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Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 20:22

Broham

Messages: 204
Registered: March 2013
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Hello all,

I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.

My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?

Thanks everyone,

Todd

Todd Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’ other toys: 93 Vette 84 Goldwing and gone but not forgotten 72 CB750 Chopper 96 Caprice Classic 34 Ford roadster 94 Fleetwood

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294572 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 20:48

Dale & Jane

Messages: 19
Registered: February 2015

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Happened to us!
Needed a new furnace!!!!!!
Good luck and believe your detector
Good luck!

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 27, 2016, at 8:22 PM, Todd Perkins wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my
> CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.
>
> My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged
> air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?
>
> Thanks everyone,
>
> Todd
>
> --
> Todd
>
> Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’
> other toys:
> 93 Vette
> 84 Goldwing
>
> and gone but not forgotten
> 72 CB750 Chopper
> 96 Caprice Classic
> 34 Ford roadster
> 94 Fleetwood
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294574 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 20:56

George Beckman

Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA

Karma: 11

Senior Member

Broham wrote on Wed, 27 January 2016 18:22

Hello all,

I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.

My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?

Thanks everyone,

Todd

Todd,

One thought. The exhaust pipes through the wall and to the outside. My '74 has a doughnut seal and I wonder if it could be letting the exhaust partially leak back in the coach?

I pulled the innards out of my heater and found the heat exchanger still had black paint on much of it. Maybe it wasn't used much. But with all that, we don't use it while we are sleeping.

'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294575 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 21:25

Dolph Santorine

Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV

Karma: -41

Senior Member

You likely don't have a 40 year old furnace at home. Don't trust one in your coach.

They are dangerous!

Dolph Santorine

DE N8JPC

Wheeling, West Virginia

1977 ex-Palm Beach TZE167V100820
1-ton, Sullybuilt Bags, Reaction Arms, 3.70 LSD, Manny Transmission, EV-6010,

> On Jan 27, 2016, at 9:22 PM, Todd Perkins wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my
> CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.
>
> My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged
> air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?
>
> Thanks everyone,
>
> Todd
>
> --
> Todd
>
> Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’
> other toys:
> 93 Vette
> 84 Goldwing
>
> and gone but not forgotten
> 72 CB750 Chopper
> 96 Caprice Classic
> 34 Ford roadster
> 94 Fleetwood
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294576 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 21:31

pyolet

Messages: 78
Registered: August 2006
Location: Helena, MT

Karma: 0

Member

CO detectors have a limited life. Read the back of the detector and it should tell you what kind of beep it gives once it senses it's sensor is toast. Before you buy another furnace, buy another detector. If it goes off, you need a new furnace. That's my advice anyhow. Woody.

1975 Avion 26' Transmode TZE365V100846 Helena, Montana EBL TBI, AL in man, in-tank pumps, AL rad, rear discs, Alcoas, Dakota Digital dash, all LED int and ext roof markers, Generac, Hubler torsion bars, Quadrabags, Manny tranny, 3.70, Zip Dee.

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294577 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 21:36

Larry

Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI

Karma: 10

Senior Member

Take a look into the exhaust outlet. I found a hornet nest built in mine. Might have created the same issue that you have accept I found it before I used the furnace that fall. A lot can happen with bees during a summer of no use. Also get be nests built during summer months in the roof AC. JFWIW

Larry

Smile

78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294578 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 21:58

Marsh Wilkes

Messages: 155
Registered: January 2004

Karma: -3

Senior Member

Hi Todd,

Follow the advice in all the other reply's.
Keep in mind however that the basic design of these
furnaces is flawed in my opinion. The combustion
chamber by design operates under a positive pressure, therefore
even the smallest breach will leak combustion gases
into the cabin. I had exactly the same thing happen
in my coach, turned out to be a pinhole in the combustion
chamber.

Marsh (who never post any more) Wilkes
Perry Florida

-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Perkins
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 9:22 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector

Hello all,

I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original
furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes
my
CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10
years old.

My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked?
Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged
air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?

Thanks everyone,

Todd

--
Todd

Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’
other toys:
93 Vette
84 Goldwing

and gone but not forgotten
72 CB750 Chopper
96 Caprice Classic
34 Ford roadster
94 Fleetwood

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294581 is a reply to message #294571]

Wed, 27 January 2016 23:06

JohnS

Messages: 126
Registered: December 2014
Location: Vacaville, CA

Karma: -2

Senior Member

If this is the original Sol-Aire furnace, the best thing is to get rid of it and get a Suburban. The Sol-aire furnaces were a problem almost from new... they frequently recirculate combustion air and when they do, they scream like a banshee. Very sensitive to low voltage and low gas pressure also. The heat exchanger is likely bad now and are made of unobtanium. Mine only lasted about ten years.

John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv@aol.com; 78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294603 is a reply to message #294581]

Thu, 28 January 2016 08:29

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Todd,

Mine was doing exactly the same thing. At that time, the generator was powering the coach while I worked on it. I assumed (you know what they say about that) the heat exchanger was the failure.
I got a replacement before I took the time to investigate it because of the timing. Bad move on my part. The unit can come out of case easily. I should have taken the time before I spent the money.
After I got the new heater in, I inspected the unit carefully (a Suburban) and found that the rubber coupling between the combustion air fan and the heat exchanger was broken. That's not all bad, the new unit is pilotless.
I have some boat work to do this weekend (while it is warm) but I could be there to help if you get back to me.

Matt

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294611 is a reply to message #294571]

Thu, 28 January 2016 10:27

thesmith

Messages: 589
Registered: February 2015
Location: Cary, NC

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Note its CO, carbon monoxide, detector, not a C02, Carbon dioxide, detector. The first is poisonous, hence the detector (which as someone noted have a finite operating life) the second is not (still can be dangerous down manholes etc as its heavier than air and it displaces the oxygen and you suffocate.....)

I'd replace detector, heck get two and take second back later, see if fault persists, if it does fix/replace the furnace.
CO kills in even pretty low concentrations.....

Pete

Broham wrote on Wed, 27 January 2016 21:22

Hello all,

I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.

My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?

Thanks everyone,

Todd

Cary, NC 1978 Center Kitchen Royale.

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294613 is a reply to message #294611]

Thu, 28 January 2016 10:34

James Hupy

Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010

Karma: -62

Senior Member

Todd, if you have an original SolAire furnace and it is tripping your CO
detector, exit the coach NOW. Ventilate thouroughly. Then yank that
miserable piece of crap out of there before it kills you or someone you
love. Replace it with a Suburban NT series. Replace the CO detector too.
Don't cheep out on this, lives are at stake.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403

On Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 8:27 AM, Pete Smith wrote:

> Note its CO, carbon monoxide, detector, not a C02, Carbon dioxide,
> detector. The first is poisonous, hence the detector (which as someone
> noted have
> a finite operating life) the second is not (still can be dangerous down
> manholes etc as its heavier than air and it displaces the oxygen and you
> suffocate.....)
>
> I'd replace detector, heck get two and take second back later, see if
> fault persists, if it does fix/replace the furnace.
> CO kills in even pretty low concentrations.....
>
>
> Pete
>
>
>
> Broham wrote on Wed, 27 January 2016 21:22
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original
> furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes
>> my CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that
> is 10 years old.
>>
>> My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is
> rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else
> like a
>> clogged air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?
>>
>> Thanks everyone,
>>
>> Todd
>
>
> --
> Cary, NC
>
> No Coach yet but decided it will be wet bath with Sully or 4 bag system.
> perhaps a 1978 Kingsley....
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294621 is a reply to message #294571]

Thu, 28 January 2016 11:56

Emery Stora

Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011

Karma: 4

Senior Member

First of all it is a CO detector, not a CO2 detector.

You can’t just assume that you have a bad heat exchanger
Many posts will tell you that if its a Solaire you should immediately pull it out and replace it.
However, I have a working Solaire and I have checked it with a commercial CO detector used by furnace men and it checks out all right.
Now, it may be because we use it a lot and have lived in snow areas where we used the furnace a lot during the winter.
Heating it up dries out any condensation. Those who have failed heat exchangers may have used them very little and rust formed with humidity rusted them out.

I would get another CO detector and use it to check before you replace the furnace. If you check the Internet you will see that most companies recommend replacing them every 5 years.
It is also recommended that you use one made specifically made for RV use. Some of the house ones will not stand up to the vibrations encountered with a moving RV.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

> On Jan 27, 2016, at 7:22 PM, Todd Perkins wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my
> CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.
>
> My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged
> air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?
>
> Thanks everyone,
>
> Todd
>
> --
> Todd
>
> Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’
> other toys:
> 93 Vette
> 84 Goldwing
>
> and gone but not forgotten
> 72 CB750 Chopper
> 96 Caprice Classic
> 34 Ford roadster
> 94 Fleetwood
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294645 is a reply to message #294613]

Thu, 28 January 2016 17:11

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

G'day,

Here's what's in Double Trouble and I'm happy with it.

Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/jqdv8pr

Full URL:

http://www.adventurerv.net/atwood-excalibur-furnace-8535iv-34000-btu-amp-p-3839.html?utm_source=Adventure+RV&utm_campaign=9ed4e9a327
-Special_3541_28_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fa7883bd56-9ed4e9a327-94532905

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294648 is a reply to message #294571]

Thu, 28 January 2016 19:11

Steve

Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa

Karma: 1

Senior Member

MMy 2 year old CO detector does not alert in a closed garage with the car running. Supposed to be a quality unit. Please get one rated for RV.

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: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294654 is a reply to message #294571]

Thu, 28 January 2016 19:44

Broham

Messages: 204
Registered: March 2013
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Karma: 0

Senior Member

thank you all for your quick responses! time for me to hit www.gmcmhphotos.com for some ideas. Smile

Smile

Todd Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’ other toys: 93 Vette 84 Goldwing and gone but not forgotten 72 CB750 Chopper 96 Caprice Classic 34 Ford roadster 94 Fleetwood

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294655 is a reply to message #294571]

Thu, 28 January 2016 19:45

Broham

Messages: 204
Registered: March 2013
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Karma: 0

Senior Member

thank you all for your quick responses! time for me to hit www.gmcmhphotos.com for some ideas. Smile

Smile

Todd Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’ other toys: 93 Vette 84 Goldwing and gone but not forgotten 72 CB750 Chopper 96 Caprice Classic 34 Ford roadster 94 Fleetwood

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294673 is a reply to message #294571]

Fri, 29 January 2016 10:36

John Heslinga

Messages: 632
Registered: February 2011
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Karma: 4

Senior Member

Todd
Once you've done the diagnostics and identified the exact cause of the co monitor screaming. The solution will be clear. If it turns out it is the furnace (mine was) here is a photo layout to replacing a suburban with a new Suburban. Good luck.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6020-suburban-furnace-replace.html

John and Cathie Heslinga 1974 Canyonlands 260 455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS, Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd. Edmonton, Alberta

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Re: Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294730 is a reply to message #294611]

Sat, 30 January 2016 14:21

thesmith

Messages: 589
Registered: February 2015
Location: Cary, NC

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Just finished reading the "the Martian"......good movie, better book.....
Anyway I was wrong about CO2 not being toxic.......
It is.....levels of about 1% will make you sick, 10% will kill you.

However that's far far higher concentration than the 35 parts per million of Carbon monoxide that are dangerous.......hence we have detectors for CO and not CO2.

thesmith wrote on Thu, 28 January 2016 11:27

Note its CO, carbon monoxide, detector, not a C02, Carbon dioxide, detector. The first is poisonous, hence the detector (which as someone noted have a finite operating life) the second is not (still can be dangerous down manholes etc as its heavier than air and it displaces the oxygen and you suffocate.....)

I'd replace detector, heck get two and take second back later, see if fault persists, if it does fix/replace the furnace.
CO kills in even pretty low concentrations.....

Pete

Broham wrote on Wed, 27 January 2016 21:22
Hello all,

I have an early 1976 Eleganza II with, what I believe, is an original furnace with electronic ignition. It works fine however after 15-30 minutes my CO2 detector goes off. It is wall mounted one from Home Depot that is 10 years old.

My question is, should I just assume the heat exchanger is rusted/cracked? Can it be repaired/replaced? Or could it be something else like a clogged air exhaust or bad CO2 detector?

Thanks everyone,

Todd

Cary, NC 1978 Center Kitchen Royale.

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #294733 is a reply to message #294730]

Sat, 30 January 2016 15:03

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Pete,

Watch this real story about Apollo 13 and you'll learn all about CO2 buildup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3RSqdj_VnY#t=160.72282

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Pete Smith

Just finished reading the "the Martian"......good movie, better book.....
Anyway I was wrong about CO2 not being toxic.......
It is.....levels of about 1% will make you sick, 10% will kill you.

However that's far far higher concentration than the 35 parts per million of Carbon monoxide that are dangerous.......hence we have
detectors for CO and not CO2.

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: [GMCnet] Furnace sets off CO2 Detector [message #295466 is a reply to message #294578]

Sat, 13 February 2016 00:34

Richard RV

Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...

Karma: -17

Senior Member

Marsh Wilkes wrote on Wed, 27 January 2016 22:58

Marsh (who never post any more) Wilkes
Perry Florida

-----Original Message-----

Hello Marsh! Although I haven't spoken with you since the cops ran me and my Birchaven out of Perry, I've got fond memories...of not spending the night in jail in Perry! Wink

Wink

Hope all is well with you and yours.

Richard

'77 Birchaven TZE...777; '76 Palm Beach under construction; ‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn

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