Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » SolAir Furnace (Any tips on R&R?)
| SolAir Furnace [message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 16:12  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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I recently had an AC tech out at the house to do a check on my two heat pumps. My wife has been nervous about the furnace in the GMC, so I had him check it with a Co meter while he was there. The reading on air coming out of the registers inside was zero, but when he checked the outside flue vents, it was off the scale due to "incomplete combustion", according to the tech. His suggestion was to remove the furnace, disassemble it, and give it a good cleaning.
I know most of you will probably advise me to replace the old furnace, but I would rather keep it in service as long as it is working and not a safety hazard.
How much of a hassle is it to remove? Any tips? What else should I be looking at/for while I have it out?
Thanks,
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
[Updated on: Tue, 11 February 2014 21:31] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace [message #239565 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 16:25  |
Gary Berry
Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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I've had to remove and replace the furnaces on both CamoGMC and the
Stretch. Kind of a pain to remove, and I don't have any tips, but once out
they are pretty easy to tear down and clean. Once you clean out and put it
back together and install it, you should have the Co checked again, at
least on the inside.
On Tue, Feb 11, 2014 at 2:12 PM, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> I recently had an AC tech out at the house to do a check on my two heat
> pumps. My wife has been nervous about the furnace in the GMC, so I had him
> check it with a Co meter while he was there. The reading on air coming out
> of the registers inside was zero, but when he checked the outside flue
> vents, it was off the scale due to "incomplete combustion, according to the
> tech. His suggestion was to remove the furnace, disassemble it, and give
> it a good cleaning.
>
> I know most of you will probably advise me to replace the old furnace, but
> I would rather keep it in service as long as it is working and not a safety
> hazard.
>
> How much of a hassle is it to remove? Any tips? What else should I be
> looking at/for while I have it out?
>
> Thanks,
> --
> Carl S
--
Gary and Diana Berry
73 CL Stretch in Wa.
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #239573 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 17:03 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Is there an air mixture adjustment you can do without removing? Just posing the question. I have a Suburban so can't go have a look. Might have to adjust on the bench with the meter gefore reinstalling.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #239587 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 18:16 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| Carl S. wrote on Tue, 11 February 2014 15:12 |
I recently had an AC tech out at the house to do a check on my two heat pumps. My wife has been nervous about the furnace in the GMC, so I had him check it with a Co meter while he was there. The reading on air coming out of the registers inside was zero, but when he checked the outside flue vents, it was off the scale due to "incomplete combustion, according to the tech. His suggestion was to remove the furnace, disassemble it, and give it a good cleaning.
I know most of you will probably advise me to replace the old furnace, but I would rather keep it in service as long as it is working and not a safety hazard.
How much of a hassle is it to remove? Any tips? What else should I be looking at/for while I have it out?
Thanks,
|
I don't have experience with the Solair but my Suburban came out very easily. I can't imagine that the installation is all that different. However, You may want to be sure that it is malfunctioning. This is not a modern gas fired high efficiency furnace. You need to be open to the idea that it may be as good as it gets. Unless the combustion chamber has a rust hole in it (which it sounds like is not the case here)the combustion gasses aren't going to get into your coach. Do you have any sign of black combustion deposits near the outside outlet. If you have a sight glass, is the flame yellow or blue. You may also want to check your LPG pressure to see if it is high enough.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace [message #239597 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 18:35 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Mine was easy to remove.... two lag screws into the floor, four wires, one gas pipe, and slip the ducts off. It slid out of the openings in the coach wall without problems.
When I take it apart, I'll be looking especially for holes in the burner chamber/heat exchanger. If it's pinholed or very rusty, I'll toss the furnace. If it isn't, I'll clean everything, clean and lube the fan motor, and test it in my shop with a propane bottle and 12 volt battery.
--johnny
________________________________
From: Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:12 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace
I recently had an AC tech out at the house to do a check on my two heat pumps. My wife has been nervous about the furnace in the GMC, so I had him check it with a Co meter while he was there. The reading on air coming out of the registers inside was zero, but when he checked the outside flue vents, it was off the scale due to "incomplete combustion, according to the tech. His suggestion was to remove the furnace, disassemble it, and give it a good cleaning.
I know most of you will probably advise me to replace the old furnace, but I would rather keep it in service as long as it is working and not a safety hazard.
How much of a hassle is it to remove? Any tips? What else should I be looking at/for while I have it out?
Thanks,
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #239603 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 18:57 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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can't remember your floor plan... on my palm beach, I was able to pull out the burner and clean it out from the couch. the case was cut open partially(not into the cumbustion chamber, but more the housing for clearance.).
I tried adjusting the burner, but it did not make much difference, and there was really only one spot it worked.
only my opinion, is I would almost wonder if you could ever get the outside to read normal. in 197x I am not sure how really concerned they were about complete burning. Just wanted it to produce heat, and keep the fumes on the outside of the coach.
I would say leave it if it produces heat, just make sure you have good CO alarms inside. a lithium battery one, that will last 5-10 years is like 30 bucks.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace [message #239616 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 20:02 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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You also might just want to adjust the air/ fuel ratio. I have a write up I could send you if you need it.
Emery Stors
> On Feb 11, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> I recently had an AC tech out at the house to do a check on my two heat pumps. My wife has been nervous about the furnace in the GMC, so I had him check it with a Co meter while he was there. The reading on air coming out of the registers inside was zero, but when he checked the outside flue vents, it was off the scale due to "incomplete combustion, according to the tech. His suggestion was to remove the furnace, disassemble it, and give it a good cleaning.
>
> I know most of you will probably advise me to replace the old furnace, but I would rather keep it in service as long as it is working and not a safety hazard.
>
> How much of a hassle is it to remove? Any tips? What else should I be looking at/for while I have it out?
>
> Thanks,
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #239619 is a reply to message #239562] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 20:50 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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A clean burn is important to reduce shooting. I would be watching for even burning BLUE flame and no black soot on the exhaust port. Any yellow flame or even minor black sooting is a danger sign.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace [message #239622 is a reply to message #239616] |
Tue, 11 February 2014 21:52 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Thanks, everyone. It may just be burning too rich and needs to be adjusted like Several have suggested. The AC/heating tech told me propane is 'dirty' and it builds up crap on the burners. There is no evidence of soot on the outside of the flue vents. The only indication I have of any kind of malfunction, besides the high Co reading at the flue, is a whistle when it is running.
Emery, I would appreciate it if you would send me the adjustment procedure. I think you have my email address, If not, I can send it to you. But, maybe as Bob and Jon suggest, it is already as good as it gets.
Jon, My coach is a standard GMC upfitted Palm Beach, pretty much like yours. If I decide to pull nit out and clean it, I'll see if I can get the burner out without pulling the whole unit. If I can't, I'm sure it will be a PITA like most other jobs on the coach have been, but doable like Gary said.
Johnny, Unlike your Norris, my furnace comes out from the inside. It is mounted under the Galley sink.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #239656 is a reply to message #239562] |
Wed, 12 February 2014 09:52 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Check the combustion air path for critter nests. That could cause this.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace [message #239659 is a reply to message #239622] |
Wed, 12 February 2014 08:53 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Mine came out from the inside too. Was under the couch abutting the galley cabinet on the driver's side. I had to take it out anyway, to fit the back half of the dinnette I got from Charley Harris... the furnace now goes under the dinette seat, right where it was.
--johnny
________________________________
From: Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:52 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] SolAir Furnace
Johnny, Unlike your Norris, my furnace comes out from the inside. It is mounted under the Galley sink.
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #240478 is a reply to message #239562] |
Wed, 19 February 2014 10:35 |
Chris Tyler
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
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As long as it's working well, no CO inside and not sooting up outside, I might let it ride.
previous poster mentioned criters on the intake. Mud wasps love this area, their nests, spider webs or any restriction will throw off the air fuel ratio.
I disagree with the tech about propane being "Dirty". If you have ever seen the inside of a generator that runs propane you will know that isnt true.
What is true is that propane has a much more narrow range of combusion too lean to too rich. Older suburbans and hydroflames had a window to see the burner. It should be a nice blue even but I dont think the SolAir does.
Checking pressure is a good idea. Get a monometer-also good for doing leak check in the system. they are inexpensive. If memory serves they are rated at 11" of water column.
Behind the intake obstruction, rust on the burner or obstructed orifice would be the next things to check. Unfortunately that means pulling the unit.
If the case is rusted, they usually run len and go out. If it is rusted through its probably junk unles its localized and you can weld a patch back to solid steel.
76 Glenbrook
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #240481 is a reply to message #240478] |
Wed, 19 February 2014 11:10 |
captjack
Messages: 271
Registered: February 2010
Location: Sebastopol, California
Karma: 1
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My SolAir did have holes in the chamber. Replacing it was a pain. Fabricating new mounting brackets, vent holes, etc. But what I really noticed with the replacement heater was that the blower was MUCH quieter.
Jack Christensen - K6ROW,
'76 Glenbrook/Clasco - "The Silver Bullet",
Sebastopol, CA
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #240482 is a reply to message #240481] |
Wed, 19 February 2014 11:20 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. My inclination is to leave it be for now and check some of the basic maintenance issues. I'm sure eventual replacement will be in order, but I'm not looking forward to it.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #240531 is a reply to message #240490] |
Wed, 19 February 2014 21:11 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 19 February 2014 12:37 |
| Carl S. wrote on Wed, 19 February 2014 11:20 |
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. My inclination is to leave it be for now and check some of the basic maintenance issues. I'm sure eventual replacement will be in order, but I'm not looking forward to it.
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A good time to have replaced it was when you were doing the kitchen. I have pictures on the site of my rip out and install of the new unit. Just tore out entire kitchen and rebuilt it all. Left for Az. With our kitchen in our front yard, but we had a brand new furnace.
You need to worry more about a/c where you live any way.
Dan
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You're right Dan, we hardly ever use the furnace, preferring to use a small electric heater when plugged in and body heat when we are not.  I just like to have things working properly, plus I wanted to be sure the furnace is safe for those cold mornings when we might use it to take the chill off.
When I did the kitchen, I only replaced the counter top, sink, and stove top. If I had completely replaced the cabinet, you're right (again) that would have been the time to replace the furnace.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: SolAir Furnace [message #240585 is a reply to message #240490] |
Thu, 20 February 2014 11:45 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 19 February 2014 12:37 |
| Carl S. wrote on Wed, 19 February 2014 11:20 |
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. My inclination is to leave it be for now and check some of the basic maintenance issues. I'm sure eventual replacement will be in order, but I'm not looking forward to it.
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A good time to have replaced it was when you were doing the kitchen. I have pictures on the site of my rip out and install of the new unit. Just tore out entire kitchen and rebuilt it all. Left for Az. With our kitchen in our front yard, but we had a brand new furnace.
You need to worry more about a/c where you live any way.
Dan
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BTW Dan--many of us know who actually did the replacing 
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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