Suburban water heater flame

[tevz32]

2003 Suburban gas only water heater. Lights and burns with a nice blue flame but then the flame blows back and with a "puff" flame bursts inside heater compartment. I can blow it out with my mouth and the burner continues to burn. This happens more quickly with the outside door of the heater closed. I have removed the burner and soaked it in alcohol per suggestion but the problem remains. Ideas?

[miked]

try taking an air hose and blow out the heater compartment, any time i have a problem that usually fixes it

[RayHarkness]

I agree with other post..I use a shopvac, reverse the hose, and blow all the air thru the exhaust outlet...there is crappy rust and cobwebs in there..I bet.

[tevz32]

Update to Suburban water heater flame: The problem was a failed solenoid. My son diagnosed it, replaced it and it works fine. It pays to have a son who knows things!