1991 Truma. Worth fixing?

[544Dan]

Hello everyone. We've just bought ourselves our first motorhome, a very original 544 from 1991. Amazingly most things work!
The only thing I've found that doesn't fire up is the water heater. It's the original truma BO 105. There's water and 12v getting to it (and i think gas, isolator under sink is on) but after a few creaks and clicks the red light comes on.
My question is, is now the time I should be looking for a new one or are the oldies better quality and worth repairing? Thanks.

 

[Jev88]

I am not familiar with that exact model - I bought a 1999 MH and one of the first jobs I knew I had was to get a professional to look at my water heater, an old Carver. Binned it for a modern replacement at same cost as an original replacement (old new stock).
These guys have always been very helpful but depends on your local guy.....

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[Figaro]

I can't help with your boiler problem but lots of folk on here will be along to advise.
Welcome to the fun by the way.



In the meantime, do the basics like check you have gas, 12volts connected and good batteries, fuses ok etc.
Do you have a multimeter you can use to check things ?

 

[544Dan]

I can't help with your boiler problem but lots of folk on here will be along to advise.
Welcome to the fun by the way.



In the meantime, do the basics like check you have gas, 12volts connected and good batteries, fuses ok etc.
Do you have a multimeter you can use to check things ?

Yes there's water, 12v and I think gas. Could there be another stop valve hidden downstream of the main 4 valves under the sink?

 

[Figaro]

Could there be another stop valve hidden downstream of the main 4 valves under the sink?

If there is another valve I'd have thought it would be on / next to the boiler.
I'd doubt it will be hidden, unless someone has made alteration for some reason.

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[Winger]

Try following the gas line to see if you can find another isolator. Not unusual to have two on the same pipe

 

[Lot lover]

Apologies if I am trying to teach granny etc

We have a 1999 MH with a Truma C 3402/C6002. On our panel a red light has always meant no gas. Sometimes after switching to a new bottle it is necessary to fire up the gas hob to push gas through the system.

AFAIK we have only one isolator for the Truma, it is in an obvious place near the sink with others for fridge and hob.

Don't be surprised that nearly everything thing works, they knew how to build things 30 years ago - imho modern MHs are built to a different standard.

 

[Campervan_man]

Put the van on hook up to boost your battery. Pull the gas through to all your other appliances and turn off. Then try the Truma boiler again. It may take a few attempts. If the van has been recently valeted sometimes the valeters blast the outside flue with water and it won't light for a few days.

 

[The Wino]

It might take a while for the pipe to fill with gas and purge the air. Hope you get it sorted

 

[chaser]

I am not familiar with that exact model - I bought a 1999 MH and one of the first jobs I knew I had was to get a professional to look at my water heater, an old Carver. Binned it for a modern replacement at same cost as an original replacement (old new stock).
These guys have always been very helpful but depends on your local guy.....

MCEA Training for Motorhome, Camper & Caravan Engineers

MCEA Motorhome & Caravan Engineers, a membership of mobile habitation and service engineers. MCEA are a provider of training for campervan, caravan & motorhome habitation servicing & repairs.

www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk

The old carver should never be binned, nothing on them that can't be fixed, have a look on eBay at how much they go for.

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[chaser]

The old carver should never be binned, nothing on them that can't be fixed, have a look on eBay at how much they go for.

These blokes have everything you need.

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[Figaro]

Just a thought, sometimes there is enough gas in the bottle to run low consumption appliances like gas rings but insufficient for the boiler to fire up.
This can fool you into thinking gas is not the problem.
Check your gas level

 

[Jev88]

The old carver should never be binned, nothing on them that can't be fixed, have a look on eBay at how much they go for.

When I say binned, in truth I meant "not going back in my MH". Sold it on to another grateful Funster. I opreferred to upgrade to a 13litre tank.

 

[gus-lopez]

& if you have gas & the solenoid valve is opening at that age I would think that unless the cover has been used regularly that the burner is filled up with dust. I had that problem even though mine had worked & lit . Removed a complete cup full of fine dust from the burner assembly.

 

[Lot lover]

Not sure if this is relevant.

Earlier this evening red light appeared on my Truma panel, out of gas I thought so I changed to a new bottle. But the old bottle still has some gas in it so perhaps there was just not enough for Truma.

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