Carver Cascade 1 not working

[sarah647]

I'm hoping someone here can offer me some advice on the water heater in our caravan as we are having major probs with it.

First problem its that it can take numerous attempts to get it to light. You can clearly hear the ticking sound of the ignition attempting to light it but after around 30 secs the steady green light on the panel changes to a flashing green light which I believe means its failed to light. Not having any problems working the hob or oven so gas is getting through the system.

Second problem is when I have been able to get it to light even after leaving it for over an hour the water still runs cold. However the part of the heater which is exposed underneath the caravan is scalding hot to touch.

Any suggestions on what could be causing the fault? None of the local firms will even take a look or offer us any advice, they just tell us to replace it at a cost of £399 plus fitting which is way beyond our budget.

Thanks

Sarah

 

[gary]

Dealer have always been frightened of the mk1, I well remember one dealer telling me much the same as you, that was 12yrs ago and directly led me into fixing them and other Carver parts for a living!

So this is a bit strange Sarah, are you saying the water in the tank is still cold after an hour? or just what emerges from the hot taps?

It is possible the heat exchanger has failed, in which case the unit will overheat and cut out, but in a few minutes not an hour!

Top and bottom of it though is it needs to come out for probably it's 'first' service!, this will find the problem whatever it is and any others?

 

[sarah647]

Thanks Gary.

Thinking about it the box underneath was very hot, surely much hotter than what it should be in normal operation so it sounds like you could be right about the heat exchanger.

The water from the taps was cold even after running it for a minute or two and but I cannot remember if he tried touching the tank itself to see if it got warm. Will have another go at the weekend and see what happens.

Just got to find someone who is prepared to remove it and service it. I'm quite sure its never been serviced in all the time its been in the caravan which is some years.

Thanks again.

 

[gary]

Sarah, let me know what area you live in and I'll hopefully point you in the direction of the right guy to help.

 

[sarah647]

Hi Gary, I live near to Chester, thanks.

 

[gary]

Not a misprint this guy is almost my name sake?! Alan Sinclair at ACR Services?!

07838 130354, 0161 9720471

 

[sarah647]

Excellent, thanks I will give him a try.