LXi 300 orifice/manifold disassembly/cleaning process

[mfarnam]

I have an LXi 300 that is giving me the "ignition fault" error message. I am guessing it is due to spider webs in the orifices (both the igniter and flame sensor look to be in good repair).
Does anyone have a process doc to accomplish this? It appears to be pretty straightforward via disassembly of the gas input line, regulator, manifold cover, manifold, orifices; but I am wondering if there is a simpler, more direct path to clean them out?
thanks,
Mike

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Maybe @swamprat69 has some tips.

 

[swamprat69]

How old is the heater? Both the flame sensor and the burner below the flame sensor need to be clean bare metal for the flame to be proven and the unit ground must be good. All other burners should also be clean with the slots/holes unrestricted. You will need to take apart as you have noted to get at the burners. Since it is a sealed combustion chamber, make sure that all gasketing is in good shape when reassembling. This should be the manual for your heater https://www.royalswimmingpools.com/JandyLXiManual.pdf The general exploded view is shown on page 52 near the parts list. Is there an observation port on the front panel that you can observe the burner flame patterns through?

 

[mfarnam]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback.
The heater is 18 years old, so am considering just replacing the unit. The sensor is still pretty clean, but the igniter has a fair amount of carbon build up. I considered sanding it, but guess it's probably better to replace since it's not terribly expensive (assuming the rest of the unit is still good). Thanks also for the point on the gasketing; I think I can order a new igniter with new gasketing, so that's probably the way to go.
If I decide to go the replacement route, any recommendations on new units? This one is obviously 300k btu, but I don't really need one that big since we only use it to heat the spa. I'd really like to get one that is a little more maintenance friendly is such a unit exists.
thanks again,
Mike

 

[ajw22]

I'd really like to get one that is a little more maintenance friendly is such a unit exists.

I personally think the Pentair MasterTemp is more DIY maintenance friendly with information about it and parts readily available then the Jandy JXI or Hayward H-Series heaters.

Gas heaters are a commodity and all basically the same designs with minor variations in packaging and controls.