Adjusting The Ignitor Gap In The Propex HS2211

Combustion in Propex heaters is initiated by an internal ignitor. When the heater’s logic circuit senses that propane is at the gas jet and ready to ignite, the onboard electronics activate the ignitor. This electricity jumps a small gap between the ignitor electrode and ground, creating a spark and lighting the gas in the combustion chamber.

When the unit fails to light due to a fault in the ignitor, the heater will usually display a one-flash fault code. This often means that the small gap mentioned above has been jarred out of adjustment by a rough road or other physical jolt. Too large a gap and spark cannot jump across, too narrow and not enough of a spark is created to consistently light the gas mixture.

There are two heater configurations between the three Propex US-spec models: internally mounted (HS2000 and HS2800 models) and externally mounted (HS2211). The ignitors in the internally mounted models cannot be accessed without removing the entire heater outer housing. This job is out of the scope of most home consumers and will void the heater’s warranty. These units must be repaired at the Propex US facilities.

The ignitor in the HS2211 can be checked and adjusted by following the procedure below.

WARNING: Only attempt this repair if you suspect issues with your ignitor and only if you are confident in your abilities. If this repair is performed incorrectly, you can actually make your heater LESS reliable and complicate diagnosis of your underlying issue.

 

Remove the four screws on the cover plate.

 

Pull cover plate back and disconnect wires to gas valve:

 

Remove the screw from ignitor securing plate (circled red below) and the ground screw from the heater case (shown in yellow below). 

 

Carefully pull the ignitor plate out of the combustion chamber. GENTLY clean the ignitor tips with Emory cloth or a small file.

 

Measure the gap between the ignitors at the tips.

 

The ignitor gap should be 2-3mm.  If the gap is larger or smaller than specified, carefully bend the ignitor until the correct gap is achieved.

 

 

Re-assembly of the heater is the reverse of disassembly.  Be sure to recheck your propane connections for leaks with soapy water upon re-installation.