I did some more diagnosis, looks like the fan motor is the problem. First I
removed the propane leak detector from the circuit, this did not make any
difference, fuse still blew. It wasn't possible to remove the cover from
the heater with it still installed so I pulled the heater from the van.
Removing the heater cover was a minor challenge as parts of it were sealed
to the chassis with silicone RTV. Once removed I was able to access the two
squirrel cage fans and could just barely move them. I don't know if the
shaft rusted or what happened but it barely moves. I applied some
penetrating oil at both ends and let it sit for a while but that made no
difference. I may or may not attempt a fix by removing the motor and
disassembling it. Anyone have a broken model 1600 with a good motor? Very
unlikely I know. :)

Does anyone know if the newer HS2000 model has the same size and spacing of
the exhaust and combustion air inlet/outlet tubes? It would be nice if it
were a drop in replacement for the Compact 1600.

I don't know what bothers me more...not having a heater for camping this
winter or having two open holes through the floor of my van.

-Mark

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 7:29 AM Mark McCulley <markmcculley@gmail.com>
wrote:

> My trusty Propex 1600 heater blew a fuse yesterday when I tried to start
> it for the first time this year. The 5A fuse blows as soon as the unit
> turns on, both in Heat mode and in Fan Only mode. This makes me suspect the
> fan motor is the culprit. I have an inquiry in to Propex but I'd really
> like to fix it myself if possible. Anyone ever experienced a similar issue
> with the 1600?
>
> Regards,
> Mark
>