EndWrench
PhillipsScrewdriver
Flat HeadScrewdriver
LP Leak Test Liquid
Pliers
C. Model Numbers Listing

Suburban RV Water Heaters
Model Nom. BTU/h Shipping
Number Gals. Input Height Width mth Weight
Standard Pilot
SW3P 3 9000 12 11/16" 1211/16" 16 118" 30
Super Performance Pilot
SW6P 6 12000 1211/16" 1211/16" 193/16" 37
SWlOP 10 12000 167/32" 167/32" 20 112" 48
Super Performance Pilotwith Reignltor
SW6PR 6 12000 1211/16" 1211/16" 193/16" 37
SWlOPR 10 12000 16 7132" 167/32" 20 112" 48
Super Performance Comblnatlon ElectrlcandPilot
SW6PE 6 12000 1211/16" 1211/16' 193/16" 37
SWlOPE 10 12000 167/32" 167/32" 20 112" 48
Super Performance Comblnatlon Electric and Pilotwith Reignttor
SW6PER 6 12000 1211/16" 12 11/16" 193/16" 37
SWlOPER 10 12000 167/32" 167/32" 20 112" 49
-- -
DirectSpark ignition
SW6D 6 12000 1211116" 1211/16" 19 3/16" 35
SWlOD 10 12000 16 7/32" 167/32" 20 112" 49
Electricand Direct Spark Ignition
SW6DE 6 12000 1211116" 1211/16" 193/16" 37
SWIODE 10 12000 167132" 16 7/32" 20 112" 50
Electrlc and Direct Spark Ignitionwith MotorAid
SW6DEM 6 12000 1211116" 1211/16" 193/16" 39
SWlODEM 10 12000 16 7/32" 167/32" 20 112" 60
Accessories
520790
520773
6261ACW
697205
690578
520781
Description
ReignitorKit (Canbefieldinstalledon any SW6 PilotModelafler Serial#!I53401 118
andany SW10 Pilot Modelafter Serial#953601021)
ReignitorKit (Canbe field installedon any SW Pilot Model)
Door, ColonialWhite, SW Model, RadiusCorner,3 and 6 Gallon
Door, ColonialWhite,
V Model, Radius Corner, 3,6 and8 Gallon
Door, ColonialWhite,
V Model, Square Corner, 3,6 and8 Gallon
Kit to install present
V Model RadiusComer Doorto SW6 Water Heater
Door, ColonialWhite. SW Model, FlushMount,3 and6 Gallon
Door, ColonialWhite.
V Model, Flush Mount, 6 Gallon
Kit to installpresent
V Model Flush Mount Doorto SW6 Water Heater
Door, ColonialWhite, V Model, RadiusCorner, 10Gallon
Door. ColonialWhite,
V Model. SquareCorner. 10Gallon
Door, ColonialWhite, SW Model, FlushMount, 10Gallon
I
Door Kit (6 GallonAluminumTank ReplacementKit)
Specifications are subject to change without nolice.
WATER HEATERSAND DOORSARE SOLD SEPARATELY

II. General Operating Instructions
A. Lighting lnstructions
Gas and Electric - Readall safety informationfirst. Turn gas cock clockwiseto "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 counterclockwiseto "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 initialstart-up,this may take several times
to purge the air from gas lines. Turn on all electrical power if combination electriclgas, and set
temperaturedial to desired setting.
Gasand ElectricWith Reianitor - Placereignitorcontrol in "OFFposition. Turngascockclockwise
to "OFF"position,andtemperature indicatorto lowestsetting. Turn offall electric powerto appliance
andwait
5 minutesfor gasto clear. Turn gas supply andelectrical power to appliance on. Turn gas
cock counterclockwise to "pilot" position, press reset buttonand switch the electric reignitor module
to "ON"position. Sparkwill start betweenelectrode tip and pilot hood. When pilot lights,the spark
will stop. Continuedepressing reset buttonfor approximately
1 minuteor until light remains lit. On
initialstart-up, it may take severaltimesto purgeair from lines. Turn gas cock counterclockwiseto
"ON" positionand set temperaturedial to desired location.
When reignitor switch is in the "ON" position, it will operate automatically when the pilot flame is
extinguished. When thevehicle is to bestoredor the LP supply isto beturned off, besureto turn the
reignitor control switchto the "OFF"position. This will preventthe battery from beingdischarged(the
reignitor will continue sparking). The reignitor has an alarm that will sound when the pilot is
extinguishedor the LP supply is turnedoff.
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 andturn switchto "ON"position. Thiswill restartthe ignitioncycle again. On the initialstart-
up, it may requireseveral ignitioncycles to purgeall the air from the gas lines.
B. VoltagelGas Pressure Requirements
The DSIwater heater must havean acceptable DC-voltagerangeto function properly. An adequate
voltagerangewould be between 10.5 volts DC and 13.5 volts. This voltage must besupplied directly
from the battery or from the power converter wired in parallelwith the battery.
The LP system working pressureshouldbe 11"of water column (WC). When testing the pressure
of the system, at least'oneother gas appliance needsto be infull operationto get accurate results.
Check pressure with manometer at unit and pressure comingthrough orificeto get correct reading.
Adjust accordingly. Do not overfillthe propane tanks. The minimum working pressure is 11"WC,
while the maximum is
14" WC.
C. Safety - Gas Leak Check
A leak in the LPgas system is a critical area that involvescheckingfor and then repairingthe leak.
Most leaks occur when the system is open for service and improperly resealed, when LPtanks are
filled, or when appliances are installed. Oneway to check for leaksis to use a pressuregauge and
simply pressurizethe system and turn off the gas valve. If pressuredrops, find the leak and correct
it. A liquid leak solution can be appliedto any fitting that was opened. Do not use a soap solution
with ammonia,as it is corrosiveto brass. Also the electronicgas sniffer is a must for finding leaks in
hard-to-reachpla.ces.

Ill. Water Heater Overall Construction
A. Glass-linedTank
The steel, glass-linedtanksprovidelong life under varyingwater conditions. This sameconstruction
iswhat is usedfor morethan
7 millionresidentialwater heaterssold annually. The baked-onenamel
processreachestemperaturesinexcess of 1600°F. Three
(3) year tankwarranty, replaceableanode
rod, highoutput, fast recovery,gas connectionsupplied, 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 aggressivewater actionprovidingcathodicprotectionfor thetank. The anoderodis a very
importantfactor intank life and should only be removedfor inspectionof draining. Replacementof
the anode rod is recommendedwhen consumptionor weight loss is greaterthan
75%. With regular
inspectionand replacementof the anode (part number
231419), tank life can begreatly extended.
Frequency of anode replacementwill vary dependingon the water conditionsand usage.
C. Temperatureand PressureValve
Temperature and pressurerelief valves will normallydripduring heatingcycles. Ina closedsystem,
a liquid will expand when heated and cause a rise in temperature and pressure. How much is
excessiveandwhy only sometimes? Here are six basic reasons:
1. The temperature and pressureof incomingwater.
2. The cleanlinessof the thermostat or "probe" positionof valve.
3. The pressuresettingof relief valve (150 PSI).
4. Age and condition of the springassembly insidevalve.
5. The temperaturesetting of presetor manual thermostat.
6. The evaluationand atmosphericpressureat which the heater is used.
D. WinterizationIFlushingInstructions
. ..
If the RV isto be storedduringwinter months, the water heater must be drained to preventdamage
from freezing. The followinasteps can befollowedto do this:
1. Turn off power andgas.
2. Turn off pressurepumpor your water hook-upsource.
3. Open both hot and cold water faucets.
4. Open drain on water heater.
5. Follow RV manufacturer'sinstructionsfor drainingentirewater system.
E. Odor from Hot Water System
Odor from the hot water system is not a service problem,and manywater suppliescontainsufficient
amounts of sulphurto producean odor. The odor is similarto rotteneggsand isoften referredto as
sulphur water. It is not harmful
- only unpleasant to smell. Sulphur water can be caused by a
chemical action or by bacteria. The solutionto eliminateis heavy chlorinationof the water system.
Add about six ounces of heavy chlorine(commonhouseholdliquidbleach)to eachten gallonsinthe
water tank. Then runthe heavychlorinatedwater through~utthe system, openingeach faucet one
at a time untilyou smell the chlorine. Letthe RV sit for a few days andthe chlorineshouldtake care
of the problem. Then you'll needto take care of the chlorine. You may consider adding a filtering
system that removeschlorineand preventssulphur water.

IV. Gas and Electric Units
A. Gas Control System
1. pilotAdjustment
a) Pilotwill not come on:
1) Possible malfunctionof the bottlegas regulator. Gaspressureshould be 11" WC. Test and
adjust at regulator.
2) Clogged pilot orifice - clean or replace.
3) Gas controldefective; no gas flow - removeand replace.
b) Pilot will notstav on:
1) Improperpilot flame; should be a blue or orange-blueflame.
2) Obstructed pilot orifice - cleanor replace.
3) Loose or weak thermocouple. Thermocouple can be checked with voltmeter, checking
millivoltswhen flame is present. If loose, tighten; if defective, replace.
4) A defective E.C.O. switch or magnet in gas control - disconnect thermocouple from gas
control. Check for continuity betweencontrol housing and center of thermocouple fitting (do
not touch the threaded portionwith probe). If no continuity, replacethe gas control.

A. Gas ControlSystem (continued)
2. BurnerAdjustment
a) Erratic mainburnerflame s~utterinavellow:
1) Incorrectgas pressure - checkfor correctgas pressurecomingthroughmainburnerorifice;
shouldbe
11 " WC.
2) Check for blockageor obstruction in mainburnerorifice. Remove andcleanwith alcohol
andcompressedair. Do not enlargeorificehole. Clean mainburner if necessary.
3) Misalignmentof mainburner - check for correctalignment.
4) Burner flashback - check mainburnerorifice. Must be properly seated into main burner -
(straight inlinewith tube).
5) Sooting - can be causedby thermostatnot shuttingoff completelyor other obstructionsor
blockageinflue box.
b) Mainburnerwill not ianite:
1) Incorrectgas pressure - checkfor correctgas pressurecomingthrough mainburnerorifice;
shouldbe
1 1" WC.
2) Mainburnerorificecould be blocked - removeandclean with alcohol or compressed air. Do
not enlarge orifice hole.
3) Lint or dirt inburnertube - clean burner tube.
4) Gascontrolvalve defective - no gas flow throughvalve. Removeand replace.
UNITROL CONTROL
A-BURNER TUBE
B-AIR SHUTTER
C-GAS COCK
D-RESET BUTTON
E-PILOT ADJUSTMENT
F-TEMPERTURE
INDICATOR
G-SPRING
A-GAS COCK
B-TEMPERTURE
INDICATOR
C-PILOT ADJUSTMENT
D-BURNER TUBE
SIT CONTROL
P?

A. Gas ControlSystem (continued)
3. Temperature Adjustment
a) Water too hot:
1) Thermostatset too high. Adjust temperatureto lower selection accordingly.
2) Check Orifice size, check gas pressure.
b) Notenouah hotwater:
1) Thermostatset too low. Adjust temperatureto higherselection.
2 Misalignmentof main burner - adjust and realignelbowon burnertube.
3 I Obstruction in main burner or air intake - clean accordingly.
4) Main burner orifice too small or clogged - removeand clean or replace.
5) Thermostatgas control out of calibration - replace.
B. Gas IgnitionSystem
1. Reignitor
A reignitor eliminatesthe need for matchesto light the pilot. It will maintain a pilot flame under
windy conditions, and has an alarmwhich willsound when the pilotflame is extinguishedor
if the
LP gas supply is turned off. It is available on all pilot models. A reignitorcan befield installed.
2. Installationand Operation
See Field Instructionsfor ReignitorControl.

C. ElectricSystem
1. ElectricThermostat And Element
Electricwater heatersaredesignedto operatewith a minimumamount of serviceproblems. The
most common trouble with electric water heaters results from energizingthe heater before it is
filled with water.
Checkthe followina items:
a) Checkthe circuit breakerinthe coachto makesure it has not tripped.
b) Check for 120-volt AC to the
ONIOFF switch (lower left hand corner of the control pan) on
gadelectric water heater. If voltageispresentonone sideof the switch andthe heaterstill doesn't
work, replaceswitch.
c) Pressthe reset buttonon the heater. Locatedinthe control pan.
d) If,after pressingthe reset buttonandturningthe powerbackon, the heaterstillfailsto operate,
turn off the power and check all wire connections.
e) After the first four steps have been followed, the heating element should be checked for
continuitywith a voltmeter or other testing device.
If defective, replacethe element.
If the water heater becomestoo hot and activatesthe reset control, push the reset switch pad.
Incases, where the water istoo hot and the high limit control is not shutting offthe heater, it is
possiblethat the thermostat is loosefrom its bracketand is not beingheldtightly against the tank.
"V" Model
WIRING DIAGRAM (120 VAC)
SW Model
--
ROBERTSHAW
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
n

V. Direct Spark Ignition
A. Understandingthe OperatingSystem
The direct spark ignitionwater heater must not only havethe correct gas pressurebut a DC voltage
,
rangebetween 10.5 volts DC and 13.5 volts. This voltageshould be supplied directlyfrom the battery
or from the "filtered"circuit of a converter. On a call for heat, voltage is appliedto the ignitor across
terminals
1 (power) and 6 (ground)of the input connector. A high voltage spark is then generated
from the spark electrodeto ground. Simultaneously,the gas valve is energized. At the startof each
heatingcycle, there isa
15 second purgefollowedby a 6.8 secondtrial for ignition. Sparkingceases
as soon as a constant flame is present. Oncethe flame is established,sparkingwill cease and the
"flame rod" will provide flame monitoring for the remainder of the heat cycle. If the flame is
extinguished during the cycle, it will spark automatically in an attempt to re-establishthe flame. If
lockoutoccurs, the valve closes, turning on the red light inthe ONIOFF switch.
SW WIRING DIAGRAM
Switch & Light
Part #232229
T
12 UDC. ONLY
IFANY OF THE ORIGINALWIRE AS SUWLI EDWITH THE WTER
HEATER MUST BE REPLACED, IT MUST BE REPLACED WITH 18
G4,105' C MAE OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
MODULE 10
Plate
"V" MODELWIRING DIAGRAM
12 VOLT DC - WIRING DIAGRAM

APPLICATION NOTE
FLAME CURRENT MEASUREMENT
Local Flame Sensina (SinaleS~arkand Sense)
With power off, connect a DC microammeter (D'Arsonval movementtype) as shown in the diagram below.
(Themetershould beprotectedfrom highvoltage surgeswhich coulddamagethe metermovement. A 1.5pF
200 volt film capacitor acrossthe meter terminals or leadwires will provide adequateprotection.) The lead
wires and terminals must be isolatedfrom other surfaces to prevent the,H.V. signal from arcing to ground
duringthe trial-for-ignitionperiod.
Apply power. Once the flame is established and the sparks shut off, a flame sense current of 1.5pA DC
minimum is requiredfor proper operation.
CAUTION: Dueto possible conditions, do not touch the microammeter or leadwires duringthe flame sense
test. Always removepower beforeany adjustments.
Local Flame Sensing (Single Spark and Sense)
Remote Flame Sensinq
With power off, removethe sense wire from the electrodeterminal and installa DC microammeterinseries
with the electrodeterminal and sense wire, as shown in the diagram below.
Apply power. Onceflame is established, a flame sensecurrentof 1 .5pA DC minimumis requiredfor proper
operation.
When Remote FlameSensing is used, it is not necessaryto employ the 1.5pFprotectioncapacitor across the
meter. However,since it does not affectthe performanceof the microammeter, it may remain in place at all
times.
Remote FlameSensing

B. Diagnosisand Repair
1. Flashback in Burner Tube
a) Incorrectgas pressure. Gas pressure shouldbe 11" WC.
b) Misalignmentof burner tube. Burner orifice should be positioned down the center. Burner
should be alignedwith gas valve.
SW Series Burner and ElectrodeDiagram
---_

B. Diagnosisand Repair (continued)
2. ThermostatFailureand ECO Switches
Suburban's direct spark ignition water heaters have a preset thermostat of 130°F that is non-
adjustable. It is also equipped with a high temperature limit (E.C.O.) as a cut-off device.
Temperaturesabove
180°F willcause manualreset buttontotrip, shuttingdownthe mainburner.
To activate the burner, the water temperature must be below
100°F, push the reset button to
reactivatethe burner. Makesure the thermostatbracket isholdingbothswitchestight against the
water heater to ensurethat both of them sense correctly. Check all wire terminals and voltage
throughthe E.C.O. andthermostat.
THERMOSTAT AND MANUAL RESET
MODEL
"V" SERIES UNITS
THERMOSTAT AND MANUAL RESET
Models:SWGD, SWGDE, AND SWGDM THERMOSTAT AND MANUAL RESET
Models: SWGPE, SWGPER, SWGDE
12 VDC T-STAT
HI-LIMIT
RESET
120 VAC T-STAT
HI-LIMIT

B. Diagnosisand Repair (continued)
3. The ElectrodeAssembly
Positioningof the electrodeassembly isvery important. Thegap betweenspark andground should
be
118" (see diagram below). The spark and ground probe should not be grounded to the flame
spreader or any other metal object in the combustion chamber. The sensing probe relays to the
circuit board a signal that a flame is present. This signal is a small DC current which can be
measureddirectly with a 0 to 50 microampmeter. Although the minimum flame current necessary
to keep the ignitor from going into lockout is 1.5 microamps, the meter readings should be
3.0
microampsor higher.
To measureflame current, first shut off the powerto thesystem andthen removethe flame sensing
lead wire from the electrode terminal and insert the microamp meter in series with the sensor
electrodeandground. "Plus"terminalof meterto component boardand"negative"terminalto sensing
electrode. Energizethe ignitor.
If microampstoo small, check thefollowing:
a) Checkfor correct input polarity. Terminal 1 should be "hot" (12 volts DC)with respectto ground.
Terminal
6 is neutral,or zero voltage, with respect to ground.
b) Impropergrounding - if a flame is present during the trial for ignition period but the system shuts
down, makesurethe burner is properlygrounded.
If not, the systemwill go into lockout.
c) Check the electrode ceramic for cracks or carbon. Make sure the electrode is free form carbon
deposits and is not corroded or pitted.
d) Checkelectrodeleadsfor corrosionat the terminals. If there iscorrosion,clean it off.
e) Checkthe sensor wire continuity. If defective, replaceit.
f) Re-positionthe electrodeassembly andcheck thesparkgap. If the gap istoo wide, damageto the
ignitorcan result.

3. The Electrode Assembly (continued)
If no s~arkis Dresent, checkthe followina:
a) Checkfor voltage to the circuit board. Terminal 1 should havevoltage. If novoltage, clean wire
connectionsat circuit boardwith pencileraser.
b) If still no voltage, check voltage through E.C.O. and thermostat. Make sure there are good
connections and voltage present.
If voltage is present on one side but not the others, replace
thermostator E.C.O.
c) If voltage is presentthrough E.C.O. andthermostatto the module board,and no sparkingoccurs,
replacethe circuit board.
d) After replacingthe circuit board,
if there isstill nospark, checkthe highvoltage wire for cracks or
breaks,and replace if necessary.
4. Gas Valve Malfunction
With powersuppliedto ignitor, sparkingshouldoccur andthegasvalveshouldopensimultaneously.
If sparkinaoccurs but the valve does not oDen, check the followinq
a) Place a voltameter betweenterminal 4 on the input connectorand ground (or across the valve).
Recyclethe ignitor byturningthe ONIOff switch to "off" for
5 secondsandthen backonto determine
if voltage is presentat the valve.
b) If voltage is present andthe valve stilldoes notopen, removewires from valve terminals and retest
the valve on a known voltage source. If valve still does notfunction, it should be replaced.
c) Checkthe circuit board connector for good connections.
d)
If voltage is not presentat terminals 4 and 6 or at the valve, replacethe circuit board.
5. Circuit Board Failure
a) Check for the correct voltage (between 10.5 volts and 13.5 volts DC). Excessive voltage will
damagethe circuit board.
b) Check spark gap. If the gap is too wide and arcingto ground, damage can occur to the circuit
board.

LIMITED WARRANTY
SUBURBANRECREATIONALVEHICLE WATER HEATER
LIMITEDONE YEAR WARRANTY
This Suburban product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
maintenance for a period of one year from date of purchase whether or not actual use begins on that date. It is the responsibility of the
consumerlownerto establishthe warranty period. Suburbandoes not usewarranty registrationcards for its standardwarranty. You are required
to furnish proof of purchasedate through a Billof Sale or other payment record.
Suburbanwill replaceany parts that are found defective withinthe first year and will pay a warranty service allowance directly to the authorized
SuburbanServiceCenter at ratesmutuallyagreed uponbetweenSuburban and its authorizedservicecenters. Replacement partswill beshipped
FOBthe shippingpointwithinthe ContinentalUnitedStates,Alaska andCanadato authorizedservicecentersperformingsuch repairs. All freight,
shippingand deliverycosts shall be the responsibilityof the owner. The exchanged part or unit will bewarrantedfor only the unexpiredportion of
the originalwarranty. Before havina warrantv re~airsmade,confirmthat the service aclencvisan authorizedservicecenterfor Suburban.DO
NOT
PAY THE SERVICE AGENCY FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS; SUCH PAYMENTSWlLL NOT BE REIMBURSED.
Suburbanreservesthe right to examine the alleged defect inthewater heateror component parts,andit is the owner's obligation to returnthe water
heater andlorcomponent partsto Suburbanor ~tsrepresentative. When returninga water heater, it must includeall componentpartsandthe serial
numberplate. Returnedcomponent parts must be lndlv~duallytaggedand identifiedwiththe water heater'smodelnumber, serialnumberanddate
of installation.
For warranty service, the ownerluser should contact the nearest authorized Suburban Service Center, advising them of the model and serial
numbers(locatedon thewater heater)and the natureof the defect.Transportationof the unit to and from the Service Center andlortravel expenses
of the ServiceCenter to your locationis the responsibilityofthe ownerluser.A listing of authorizedServiceCentersis includedinthe owner's packet
suppliedwith the water heater and a current listingmay be obtained from Suburban. If you cannot locate an authorizedservice center locally, the
serviceagency chosento performwarranty repairsmust contact our ServiceDepartmentat423-775-2131 for authorization.Unauthorizedrepairs
madewill not be paid by Suburban.
LIMITEDTHREE YEAR WARRANTY ON TANK
The inner tank is further warranted to be free from defects.in materialand workmanshipfor three years from the date of original purchase. A
replacementwater heater will be provided under the same conditionsas statedinthe one year warranty EXCEPT no labor reimbursementwill be
provided.
LIMITATIONOF WARRANTIES
ALL IMPLIEDWARRANTIES (INCLUDINGIMPLIEDWARRANTIESOF MERCHANTABILITY)ARE HEREBY LIMITED INDURATIONTO THE
PERIOD FOR WHICH EACH LIMITED WARRANTY ISGIVEN. SOME STATES DO NOTALLOW LIMITATIONSON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY LASTSSO THEABOVE LIMITATIONSMAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THE EXPRESSEDWARRANTIESMADE INTHlS WARRANTY
ARE EXCLUSIVE AND MAY NOT BE ALTERED, ENLARGED, OR CHANGED BY ANY DISTRIBUTOR, DEALER OR OTHER PERSON
WHOMSOEVER.
SUBURBAN WlLL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
1. Normalmaintenanceas outlined inthe installation, operatingandservice instructionsowner's manual including cleaning of component parts
andcleaningor replacement of the burnerorifice.Any water damage arising, directly or indirectly,from any defect inthewater heateror component
parts or from its use.
2. Initialcheckouts and subsequent checkoutswhich indicatethe water heateris operatingproperly,or diagnosiswithout repair.
3. Damage or repairsrequiredas a consequenceof faultyor incorrectinstallationor applicationnot in conformancewith Suburban instructions.
4. Failureto start and/or operatedue to looseor disconnectedwires; water or dirt incontrols,fuel lines and gastanks; impropergas pressure: low
voltage.
5. Cleaning or adjustmentof components: electrode, burnertube, pilot and thermocouple.
6. Costs incurred ingaining accessto the water heater.
7. Partsor accessoriesnot suppliedby Suburban.
8. Freightcharges incurredfrom parts replacements.
9. Damage or repairs needed as a consequence of any misapplication,abuse, unreasonableuse, unauthorizedalteration, improper service,
improperoperationor failureto provide reasonableand necessary maintenance.
10. Suburban productswhose serial number has been altered,defaced or removed.
11. Suburban products installed or warranty claims originatingoutside the Continental U.S.A.. Alaska, HawaiiandCanada.
12. Damageas a result of floods, winds. lightning, accidents,corrosiveatmosphereor other conditions beyond the control of Suburban.
13. ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL PROPERTY, ECONOMIC OR COMMERCIAL DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE
WHATSOEVER.Some statesdo not allow the exclusionof incidentalor consequentialdamages, so the above lim~tationmay not apply to you.
NOREPRESENTATIVE,DEALER OR OTHER PERSONISAUTHORIZEDTO ASSUME FOR SUBURBANMANUFACTURINGCOMPANYANY
ADDITIONAL, DIFFERENTOR OTHER LIABILITYINCONNECTION WITH THE SALEOF THlS SUBURBANPRODUCT.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich vary from state to state.
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT PROBLEM
FIRST:
If your RV has its original water heaterand is still under the RV manufacturer'swarranty,follow the steps described inyour RV owner's manual.
SECOND:
Contact a conveniently located authorized Suburban Service Center. A list of such service centers is enclosed with Suburban's Installation,
Operatingand ServiceInstructionsbook. Describeto them the natureof your problem, makean appointment, if necessary,andprovidefor delivery
of the water heaterto the selected service center.
THIRD:
Contact: Suburban ManufacturingCompany
Customer Service Department
Post Office Box 399
Dayton.Tennessee37321
(423) 775-213
1

to pilot position. Press Reset
Buttonand light, hoddown Pilot reset
for
30 seconds.
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
SUBURBAN MODELSWATER HEATER
PILOT IGNITIONSECTION
Check Gas Pressure should be
11" W. C. Check LPsupply and Vehicle
Regulator
Yes
T
PilotFlame not envelopingtip
of thermocouple Check for clog ed ilot orifice or
adjust 8101Flame
Yes
v
Check thermocouple connection
fortightnessat control Tighten-Fingertight plus
114 turn
T
Yes Yes
v
Check Thermocouple output. should
be 16-21 Millivolt ReplaceThermocouple
Yes
T
Check ECOonThermostat Control -No-. Replace Gas Control
I
MainBurner Flame Check for restrictioninBurner
Orifice,BurnerFlue. Exhaust
and BurnerTube
1
Orificeand Burner
Check Burneralignment
I
Align BurnerTubewith Manifold
1
T
Yes Yes
T
pressure, lessthan 11" W.C. RemoveandreplaceGas Control
c
Readjustto lower or higher
Settingaccordingly
required,Burner flame remains on
until desiredtemperature is
reached
Temperature selectionknob set too
T
T
Yes
.
Yes
v
T
The Gas controlisout of
calibration
I
Replace Gas Control
Temperaturesufficient,Burner
cycles Off System
OK
Note:Odor from the water system
canbe causedby not servicingyour
Anode, or sulphur water can be
Note: You should check or replace
the Anode Rod annually
Note: Some external weeping of
popoff valve is normalto allow for
expansion of the water. causedby a chem~calactlon or by
Bacter~aso vou may flush your tank
w~th a Cloroi m~xtuieto r~dsrnells
Pleasesee you: Owners Manual

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
SUBURBAN MODEL SW6 WATER HEATER
SPARK IGNITION SECTION
Turnswitchon. Thermostatcalls
for heat Check 12dvc Power inputto the
OnIOff Switch
Yes
T
Yes
Yes
I 1
Check connectionsand wires to
Module
I Checkfor l2vdcon RedWire at the I
-No--
Module Board
Red Light on Switchappears for
12-1
8 seconds ReplaceSwitch
Yes
T
Light Switchremains on and the
Burnerdid not light Does the Water Heater light
r
Check System Gas Pressure should
be 11"WC
Yes
.
Checkthe ElectrodeWire and
connect~ons,the gap shouldbe 118"
1
If nospark at Electrodereplace
the Module
Yes
valve tap or for a restrictionat
the Burner or Orifice
Yes
Checkfor 12vdcat Gas Valve
Didthe Gas Valve open
-Yes--
Replacethe Gas Valve
electrode.
alignment. The flame shouldbe
Hardblue.
I J
Yes
T
The lightgoesoff and the Burner
remainson
Water heats to approx. 140 degrees
and shuts off
-No-.
Check to besure that the
thermostat is lightagainst the to clean mountingarea
Yes
T
System OK
1
Note: Odor fromthe water system can
be caused by not sewingyour Anode,
or sulphur water canbe causedby a
chemicalaction or by Bacteriaso you
may flush your tank with a Clorox
mixtureto rid smells. Please see
your Owners Manual.
Note: You shouldcheck or replace
the Anode rod annually
Note: Some externalweeping may
occur at the T8P (Temperature
Pressure Relief)to allow for water
expansion when heated

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
SUBURBAN MODELS VDSl WATER HEATERS
SPARK IGNITIONSECTION
Turn Switchto 'On" Position.
Thermostat callsfor heat Check for 12vdc acrossterminal#2
&
6 on switch Check 12vdcPower. Replace switch.
Yes
T
Check 12vdcthru ECOLimitSwitch Check ManualReset Button. If not
operablereplaceLlm~tSw~tch
Yes
T
Check Thermostatfor 12vdc on both
sides of Switch ReplaceThermostatSwitch
Check for 12vdcon RedWire at
Module Board Check connectionsandwires
leadingto the Module
Yes
T
Redlight on IswitchAppears for Check for 12vdc on Terminal
#4 at Replace Light Switch
Yes
T
LightSwitchremainson and Burner
did not lite Does Water Heater light
I
Check SystemGas Pressureshould
be 11"W.C.
Yes
T
Module
Yes
T
Replace the GasValve
Yes
T
Yes
T
Didthe Gas Valve Open
I
Valve Ta or for a restriction
burneror 8rifice. or replacethe
Gas Valve
If Flame appears and then oes out
check for proper Flame probe
adjustment. Check flame contact
to electrode
I
Makesure the Burner andManifold
Tubes arealignedcorrectly and
Air Shuner isset. Flame should
be hardblue.
I
The lightswitch goesoff andthe 1 -No--
Burner remains on
I I
Yes
T
and shuts off thermostat is tight against the
tank and covered with ~nsulation cleanmountingarea
Yes
T
Note: You should checkor replace
the Anode Rod annually Note: Odor from the water system
can becausedby notse~ic~ngyour
Anode or sulphur water can be
Note: Externalweeping of popoff
valve is normalto allow for
expansion of the water caused by a chem~calactlonor by
bactcrlaso vou mav flushvour tank
with a Clorox mixtuieto ridsmells.
Pleasesee your Owners Manual.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
SUBURBAN MODELWATER HEATER
ELECTRICELEMENTSECTION
Check for 115 vac at the OnlOff
Switch Check Breaker or Replace Switch
.
Yes
.
Water heatst the desired
temperature
1
.
Yes
.
ReplaceThermostat assembly
Check for 115vacat the Element
I
Recheck Thermostat Switch
.
Yes
.
With the wer off check the
element econtinuity, should
read 14.5-17Ohms
1
Replace Element
I
Yes
.
.
.
Yes
.
Checkthe Amp draw of the element Replace Element
.
Yes
.
Replace Element
r
Water over heats Makesure the ThermostaVLimitis ReplaceThermostaVLimit
I
SystemOK
I
Note: Some externalweeping may
occur at the T&P(Temperature
Pressure Relief) to allow for water
expansionwhen heated
Note: Odor from the water system can
be caused by not servicingyour
Note: You should check or replace
the Anode rodannually Anode, or sulphur water can be
caused by a chemicalaction or by
Bacteriaso you may flush your tank
with a Clorox mixtureto ridsmells.
Pleasesee your Owners Manual.