Perplexing problem, Ruud furnace

yuri · 12-26-2009, 12:44 PM

Post some pics of the furnace with both doors off so we can recognize it.

**beenthere** · 12-26-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbarker

I'm not quite sure what you are referring to. If you are referring to the inducer itself, here it is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product

No, the heat exchanger style. Rheem early 90% were drum style. And they had problems with them not holding up.

jbarker · 12-27-2009, 09:40 AM

**beenthere** · 12-27-2009, 09:45 AM

Do you have A/C with that furnace also?

If so. The coil is probably dirty.

Thats not one of the drum units.

jbarker · 12-27-2009, 09:46 AM

I had some trouble getting the pictures posted, but I think the following links will take you to photobucket account with other pictures of my furnace.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p...2/102_0853.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p...2/102_0851.jpg

Thanks.
-Jay

yuri · 12-27-2009, 09:47 AM

Nothing special about that one and I have seen lots of them. Did you take the condensate trap off and flush it with hot water and Javex/Clorox bleach? May be partly plugged with algae/scuz

and slow draining.

jbarker · 12-27-2009, 09:47 AM

No AC with this furnace.

**beenthere** · 12-27-2009, 09:49 AM

By those pictures you don't have A/C.

The secondary heat exchanger may be dirty. You have to pull the blower to see it.

yuri · 12-27-2009, 09:50 AM

Check my post below your post with links. Dirty condensate traps are a common problem.

jbarker · 12-27-2009, 09:53 AM

The black pipe to the left of the blower has been perfectly bone dry every time I have taken it apart, (and that has been alot over the past 4 weeks). I don't think that a clogged drain is the problem.
To re-hash things, I have a clear inlet and exhaust pipe, new inducer, have confirmed the port on the inducer is not obstructed, and the inducer only prodeces 3/4" WC of vacuum, when it needs to produce a minimum of 1.11" WC to close the pressure switch. Thanks again for your continued interest.
-Jay

jbarker · 12-27-2009, 09:58 AM

When I pull the inducer, I have access to a hole in the heat exchanger about 2" in diameter. When I look in there, it looks clean, but I'm not sure if that really means anything.
Does a dirty secondary heat exchanger LOOK dirty, or is the problem deep inside?
If it is clogged up, is there a way to clean it, or does it need to be replaced?

yuri · 12-27-2009, 11:06 AM

On most units you can remove the collector box where the inducer fan attaches and inspect the tubes which spill into the collector box and drain for black scuz (carbon) from the propane. There may be turbulators in the coil tubes and they may be dirty. Only way to know is to remove the collector box and visually inspect the secondary coil tubes. Buy a new gasket for the box B4 you take it apart and put some red rtv silicone on the new gasket when you install it or you may get water and vacuum leaks later.

**beenthere** · 12-27-2009, 12:16 PM

First. what are you using to check the pressure?
A digital manometer, or a water tube?

Marty S. · 12-27-2009, 12:37 PM

Jay, have you called the supply house where you bought the inducer or a tech support line? I have seen other furnaces spec a different pressure switch when the inducer was replaced. Not saying that's the problem but it is worth looking into.

Mike in Arkansas · 12-27-2009, 08:13 PM

Did you buy the inducer from Amazon? Might try an OEM part if so.