Stove questions 2014 Scamp

[WDavidG]

My 2014 scamp 13 has a two burner suburban propane stove. The burner appears to consist of a perforated ring where the gas is emitted crimped to a top and bottom disk. On one of my burners a small amount of gas leaks around the bottom crimped joint. It of course immediately ignites from the main flame so I don't think it is dangerous. It does however make it difficult to control a low flame and I would like to fix it so the burner is working efficiently. Is there a high temp caulking or maybe furnace cement that might work to seal the crimp joint? Or do I need to replace that burner?

Second question - the two screws that hold the stove top to the stove body have a gob of caulking between the stove top and the screw bracket on the body. I assume it was put there by the scamp folks when the stove was installed. The only purpose I can think of is to reduce the potential for the screws loosening from road vibration. Am I missing something?

Thanks as always for your advice. This forum is terrific.

[gordon2]

#1: I won't even guess about this. But perhaps a photo will ensure we exactly what you are referring to.

#2: I had to go out and check, and sure enough I have some too (Sept 2015 build). It was only visible on the screws, under the stovetop. Seems it has to be for the reason that you speculated but it is surly no big deal, just check them regularly. In fact I tend to do a walk through after each trip, checking for loose acorn nuts, window knobs, vent cranks, etc and so forth. I had a fair amount of hardware fall out on my initial trip home from Backus, but not so much anymore. (And remember, no "LocTite" on the screws in the window knobs!)

EDIT: BTW, as I went to put the stovetop back on, one of the screw brackets came off. If your caulk is on the bracket.. maybe it is to help the bracket stay in place? Although I don't think it would help much.

[Jon in AZ]

Regarding the caulk.. perhaps also to keep liquids that spill on the counter from getting down inside the cabinet.

Don't know about the burner leak, but it sounds like a defect, not normal wear. It wouldn't hurt to check with the manufacturer in case there is a recall or other remedy.

[SilverGhost]

Sounds like cost savings design by stove manufacturer. I believe there is a seal inside that crimp that is supposed prevent that. My guess is either crappy crimp or poorly or not installed seal.

Safest solution is to find a replacement. Scamp or the stove manufacturer may or may not pay for it. Depends if they think it is really a defect or just "you get what you pay for".

Jason

[WDavidG]

Here are a couple photos. One from the top with the burner installed; the second with the burner removed and photographed from the bottom. The arrow indicates the leaking joint. It is definitely a cheap method of fabrication.

[WDavidG]

The stove is out of warranty so I doubt either suburban or scamp will take responsibility. Replacement of the burner only is $35 and with shipping will be a bit more than 50% of the cost of an entirely new stove! Before making that investment I'm inclined to experiment with this product
Rutland Black Stove & Gasket Cement (77) - Gasket Cement - Ace Hardware

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by WDavidG

The stove is out of warranty so I doubt either suburban or scamp will take responsibility. ..[/url]

I'm sure Scamp wont since the stove has a separate warranty, but assuming its the same one I have, the warranty is not far out.. its a two year warranty. I would reach out to Suburban, esp. since it could be a high liability issue and in their best interest to make you safe. Plus, it seems likely the defect was a manufacturing defect which was likely present since day one, even though you only recently noticed it. Warranty says to contact local Suburban Service Center for warranty work. To locate the service center near you call 423-775-2131 Ext 7101.

I'm no expert but I would not be comfortable with your stove.

[Jon in AZ]

My thoughts exactly, Gordon.

If Suburban is not responsive, you can also make a report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Suggesting as much to Suburban could motivate a remedy. This is not simply a functional defect; it is a safety defect.

If that turns into a dead end as you expect, I would not do anything without advice from a certified LP tech. The product you linked does mention sealing pinholes in wood stoves, but one difference in your application is the gas is under pressure.

I'd feel a lot better with a whole new burner, and I'm inclined to think Suburban has some responsibility to give you one.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by gordon2

...

I'm no expert but I would not be comfortable with your stove.

Again, I'm no expert but I gave this some more thought. Since propane is heaver than air it seems possible that while the stove is on, the gas coming out the bottom of the stove head would accumulate in the stove base, or even in the cabinet that the stove is mounted in, until it rose to the level of the burning flame. then, WHOOSH! There go your eyebrows.. or more, maybe much much more.

[WDavidG]

Good advice and cautions from all of you. As you gently point out, the DIY fix-it impulse is not a good idea with gas involved. I will replace the burner, by Suburban if I can convince them of their obligation to safety, or my own dime if not.

Thanks all

[Tom 72]

I don't believe there is a lot of wear and tear on burners, as they aren't moving parts. I don't think pressure is a big issue because at the burner pressure is reduced to just enough for gas to move out the pipe to the burners. you will usually see a regulator there. Others may disagree.
Anyway, you may find one or several used burners from a salvage unit. Or telling Suburban that you have access to a used one, might let you negotiate a discount.

[WDavidG]

OK - here is the final report on this matter. I did call Suburban and the service tech laughed (not in an unkind way) when I gave him the model # of my stove. He said that model was discontinued years ago and I'd likely have trouble finding a replacement burner. My scamp is three years old so the stove was apparently a discontinued model when installed (the second time I've encountered this situation with the scamp). Scamp apparently saves on cost by buying a supply of recently discontinued items when they can. If it was a high-end trailer I would be irritated, but at Scamp's prices I don't fault them for it.

In any event after a number of calls, I found a large RV dealer in Texas who located the item for me (he said his computer indicated only 12 of them in the entire US inventory). Not inexpensive (the initial vendor I thought had it for $35 had the wrong part #) but should be a safe fix.

Thanks for all your comments and advice.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by WDavidG

OK - here is the final report on this matter. ..He said that model was discontinued years ago ...

I'd be tempted to replace the entire stove, not that expensive.

[WDavidG]

Originally Posted by gordon2

I'd be tempted to replace the entire stove, not that expensive.

Only about $100 to purchase. I was very tempted but in the end talked myself out of it. The burner just slides into place but for a new stove install I would have needed a gas tech so the total outlay would have been quite a bit more. I may well regret it if the other burner goes in the next few years!

[Casita Greg]

Not sure why you would think that you needed a "gas tech" to swap out a trailer stove. They are about as simple and straightforward as it gets. Just me, but I'd scrap it and buy one of the newer stainless steel models instead of the porcelain coated ones. YMMV