Propex heating

[gagvanman]

I inherited a Propex 1600 Compact with my 71 EB and was assured bythe PO that it worked. However after finally getting around to fitting it, I find that it does not work. I have purchased a new thermostatic controler and this is what happens:

Switch to the right - blower works
Switch to the left, wait 10 secs, then a click from the main unit (ignitor I presume) then a series of smaller clicks, but after that nothing no heat.

I sent an email to Propex over 2 weeks ago, but like most vendors they obviously can't be bothered and have not replied.

Anyone had similar problems, appreciate suggestions.

 

[Oslo_mark69]

Sounds like Its not igniting
I'd the gas on?

 

[sparkywig]

Is the gas connected and switched on?

 

[Birdy late bay]

I'm not sure on this unit but on mine (2100 I think) there is a series of flashes that happen on the thermostat. When you try to switch it on and it doesn't ignite, do the lights flash in a sequence??


Sent from my iLife4 suite of applications.

 

[gagvanman]

Thanks all.

Gas is on, loosened the connection at the Propex end and can hear the gas escaping, and my 2 burner hob works.
No flashing lights on the controller, and the battery is fully charged.

 

[sparkywig]

Does the yellow light come on when the switch is clicked to the left?
Have you connected the thermostat correctly?

 

[matt-me]

Try blowing up the 'air inlet' side of the unit, the crinkly metal tube to the outside, with an air line. There is a sensor in the unit that can get dusted up and often needs blowing out. Without it clear the unit won't fire up and follows the pattern you are mentioning. This is for a 2000 unit and the advice is from Propex. If the lights flash on the controller, this fault causes them to flash four times from memory. Mine does it regularly as i don't use it that much. I sometimes can clear it with an air bed pump/inflator but an air line is best. It may be different for a 1600 but try it anyway.

the 1600 unit http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/pdf/Propex_Compact_1600_Instructions%232.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

the 2000 unit which has fault finding http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/pdf/HS2000_issue_2.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but i had to ring them for advice and they were very forthcoming.

 

[Haveacamper]

gagvanman,

I had some teething issues with my propex after i removed from my first van and had it lying around for about 5yrs.

when i installed it i was getting 5 flashes of the red light on the thermostat after turning on and hearing the series of clicking etc that you mentioned. i blew up the inlet pipe and tried again, and now only had 3 lights (which pointed towards there not being any gas! i cut to the chase and just phoned up heatsource - the provider of propex systems - and spoke to a very helpful guy who informed me that it could be the regulator.

i changed the regulator and it worked fine.

if the regulator cannot allow enough gas out - then the safety device would stop it from firing. my cooker would still light up with the old regulator.

I'd say just give the guys a ring and speak to someone. they were very helpful for me

 

[gagvanman]

Thanks all for your tips and help.

It seems I was a bit previous in my condemnation of Propex for their lack of response, they were away at a trade show.

I had a very nice email from them detailing what could be the problem and their service costs:

"The burner parts are not too expensive for this model. The Burner assy is £15.77, it may require a spark assy at £9.33 and we would fit a new flame sensing electrode at £3.46.
There were various modifications and upgrades to the heater during its production cycle so, depending on the age of the unit, it may require some other small modifications. There would be a 1 hour labour charge at £45.00. All prices exclude VAT."

I may try some of the suggestions posted here, or might just get the thing fully serviced and have some peace of mind.

 

[jonboylaw]

Unless you are a qualified gas engineer does it make sense to dabble with what you know to be a malfunctioning GAS heater, that could potentially kill you and your loved ones?
Get it serviced and updated and sleep easy (and warm..) Don't be a cheapskate! :shock:

 

[gagvanman]

Erring on the side of safety, going to remove the unit this weekend and send it off to Propex for a service...