My Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Safety Heater Isn't Staying on

Updated 01/16/2026 | Published 01/11/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Safety Heater for Small RVs

(67)

$388.94

Question:

hi I have a wave olympian 3 for a couples of years now and lately the gas and lighter work its difficult to get it running and afer 3 min or less theres a click and it stop working

asked by: Jean-François D

Expert Reply:

Thanks for your question!

I did some digging to try to get some troubleshooting information for the Camco Olympian Wave 3 part # CAM57331 and didn't turn up with anything reliable. The only thing I was able to find was a forum where some others shared what they checked and tried.

1: Hold the knob in longer
- When lighting the heater, press and hold the control knob for a full 90 seconds
- Letting go too soon will cause a click and shut-off

2: Make sure the heater is warm before releasing the knob
After lighting, the heater surface should start to feel warm
If it is still cool, keep holding the knob longer

3: Check for proper ventilation.
- The heater will shut off if there is not enough fresh air
Check the propane supply

4: Make sure the propane tank is not low or empty
- If possible, try a different propane tank
- Too cold of weather can also reduce propane pressure

5: Look at the catalytic pad
- Make sure the front pad is: Clean, not blocked by dust, pet hair, or covers.
- Do not spray or clean it with chemicals

I hope this helps get your heater goin!

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

Camco Olympian Wave 3
(click to enlarge)

Kyle

1/13/2026

I have used the heater for 2 or 3 seasons now, with no issues. I use it in my 100 square foot cabin that is fairly well insulated. I use it in conjunction with a small woodstove. The Camco will MAINTAIN about a 40 degree F temperature differential on high (if 20F outside, 60F inside) and about a 30 degree F differential on low. I use the woodstove to get the temperature up quickly in the cabin and use the Camco to maintain. I live dangerously and crack a window just barely BUT I use a CO detector religiously.

Jean-françois J.

1/13/2026

It stays on now but the flame over the pad stay for longer period than before and when it stops I think it's not burning all the gas maybe I should change the pad is it possible to change the pad?