Cougar 32rli water heater

[Rob M]

Hi all. We have a 2019 Cougar 32rli. Our water heater works perfect on electric but on propane it'll only run when the outside cover is off. It can be burning.great but when reinstalling the outer cover you can hear the the flame rumble getting softer and softer until it goes out. It will restart but go out again fairly soon afterwards unless I take off the cover or at least hang it on the two lower "pins". The flame when running (with cover off) is a nice blue with a bit of orange flickering. Can see it when the cover is on. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[chuckster57]

Brand and model of water heater?

[Rob M]

Chuckster57. Suburban SW6DEL

[chuckster57]

That model doesn’t have an adjustable air mixture. You need to check the burner tube for any obstructions. If it’s clear then look at the orifice. It’s where the gas comes out, use compressed air only to blow it out backwards. If that doesn’t work then post back.

[Rob M]

Correct on the non adjustable air mixture. The orifice seems clear but I'll blow it out anyways. I'll purchase a small brush to push thru the tube. Will keep you posted. Thanks for the advice!

[Rob M]

A BBQ burner brush run through my water heater tube corrected the problem. Thanks so much for the advice?