Atwood exaust smell resolved

[Jamesiam]

Well I finally had the courage to pull Atwood 8516-III heater out, all within 60 minutes. I was mostly chasing a smell but also replacing a few parts, limit switch and electrode which was purchased in fall but never put in. All in all removal and strip down of heater was not that bad. I always run into troubles when trying to fix things myself but things seem to be going smoothly. Of course I have to reassemble, replace in camper and fire up but I feel confident. The smell turned out to be a toasty wasp nest! I have added a leftover piece of aluminum screen (had to replace fire escape screen)in exhaust to prevent future invaders. Thanks ski3pin who's photos really helped. I would have never suspected that the sheet metal box was actually removed as one whole unit with heater.
Question if I may. I went to local RV center and they say fan motor appears fine. Would you guys put another one in anyway? I replaced sail switch, limit switch, and electrode already. Heater was already working after I originally replaced sail switch.

 

[ski3pin]

James. glad the photos helped and you were able to get at this project. Plus, I bet you feel great actually tracking down the source of your problem! I don't recall the age of your furnace, but I'd base the choice of replacing the fan motor on age and after tearing into it, if you want to take it all apart again to replace the motor.

 

[Jamesiam]

James. glad the photos helped and you were able to get at this project. Plus, I bet you feel great actually tracking down the source of your problem! I don't recall the age of your furnace, but I'd base the choice of replacing the fan motor on age and after tearing into it, if you want to take it all apart again to replace the motor.


It's a 1996 Atwood, Im leaning torwards replacing it. I'm in this far and it seems like there is not much to replace after that! It should purr like a kitten.