Coleman Downdraft

[musicdawg]

The glow plug lights the burner, it fires up strong for about 6 seconds or so, then the right side flame dances like wind is trying to blow it out, and after about 15 seconds, the right side fire is about out. Then the unit shuts down because there's not enough fire (I assume). I had the energy company come out, they looked for 2 minutes and declared it is either a bird nest in the chimney or a cracked heat exchanger. I went to the roof and checked the chimney, it's clear all the way down, and I even pulled out the burner and cleaned it out. It's still doing it
Is there any other thing I can try, or is the only thing left the heat exchanger? What is a Heat Exchanger?

[Robert]

Hi,

A cracked heat exchanger will allow carbon monoxide into the home. Should get a reputable hvac company out to thoroughly inspect the heat exchanger.


Did you have a flame sensor near the burner ?

If so, clean the rod with steel wool and inspect the shroud for cracks.


Thanks,
Robert