atwood hydro flame 8500 furnace manual

The Atwood Hydro Flame 8500 is a high-efficiency RV furnace designed for reliable heating performance in recreational vehicles. This forced-air furnace features automatic ignition, variable speed blower, thermal overload protection, and operates on 12V DC power with LP gas fuel. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Gas Supply 7. Operating Procedures 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Burner assembly, heat exchanger, blower motor, sail switch, limit switch, gas valve, control board.

Feature	Description
BTU Rating	8,500 BTU heating capacity
Fuel Type	Liquid Propane (LP) gas
Power Supply	12V DC operation
Ignition System	Direct spark ignition
Blower Type	Variable speed centrifugal
Safety Features	Thermal overload protection, flame rollout switch
Control	Thermostat controlled operation
Air Flow	Forced air distribution
Mounting	Floor or wall installation
Venting	Direct vent system

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper clearances and venting requirements.

Select location: Choose area with adequate combustion air and proper venting access.
Mount furnace: Secure to floor or wall using provided brackets and hardware.
Connect gas supply: Use approved LP gas line and fittings; pressure test for leaks.
Electrical connection: Connect 12V DC power supply with proper polarity.
Install thermostat: Mount in desired location and connect control wires.

WARNING! Installation must be performed by qualified technician. Follow all local codes and regulations.

First-Time Setup

Initial startup and system verification procedures.

Gas pressure check: Verify LP gas supply pressure (11" water column).
Ventilation check: Ensure combustion air intake and exhaust are unobstructed.
Electrical check: Confirm 12V DC power supply and proper grounding.
Test operation: Set thermostat to heat mode and verify ignition sequence.
Air flow adjustment: Adjust blower speed for optimal heat distribution.

CAUTION! Always check for gas leaks before initial startup. Use soap solution on all connections.

Specifications

Heating Capacity: 8,500 BTU/hr
Fuel Consumption: 0.10 gallons LP gas per hour
Electrical: 12V DC, 3.5 amps average draw
Air Flow: 55 CFM maximum
Dimensions: 17" x 9.5" x 7.5" (LxWxH)
Weight: 12.5 lbs
Vent Size: 3-inch diameter
Sound Level: 55 dB maximum
Operating Temp Range: -40°F to 120°F

Controls and Settings

Operation controlled via wall thermostat. Internal control board manages ignition sequence and safety functions.

Thermostat Settings: HEAT/OFF mode selector, temperature adjustment dial.

Internal Controls: Control board with LED status indicator, gas valve, sail switch, limit switch, thermal overload protector. Blower speed adjustable via control board dip switches.

Connecting Gas Supply

LP gas system connection requirements and procedures.

Turn off all gas appliances and main gas valve.
Use approved flexible gas line with proper fittings.
Apply pipe thread sealant suitable for LP gas.
Connect to furnace gas valve inlet port.
Pressure test system at 14" water column for 10 minutes.
Check all connections with soap solution for leaks.

Tip: Always use two wrenches when making gas connections to prevent damage to valves.

Operating Procedures

Normal operation sequence and user controls.

Set thermostat: Turn to HEAT mode and set desired temperature.
Ignition sequence: Blower starts, sail switch activates, spark ignition begins.
Gas valve opens: When spark detected, gas flows to burner.
Flame verification: Flame sensor confirms ignition, spark stops.
Heating cycle: Blower continues until thermostat satisfied.
Shutdown: Gas valve closes, blower continues for cool-down period.

WARNING! Never operate furnace if smell of gas is present. Evacuate area immediately.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance requirements for optimal performance.

Interval	Maintenance Task
Monthly	Check air intake and exhaust for obstructions
Seasonal	Inspect burner and heat exchanger
Annual	Clean burner assembly and orifices
Annual	Verify gas pressure and combustion
Annual	Lubricate blower motor if required
As needed	Replace air filter

Care & Cleaning

Turn off power and gas supply before cleaning. Use compressed air to clean burner and heat exchanger. Vacuum dust from blower assembly.

CAUTION! Do not use water or liquid cleaners. Keep electrical components dry.

Regulatory Information

Certified to ANSI Z21.44/CSA 2.3 for recreational vehicle heaters. Complies with UL and CSA standards. For technical support, contact Atwood Mobile Products at 1-800-888-3378 or visit www.atwoodmobile.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No ignition	Gas supply, spark electrode	Check gas valve; clean spark electrode; verify 12V power
Blower runs, no heat	Sail switch, gas valve	Check sail switch operation; test gas valve voltage
Short cycling	Overheating, dirty filter	Clean air filter; check venting; verify proper clearances
No blower operation	Motor, control board	Check motor voltage; test control board outputs
Gas odor	Leaks, improper combustion	Shut off immediately; check for leaks; verify venting

Reset: Turn thermostat off for 5 minutes, then restart.

Service: 1-800-888-3378; www.atwoodmobile.com