In preparing my 1981 Barth for my first trip, I noticed that the stove does not appear to have a pilot light or an igniter for the stove burners. Is this normal for this vintage stove? If so, does anyone know of a retrofit igniter for the burners.

Although I can live without a pilot or ignitor I thought it strange not to have come with one.

Barry

Hi Barry,

This is common. Even most of the newer coaches (I think) still require an external flame to start. Those of us who use our stove frequently carry out butane fire starters as an important tool as much as the keys to the ignition.

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Mine you push down on knob to light. No match or lighter required.

[This message has been edited by Smith Brother (edited January 18, 2005).]

If this is a 4 burner unit the pilot is located under the stove top dead center.

And always blows out when you are under way.

You have to lift the whole top to light it.

I am sheepishly laughing. I better go check mine. We just assumed that all RV stoves had to be lit externally. I don't think we ever looked for a pilot.

On my stove there's a knob that you turn to ignite a magneto spark ala gas grills. You simply turn on the gas and turn the knob till the smell of gas is about to knock you out, then turn it off, air out the coach and light with a butane lighter. Very simple!

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Dan & Suzy Z
'81 Euro 28

That little pilot light in the middle of your 4-burner makes the top hot as blazes. Pilots have a tendency to go out, but the gas keeps flowing. Saw a trailer blow up many years ago from that suspected cause. Ever since, I've used a butane match. Easy, safe, and convenient, as long as you don't forget where you put it.

Thank you all for your information.

I think I will just use the giant butane match for now. I do not think I need another pilot light to worry about.

Barry