I’ve been getting my old pickup camper ready to use. Never buy one in the pouring rain. They assured me everything worked just fine. Then ghosted me after I tried to contact them about the undisclosed issues. So I’m slowly getting it into a usable state. The one positive is there are no leaks. It stays dry.

The water heater control had a crack in it so I replaced it with a Robert Shaw 1637 which was suggested as the replacement for the old one. Now when I light the pilot all I get is a lot of yellow flame. The orifice is clear as is the tube from it to the burner. I’ve tried full open to full closed on the air gap. No change in flame. I’d like to not have to heat water on the stove so would appreciate any advice and insight. Thank you.

I use the electric element so there isn't any carbon monoxide. Do you know about those? Maybe no elect?

Buying a used camper water heater shouldn't be too hateful I wouldn't think. Swap it out maybe?

"Adjusting the oxygen-to-gas ratio on a water heater is controlled by the air shutter at the burner, not directly on the Robertshaw 1637 gas valve. To adjust it, turn the gas control knob to "OFF", open the burner compartment doors, loosen the air shutter's locking screw, and adjust the opening to achieve a solid blue flame.

"https://www.google.com/search?q=how...EMTAuOMgHE4AIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp


3. Adjust the Shutter
Loosen the Screw: Use a screwdriver to slightly loosen the locking screw on the air shutter.

Adjust the Gap: Slide the shutter to change the size of the air intake slots.
If the flame is too yellow or roaring/sputtering: Close the shutter slightly to reduce the air intake.
If the flame is too lazy, dark blue, or the burner is producing black soot: Open the shutter to allow more air into the mixture.

Preliminary Setting: A good starting point for the air gap is about 1/4 to 1/3 open.

That’s what I did. I adjusted the air gap from no gap to wide open with no change in the flame. The link you gave me told me to do what I already tried.

Not sure if this helps

Seems like acient technology, kind of like the Dickenson boat stoves that for some reason are still being made.
Couldn't you replace that with a more simple on demand LPG water heater?

I think I am going to spend the money for a tankless. I did all the things mentioned and the pilot flame is still orange. And to be honest 6 gallons of hot water is a pretty small amount. The tankless option really appeals to me.