Spark Generator Wanted

[(RIP) PLANK]

A long shot, but!

I need a spark generator for a Carver Caravel 4 caravan heater. To be honest one from anything, an old cooker or similar would probably do. It's the thing that generates the spark to ignite the gas, so anything that has a 12v or similar input.

Thanks for reading

[larson]

just buy on of them cooker lighters from the £1 shop.. would it do?

[solarman216]

Originally Posted by PLANK

A long shot, but!

I need a spark generator for a Carver Caravel 4 caravan heater. To be honest one from anything, an old cooker or similar would probably do. It's the thing that generates the spark to ignite the gas, so anything that has a 12v or similar input.

Thanks for reading

got one in the barn, I think, will look pm Thursday, Rick

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by larson

just buy on of them cooker lighters from the £1 shop.. would it do?

NO

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by solarman216

got one in the barn, I think, will look pm Thursday, Rick

Cheers Rick!

[rustic]

Originally Posted by PLANK

A long shot, but!

I need a spark generator for a Carver Caravel 4 caravan heater. To be honest one from anything, an old cooker or similar would probably do. It's the thing that generates the spark to ignite the gas, so anything that has a 12v or similar input.

Thanks for reading

Does it have to be automatic, ie continuous spark as you mentioned 12 volt input, or will a manual one do as seen on gas barbeques.

Carver used to be in Brownhills, maybe still are, if you talk to a guy in the repair department, he may have one lying about.

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by rustic

Does it have to be automatic, ie continuous spark as you mentioned 12 volt input, or will a manual one do as seen on gas barbeques.

Carver used to be in Brownhills, maybe still are, if you talk to a guy in the repair department, he may have one lying about.

Good point! It is a continuous 12v supply, if it were possible i would have a bash at fitting a manual one but it would be easier to change the whole heater. I am confident it is the spark generator at fault as it has a 12v supply when the heating is turned on, but no output.

[rustic]

Originally Posted by PLANK

Good point! It is a continuous 12v supply, if it were possible i would have a bash at fitting a manual one but it would be easier to change the whole heater. I am confident it is the spark generator at fault as it has a 12v supply when the heating is turned on, but no output.

Why not test the unit, it is possibly the output that is shorted either via a whisk of rust closing the spark gap or the HT wire leaking to earth via a damaged lead.


With the 12 volts off, disconnect the HT output lead at the spark controller, then add a short lead, and create a 2-3mm spark gap to earth or 0Volts

You could use an old spark plug.

Apply 12 volts to the unit and look for sparks or a clicking noise from the generator.

Keep your hands clear as it will give you a nasty shock.

Our home cooker one actually failed, I tested it then bought a new unit.

The gas Fridge on the boat often gets whisks of rust on the spark gap making it difficult to light but this is a manual pizo spark.
I need to strip mine out to get to it though. One day...

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by rustic

Why not test the unit, it is possibly the output that is shorted either via a whisk of rust closing the spark gap or the HT wire leaking to earth via a damaged lead.


With the 12 volts off, disconnect the HT output lead at the spark controller, then add a short lead, and create a 2-3mm spark gap to earth or 0Volts

You could use an old spark plug.

Apply 12 volts to the unit and look for sparks or a clicking noise from the generator.

Keep your hands clear as it will give you a nasty shock.

Our home cooker one actually failed, I tested it then bought a new unit.

The gas Fridge on the boat often gets whisks of rust on the spark gap making it difficult to light but this is a manual pizo spark.
I need to strip mine out to get to it though. One day...

I will give that a go now! I have a test device for testing the output of electric fence energisers (which are virtually the same thing) I might try that straight on the terminal after removing the HT wire and see what happens.

[lacroupade]

Are you trying to make a Talking Piano?

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by lacroupade

Are you trying to make a Talking Piano?

tit

I have re-tested it and it definitely has a 12v input but no output

[Deleted account DD]

These lot have (or certainly used to have) a masive range of off the shelf parts for all kinds of appliances, inc an ignitor for an old fire i had a few years back.

http://www.homecareappliances.co.uk/default.asp

[solarman216]

The one I have is a Carver Cascade water heater WHE-40-2 but it has 12v ignition if the spark bit is the same you are welcome, Rick

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by solarman216

The one I have is a Carver Cascade water heater WHE-40-2 but it has 12v ignition if the spark bit is the same you are welcome, Rick

To be honest as long as it fits in the space (and it is quite big) has + & - for the 12v supply and a HT out it would almost certainly work anyway. Cheers Rick!

[solarman216]

Originally Posted by PLANK

To be honest as long as it fits in the space (and it is quite big) has + & - for the 12v supply and a HT out it would almost certainly work anyway. Cheers Rick!

OK it has a metal box around it at the mo about 3 inches square may be a little bigger, I will take it off tomorrow and see what it looks like, Rick