Troubleshooting Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Safety Heater That Does Not Stay Lit

Updated 11/11/2025 | Published 09/03/2021

Question:

I have a problem with heater it will burn as long as you hold gas control valve in but will not light complete across filter...I have held control valve down for five minutes and when you turn it loose flame goes away.Any help would be appreciated.

asked by: Ralph H

Helpful Expert Reply:

The flame is supposed to go out when you switch the valve from "start" to "high". Check out the demonstration video I attached which goes through the whole process of starting and using the Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Safety Heater for Small RVs # CAM57331. You want to first open a window to ensure complete combustion and make sure the gas is turned on. Push and hold the start knob for 10 seconds then hit the sparker button until you see a flame. After 60 seconds you can let go of the start knob and switch it to high. The flame should go out and the catalytic combustion process should take place.

If issues persist then let me know and I will look more into the issue that you are having.

expert reply by: Andrew N

2/25/2025

Won't light anymore.. have to use a torch lighter to get the heater to start instead

Andrew N.

2/26/2025

@Kj Hey there, it sounds like you need to replace the Replacement Piezo Electric Sparker for Camco Wave Heaters and Olympian Grills # CAM57800 since it doesn't seem to be sparking/igniting on it's own. It is not recommended to self-light with a torch, so I would not use the unit until you can replace the part or take it somewhere to get it serviced. Sorry about the issue you're having.

2/26/2025

@AndrewN oh it sparks just doesn't light

Andrew N.

2/26/2025

@Kj Ok sorry for the misunderstanding there. It seems like your gas supply is not sufficient so I'd check that. There aren't any other parts that could be bad that would cause this issue.