Laars EPC-II Pilot Ignition Problem

[damormino]

My 20+ year-old Laars EPC-II natural gas heater does not start up correctly. It tries to ignite for about 20 seconds, then shoots a ball of fire out the front (if the cover is removed), and ignites. It runs normally once ignited.

I have uploaded a video here: http://youtu.be/oCW3pGmQb8E

What happens typically (and in the video) is that the heater tries to ignite twice and fails. Then on the third try, the ignition spark ignites the gas that has accumulated (I think). Then the heater runs normally. If you turn the volume way up on the video you will hear the ignitor.

Start-up is not always consistent. Sometimes the heater lights on the first or second try; sometimes it tries several times and seems to give up.

How do I fix this?

 

[danpik]

Sounds like you need to clean your burners.

 

[damormino]

Thank you. Then my plan is to pull out the burner assembly and clean the burners with a wire brush. I have also ordered a new Pilot Burner Assembly (R0061600) to replace the existing one while I have have the burners pulled out.

 

[stebs]

Orange flame on burners isn't right either... Should be blue... Have you checked to make sure the flue and exhaust are clean?

 

[ps0303]

Is this a propane unit? Inside a pump house or some sort of enclosure? Definitely clean the burners and check to make sure the unit is not sooted up.

 

[OldPoolMan]

Make sure that you check the burners at the openings, check the orifices, especially the pilot igniter orifice, and above all, check the pilot assembly for spider webs, small debris,etc.

 

[damormino]

ps0303: It is a gas unit inside a pump house.

stebs: I have not check the exhaust. I will try to figure out a way to do that.

OldPoolMan: I made a checklist of you points.

Thank you all.

 

[ps0303]

ps0303: It is a gas unit inside a pump house.

Natural or propane?

 

[damormino]

Natural or propane?

Sorry. It is a natural gas unit inside a pump house.