Heater Problem - Max-E-Therm 400

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mj58595

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Jun 3, 2013
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I've been searching but havent really found anything that addresses my issue specifically. I have a Sta Rite Max-E-Therm 400. The issue...when the heater cycles on there is a loud bang (think explosion loud). The heater then operates as it should and heats the pool/spa. This had happened on occasion in the past (maybe 2 or 3 times) and return to normal thereafter. This last time, however, it happened every single time - so i just turned it off.

This could be related, or not, but I have also had some issue in the past with the heater not cycling on the first time. Occasionally - especially after not being in use for a while - i would have to turn the heater off and then back on after it wouldnt start heating the water after the first three cycles. Then it would fire up like norma. Again, not sure it that is related, just thought i'd point it out in case. No leaks that i am aware of and i dont smell gas.
 
This heater propane or NG?

How old is the heater?

You open up the heater and look for signs of rodents nesting in it?

@swamprat69
 
ajw22 said:
This heater propane or NG?

How old is the heater?

You open up the heater and look for signs of rodents nesting in it?

@swamprat69
Click to expand...
Natural Gas. Heater is about 7 years old. A couple months ago I cleaned out a nest from rodents, but i dont think there is anything in there at the moment. Was working fine until this last time i fired it up - even after cleaning out the rodent mess.
 
Your heater is the same as a Pentair MasterTemp in a different form factor.

Have you checked the condition of the igniter?

Check the resistance of it which should be 50 ohms.

If the heater is having an ignition problem it will retry three times.

Pentair MasterTemp Heaters - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
ajw22 said:
Your heater is the same as a Pentair MasterTemp in a different form factor.

Have you checked the condition of the igniter?

Check the resistance of it which should be 50 ohms.

If the heater is having an ignition problem it will retry three times.

Pentair MasterTemp Heaters - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
That is correct. I will check the resistance of the igniter. Sometimes it does go through the three times, but once that is done and I try again it usually fires up on the first try. Could that be related to the loud bang that is occurring now?
 
If the heater does not light after the first or second time you can get an accumulation of gas that all ignites and gives you the boom when it does.

Have you had any work done on your house gas line?

I would check and replace the igniter.

If you still have problems check the gas pressures using a manometer.

And then disassemble the heater and check for obstructions in the orifices of the burners.
 
ajw22 said:
If the heater does not light after the first or second time you can get an accumulation of gas that all ignites and gives you the boom when it does.

Have you had any work done on your house gas line?

I would check and replace the igniter.

If you still have problems check the gas pressures using a manometer.

And then disassemble the heater and check for obstructions in the orifices of the burners.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Will take a look!
 
ajw22 said:
If the heater does not light after the first or second time you can get an accumulation of gas that all ignites and gives you the boom when it does.

Have you had any work done on your house gas line?

I would check and replace the igniter.

If you still have problems check the gas pressures using a manometer.

And then disassemble the heater and check for obstructions in the orifices of the burners.
Click to expand...
I couldnt pull the igniter because of some corrosion (one of the nuts is spinning). I think i will be able to get it off but don't have time today. That said, I tested the resistance and it was 170. Does that sound right?
 

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mj58595 said:
I couldnt pull the igniter because of some corrosion (one of the nuts is spinning). I think i will be able to get it off but don't have time today. That said, I tested the resistance and it was 170. Does that sound right?
Click to expand...

Resistance should be around 50 ohms.

Replace the igniter and clean up the corrosion.

The corrosion will affect the flame sensing.

Heater Flame Sensing - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
The igniter takes 120 volts AC.

You can remove the ignitor and put 120 volts to it to see if the ignitor gets hot and you can check how many amps it pulls.

When you remove the igniter, look into the hole to see if you can see any water in the combustion chamber.

A good ignitor will get red hot and pull about 3 to 5 amps.

Note: Do not do anything unless you are 100% sure that you know exactly what you are doing and that you can do it safely and correctly.

1670950764168.png
 
JamesW said:
The igniter takes 120 volts AC.

You can remove the ignitor and put 120 volts to it to see if the ignitor gets hot and you can check how many amps it pulls.

When you remove the igniter, look into the hole to see if you can see any water in the combustion chamber.

A good ignitor will get red hot and pull about 3 to 5 amps.

Note: Do not do anything unless you are 100% sure that you know exactly what you are doing and that you can do it safely and correctly.

View attachment 465158
Click to expand...
Got it. Thanks!
 
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