Troubleshooting the
RV DSI Furnace The following descriptions are based on the Hydro Flame 8500 series furnaces, but the
operating principles are similar for other manufacturers.
The furnace is designed to operate at voltages between 10.5 to 13.5 VDC. Low voltage will not run the blower
motor at the proper speed to commence the ignition sequence.
Return air is the air that flows in to replace the heated air that the blower pushes out through the ducting.
This air is pulled in by the furnace through louvered openings in the side of the furnace cabinet, and any items
stored near these openings could interfere with this air flow. More information on this here.
The exhaust venting must be clear of all obstructions for proper furnace operation. Inspect the vents for insect
or bird nests or other debris.
Please see the manometer page for more information and a simple manometer you can
build yourself!
This relay performs two separate jobs - one to handle the relatively high current needed to run the blower motor
- and two, to allow the blower to run for 45 to 90 seconds after the thermostat is satisfied. This allows excess
heat in the chamber to dissipate before the blower stops.
The relay is normally open and should always have power from the circuit breaker. Only when power from the
thermostat is present does the relay close after a 20 second delay. Power then flows to the blower motor.
Next in the ignition sequence is the blower motor. It drives two squirrel cage fans to provide separate air flow
for the combustion process and for distributing the heated air to the coach. A heat exchanger is used to separate
the heat from the burning gas while preventing exhaust gases from entering the living space.
Specific motors are used in each model and BTU size of furnace and the correct replacement motor must be
used.
The sail switch is an on/off device. (normally in the off position) It gets it's name from the "sail" or paddle
that is attached to the switch mechanism. As the blower comes up to speed, it blows air onto the sail with enough
force to push the switch closed, thus allowing electrical current to flow to the next component in line.
It's job is to determine if there is adequate air flow for proper combustion to take place. If the battery
voltage is low or the fan does not come up to 75 per cent of it's design speed, the sail switch will not close.
Possible causes of this malfunction are: low battery, restricted return air inflow, restricted or inadequate
outlet vents, restricted combustion air inlet or exhaust, faulty sail switch.
The limit switch is a simple temperature controlled switch. It's function is to monitor the combustion chamber
heat level. If the temperature of the combustion chamber exceeds the preset limit, the switch will open and disrupt
the flow of current to the circuit board, in effect, shutting down the main burner. Once the chamber temperature
cools sufficiently, the limit switch resets. This initializes the ignition sequence and starts another cycle. This
condition is referred to as "limiting".
The circuit board will not receive power until the sail switch is closed by adequate air flow from the blower.
The power must also flow through the limit switch.
When the circuit board is triggered by this current, it delays ignition for about 15 seconds to allow the blower
to purge the combustion chamber of any unburned gases.
The circuit board then sends high voltage pulses to the electrode assembly, providing a series of sparks to
ignite the gas/air mixture.
At the same time, the circuit board sends power to open the gas valves allowing the fuel to flow to the
burner.
The circuit board monitors the burn cycle through a sensor that detects the presence of the flame. If the sensor
does not detect a satisfactory flame within about 10 seconds, the board then shuts off the gas valves and
discontinues the ignition spark. All electrical connections should be clean and tight. I have often solved a
misfire problem by simply cleaning and inspecting every electrical connection, especially the sensor/electrode
wire. The sensor sends a microamp reading to the circuit board when the flame is burning. Any impedance to this
tiny amperage flow will cause the board to shut things down.
Depending on the board design, it will try for ignition up to three times. Beyond that point, it goes into
lockout mode, will not retry for ignition until reset and the blower will continue to run.
This unit is removed as an assembly consisting of the burner head, the gas valve and the electrode
Note that different furnace models use a different burner head. The correct replacement part must be used.
The electrode is the device that allows high current from the circuit board to jump the gap between the
electrode probes causing an ignition spark.
The electrode gap should be 1/8th inch as shown.
The electrode also serves as a sensing device to tell the circuit board that the flame is present.
The thermostat is an on/off switch controlled by a bi-metal coil that senses the changes in temperature and
opens or closes an electrical contact. This signal is sent to the furnace to start or stop the heating cycle.
Digital thermostat upgrade
Gas Valve - a White Rogers dual solenoid gas valve is used on these furnaces. The solenoid coils can be replaced
individually if they become defective. Each coil should measure about 30 to 50 ohms.
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