propex cutting out

[paperhouselad]

Hi our propex compact 1600 starts up fine and runs hot for a few mins, then stops and dosnt start again on its own but if i twirl the thermostat knob of it goes again. Batterys new and well charged / plenty of gas in, looked on the wiki but no reference there cheers.

[CovKid]

Give Propex a ring - they're fairly helpful over the phone. I think we mentioned in WIK about testing them though - ie bypassing thermostat.

[Oldiebut goodie]

It goes when you turn it off? Or when turned back on again? Then stays on or goes off again? If the latter it may be a faulty overheat sensor (thermistor) - I don't know them at all, just conjecture.

[paperhouselad]

Many thanks for the replies, i switch it on with the on off rocker switch and it always fires up, providing the thermostat is set ok, it will run for a few mins then stop with all lights on but wont start again on its own, only if twiddle about with the thermostat control it will go again for a while, before stopping as when first fired up, thanks in anticipation.

[Mocki]

ring propex, they are very helpful

[CovKid]

I think Oldie has it actually. Seems to ring true. Have you ever had case off Propex? I believe you can buy individual parts via Propex. It could simply be that fan needs a slight oil. Any reduction in speed will trigger a cut out but the whole unit is designed to shut down if anything isn't quite right. Propex recommend using a vacuum cleaner on outlet periodically to pull out any dust and at same time it gives the fan a good whirl. Spiders love them.

[paperhouselad]

Cheers for that sounds like you could be onto something there, never had the case off but will now, wouldnt hurt to check the actual " workings" and lubricate where necessary, report back when ive had a look.

[captain Byrne]

I serviced mine a while ago, this is what you'll find inside. Once you remove all the screws holding the case together it will still be very tight. The sealant acts like a glue so be careful and don't bend the case when pulling it apart. Inside you can pretty much get to all the major parts. I removed and cleaned the combustion chamber, the spark electrode and injector. Clean & hoover the inside carefully and apply a small amount of oil where necessary to the fan. When re-fitting the outer case it's crucial the seal is air-tight otherwise the burner will not fire.

[CovKid]

If that doesn't solve things, its likely one of the sensors is faulty or correctly diagnosing a fault, and shutting down. Without all the gear that Propex has, they're not DIY units really - no more than a domestic boiler is. Too little gas pressure, low voltage, overheating - it all forms part of its willingness to play ball. The fan & motor in particular are specific to Propex and on older units they tend to replace those by default to ensure you get trouble-free operation. Later models have better sensing for the fan. When you get to a stage when you have to repeatedly regrease fan bearings, its time to replace it.

[paperhouselad]

Thanks captain byrne and covkid again.

[CovKid]

The only thing I would add (and I'm known for my frugality when it comes to repairs) is that despite the cost of a diagnosis/service by Propex, what you get back is an almost brand new one and their tech guy is top notch in this respect. Their reputation is so well established now. Mine will need an overhaul next year. I'll be sending it to them once I've saved up. They're just so good and supportive even with the older models. Mines a 1600 compact and I love it.

I think we've added as much useful info as we can in the WIKI without promoting bad practices. Safety very important. That said theres sufficient help there to solve the more obvious faults including testing an unknown to see if it actually works.

[captain Byrne]

I would second the above comment regarding safe practices. As an apprentice trained gas service engineer, (although now in a completely different career) I'm pretty confident when stripping down a propex heater. However, without good knowledge or experience I wouldn't recommend a novice messing around with any gas appliances.

[kevtherev]

What gas are you using?

[paperhouselad]

Propane kev, was up the winking man at the party the other night, bloody cold, it would only run for 5 mins or so before stopping but today it ran ok for 15 mins before i switched it off?

[CovKid]

Stick a multimeter across your battery and see what the voltage is with Propex running. If it drops too low - that'll kill it. Will it operate normally with engine running - ie when battery being charged.