Help -- Sta Rite Heater on the fritz

[Therealsps]

I have a 330K BTU LP Sta Rite pool heater. It is approximately 10 years old. It has not been working properly and I was looking for some ideas before I buy a new one.

The following is a description of how it is behaving:
Turn on breaker...display reads R-5 (I think a good thing)
Yellow "HEATING" LED flashes
Heater fires, but not very loudly - approximately half as loud as when it operated properly
Heats for a few minutes and "Heating" LED flashes
The heater stops firing and reignites with a loud swoosh sound
I get a faint smell from the exhaust of unburned propane (not sure what the odor is)
This cycle repeats constantly.

Amy ideas to troubleshoot?

Thanks

 

[ps0303]

Either the blower motor is going or the can is filled with water. Remove the bottom bolt on the header and see if water comes out. If so, you have a leak in the heat exchanger and best to replace the unit.

 

[Therealsps]

Thanks. Which is the bottom bolt on the header? I ran it for about one hour today and it kept doing the same thing. Cycling on and off and firing very weakly.

 

[ps0303]

Do this first actually. Remove the thermal regulator and see if it's all gunked up. Also you can check and see if the bypass is in good shape by feeling for it just above the regulator.

Go to this link and get the manual to help you locate the parts.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDsQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pentairpool.com%2Fpdfs%2FMaxEThermEngOM.pdf&ei=FkJ3VZ78AYG3sAXGhYL4Cg&usg=AFQjCNGTbAK4XgLEKLZgSJPwurWAwbPtng&sig2=XBpQ9xZPp-lGS7cRG--IBg&bvm=bv.95039771,d.b2w

 

[Pool Clown]

Remove the bolt first (its easier).

 

[Therealsps]

Thanks, guys.

PS0303: I will check the thermal regulator tomorrow. Is the bottom bolt on the header the bottom bolt on the manifold? I cannot find anything labeled "header" on the diagram.

I appreciate the help. I have the propane company coming to check the regulator and gas pressure on Monday.