Troubleshooting Suburban furnace SF-30F walk through dismantling and inspection part 1

Began taking this furnace apart and found some major issues birds nest built in the burner area, along with other faulty components. Will do assembly video and part replacement in part 2.
The parts below are for the furnace in the video, if there are parts you need let me know your model and serial number and I can provide a link.
Part 2: • Troubleshooting suburb...
Repair parts:
suburban furnace board: amzn.to/2RP2cwu
suburban blower motor: amzn.to/2UlNyhJ
suburban basic tstat: amzn.to/2ud4nAY
suburban sail switch: amzn.to/2OBPoaX
suburan electrode: amzn.to/2RRSPME
suburban high limit: amzn.to/36No0gl
suburban blower wheel: amzn.to/37S4nVL
suburban burner: amzn.to/31kd5t9
suburban combustion wheel: amzn.to/2Umc8z1
dinosaur universal furnace fan50Plus board: amzn.to/31kCaED
tools I use:
olfa knife- amzn.to/2LfQsPZ
drill bits- amzn.to/2PfP4Oi
angle grinder- amzn.to/384b8nP
1/2 impact gun- amzn.to/2sIWQZE
scissors- amzn.to/34NnxdP
step bits- amzn.to/2DFqLUG
heated coat- amzn.to/361wwZ6
hammer bits- amzn.to/2Rgd72o
m12 die grinder- amzn.to/2ONFALg
replacement filter for milwaukee vacuum- amzn.to/2YeQUDf
Vacuum milwaukee- amzn.to/33P51QO
Drill- amzn.to/2qjG0Qf
1/4" impact- amzn.to/2r23pGl
osculating tool- amzn.to/2DKM87b
Driver Bits- amzn.to/34O2Y0T
Markers- amzn.to/2YfCy5F
Extension- amzn.to/389wujx
step bits- amzn.to/366eoNQ
18" pipe wrench- amzn.to/2OMrEB8
pipe cutter- amzn.to/361JUwg
flaring tool- amzn.to/2OOoBIC
pipe threader- amzn.to/2YhQwE0
vacuum detail kit ridgid shop vac- amzn.to/2PekW61
copper cleaning brush- amzn.to/2YjMZoA
hepa filter ridgid shop vac- amzn.to/386PWO2
plastic pipe cutter- amzn.to/2LnMKUw

[@loriofford7458]

Best furnace repair/dismantling we have come across yet... Logical, descriptive, informative. Thanks.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Thanks I try to be as informative as possible

[@toshnotocom1546]

Hey I notice you were having a hard time getting the Allen wrench in the big squirrel cage. If you take the other side off first you can pull the entire motor out with the squirrel cage. You did a good job getting it out of there but sometimes it’s so corroded that you can’t pull it off that easy. Just trying to help, you can take it or leave it. :)

[@edbeeinnv]

Hey Canadian RV repair guy: great video, thanks for posting. Just about to dig into my SF-30F and knowing what to expect is super helpful. Best wishes!

[@ourv9603]

Well, after turning it on, mine would work OK until we went to bed. THEN, I would get up to pee and it would be like 30 in the Rv. The thermostat would be set just fine. I troubleshooted the silly POS but when I was pricing a part I found I could buy an entire brand new CORE furnas (that which slides into the metal sleeve) for $398. its on its way. Some things just aren't worth the hassle. !

[@PatriciaReilly-b8s]

My RV heater SF-30FQ will not stop heating or shut off unless I pull fuse out. What is the problem???

[@joem7893]

Very good video for this furnace. I used a crowfoot for the gas regulator fitting. Problem is, the threaded opening for reinstalling the fitting somehow got damaged, so the fitting will not go back on. Such soft metal.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Yes it is soft need to be really carful on install.

[@TheRedheadSaid]

This is a great video. I wish I had found this first before I took mine apart. It would have saved so much time. I also had a wrens nest in there. You have good stuff and great video angles. Can I submit, maybe wipe the lens of fingerprints first. There's a few things that were harder to see clearly. I do appreciate your videos tho! Thx.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Thanks I try my best with limited equipment. My daughter was the camera person on this one.

[@leevons_home_vids]

This was really helpful in helping me understand the components of a furnace. I have a Suburban that uses the 3 prong ignitor (not sure if theres a technical name for that configuration) does it not take much corrosion for the ignitor to stop sparking? Mine was working great just earlier and suddenly stop lighting. Have plenty of propane, took out the ignitor and it does look black but isnt sooty. Could it maybe be something else?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

I would be leaning towards a board issue.

[@leevons_home_vids]

@@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062 thank you!

[@Zzwineaux]

My SF-30 has duct work coming out the back. So how can I take it out without messing up the duct work?

[@moderndaydrifter4672]

There are sf30 and sf30f what is the difference between these 2 models

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

The F stands for front gas

[@moderndaydrifter4672]

@@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062 thank you for explaining that. Are you anywhere near calgary alberta

[@jasonneal6011]

I appreciate your video Canadia RV repair guy I have a sf-35Q suburban furnace and a analog Coleman Mach thermostat and my question to you is which thermostat wires connect to the wires on the furnace board itself. Thanks again for the video and I hope you have a great day and thanks in advance for answering my question.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

It will be the two blue wires just make sure your polarity is correct.

[@bmaynor2240]

Great video on Suburban heater. What is the model number on the motor only for replacement. Trying to cut down on down time when I pull the heater out. Are the motors generally the same for all indoor units?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Order by model of furnace have you serial number as well for parts that changed in that run.

[@ernestoalicea4594]

Why would my unit blow out peper like debris?? I'm going to have to pull it and have a look

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Sounds like carbon from the combustion chamber.

[@Boisetom]

So I just started my heater now that I pulled it out of winter storage. It heats for a few minutes but after that it just turns off. I pulled the fuse and it started right back up but I can hear the burner turn on from the outside but than I hear it turn off and the ignitor is trying to light it. I won't stay lit and turns off again. It works fine for a while but then that happens. Not sure what part could be the problem. It's only 3 yrs old and my trailer has no pets and it is OCD clean. I don't think anything got up in the intake cause it is covered all winter. Any suggestions on what part is causing that to shut off and not stay lit?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Does it try to relight after running for a bit and just cycles the burner on and off, never shirts the blower off?

[@peterdavis7304]

I have one of these and mine won't even turn on it just clicks n that's all it dose you know the problem I had 3 or 4 people come check it out they can't seem to fix the problem maybe u can help me fix it thanks

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Would need to test motor separately put power to it direct and let me know if it runs.

[@miket1340]

Appreciate you putting this video up.. Question for you.. The nut that you said had to be removed with a crows foot if you don't disassemble everything in the way.. Do you need pipe dope where that tube connects with the gas valve?

[@alaskauntamed6476]

Great video ! My furnace turns on and get hot just blows weak air and then shuts off..any ideas ?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Weak air could be motor wearing out or low voltage would need more info to properly diagnose. Thanks for the comments

[@marilynrowe3511]

Thanks!! Great video. I have a question. I have a 2019 Suburban furnance and it spits, sputters when running. Is it the propane regulator? Or any ideas.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Would check the burner see how clan it is, then gas pressure.

[@Truedoogie]

Wonderful video and surprisingly great camera work.

[@ManyWintersinWyoming]

Very good video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hobbit6360]

I need help. I just had my sail switch and circuit board replaced. As soon as I plug it in the fan comes on and won't shut off until I unplug the power. What is going on? The mechanic that repaired it said the heater fires up.. when I plug the power into the heater with the thermostat off the fan runs always and won't shut off. I hear the clicking when I turn the thermostat up or down plus even when I move the switch on the thermostat to turn on and off the heater clicks but the fan won't shut off? Did the mechanic put the wrong board in or what?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Is the make a model of you furnace a sf-30?

[@nicarry73]

Thanks for the video. Definitely helps 👍

[@scflooring8658]

Excellent video thank you very much a lot of good info hope you make many more and one on the reassembly

[@matkurcher9469]

Hello. I am having some trouble with my sfv-42. It seems to be intermittently locking its self out. It sounds to me like the fan won't produce the speed it use to. Combustion seems to be quite choppy as well, as would be expected with a lower fan speed. The fan spins freely by hand, no tight spots and nothing visible looks to be out of place without pulling the furnace. 13.4v to the unit, 13.3 to the motor and 13.3 through the thermostat switch wires at the furnace while running. Is there a possibility im focusing on the wrong component here? Can the furnace be pulled out of the housing motor side first? This would be far easier in my specific situation. Even while removing the back cover to access the screw. After seeing your video I would realy like to remove and inspect the furnace. And would you happen to have rpm specs on a new motor installed in a furnace?

[@garynelson9538]

@Matt, You may have a bad or dirty Sail Switch. When your Thermostat ask for Heat, the Furnace Motor will spin for approx 15-20 seconds before igniting, to blow contaminates out. If the Motor doesn't get a "Closed" Signal from the Sail Switch, it will shut down. After 3 tries the Furnace will Lock-out. I'm interested to know what was the cause!

[@jarrodmartin3630]

I have the same model, but maybe newer. There's a very high pitched squeal, that comes and goes, which I think is coming from the combustion wheel. I can tap it with my hand which sometimes stops it. I'm driving myself crazy trying tti get the front half of the furnace out. It's not coming out. What's the easiest way to get to it? And what would cause the squeal in that wheel area?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

I would say the bushing in the motor is going. Replace the motor

[@joecory4110]

Well done video. Very informative.

[@tom-erussell8769]

How do you get the unit out of the rv ours is under the fridge

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

I would have to see it.

[@charlespendola4775]

Great Job!! Helped me to get it done!!!

[@nickynotes6]

Thanks, this is a great video!

[@Nothing-ox3oy]

Any idea why mine won't start at all? No igniter click, fan just runs for 60 seconds and shuts off again.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Sail or high limit switch

[@Nothing-ox3oy]

@@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062 I've dealt with the sail switch on a previous model, but the high limit switch, can I just short circuit it to test?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Just jump the wires together

[@richardanderson2364]

I’m currently dealing with the same problem and I’ve jumped the wired together and still shutting off after thirty seconds. Any idea?

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Sounds like a sail or limit switch

[@Tlee6375]

Im a single female with this issue that it all of a sudden making a loud noise and started blowing cold air. Im also hesitant still, after watching all these vids that im over my head but unable pro services. I can easily step by step directions but my biggest concern is how I make sure all the lines are bled from the gas...

[@bobbychuckles8764]

close your propane tank valves and all that will be left will be what is in the line. crack the line and let the propane leak to the atmosphere

[@Tlee6375]

@@bobbychuckles8764 ty sir, i actually did all by myself and got heat right before the freezing season! Ty

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Turn off the bottle and light your stove that will take the bulk of the gas from the lines. There still will be some in the system when you take the line off the furnace but not a big deal just let it bleed off and continue taking the furnace out. Be sure to put a plug in the line to ensure that if someone turns the gas back on while your serving the furnace.

[@n.g.1577]

Thank you very much for taking the time to create these types of videos. When it comes to a Suburban furnace working intermittenly, is the culprit more the board or the main tank's regulator? I'm trying to narrow it down, but don't want to purchase either or until I get a better idea of what causes the heat to come on sometimes and sometimes the furance fails. Everything else has been checked and it's working as they should.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

What is it doing intermittently?

[@n.g.1577]

@@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062 Most of the times it won't come on after doing all the proper sequencing; I can hear the ignitor clicking, and then it shuts off after 3 tries. When it does come on (not often), I can hear a thunk when the gas-valve engages. Thanks. Sail-switch, thermostat, 12v, solenoid Ohms, and other items have been checked and seem to be functioning as they should.

[@Shedhunter2]

@@n.g.1577 when my furnace did that, I also had a little issue with the refrigerator making noise. Ended up changing out the regulator on the propane tanks and it solved the problems.

[@rabidpigseatmore]

I love the 3rd hand at 9:03…. Lol

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

My wife helping me out.

[@samiam369]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

Glad I could help.

[@DWOG728]

What if it is all mounted inside the rv

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

You have to remove it from the unit to work on it.

[@Rinog66]

Awesome informative video! I'm having an issue with my SF-30F as it will not ignite. I smell propane gas and I hear the ticking at the outside exhaust port. The ignitor circuit cycles 3 times before it shuts down. I have replaced the ignitor and installed a new dinosaur board. any hints or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

I would remove the burner and clean it and the remove the jet and clean that as well could be a blockage causing the air to fuel mixture to be incorrect. As well should have the gas pressure check to make sure you are getting enough pressure to provide the proper mixture

[@JDOTVegas]

I have the same problem. Works perfectly in Las Vegas, NV (1800 ft elev) but will not fire off until many many tries in Ely, NV (6400 ft elev). I've replaced my pressure regulator and now I'm going to try the sail switch (mostly because if feels a little sticky). Once burning, it'll heat the trailer to 85+ when it is zero outside. The challenge is getting it to ignite.

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

@@JDOTVegas could also be your ignitor. But start with cleaning the burner then removing the jet clean it as well the tube the jet screws into run a brush through there

[@JDOTVegas]

@@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062 the ignitor is one of my theories. I swear it was a lot louder when it was new. Now, you can only hear it clicking if you get down on the floor and get close. I used to hear it from the couch 6 feet away.

[@johnsullivan8162]

Thank you!!!

[@thecanadianrvrepairguy3062]

You're welcome!

[@TimJames-z7o]

Exactly the video I needed thx dude!