
Insurance Discount Campsite Offers All offers UK Sites French Sites European Sites Map Search Text Search Near your Location Popular Searches Leave a Review My Saved Sites Add a New Site All Sections Caravanning Camping Tent Talk Motorhomes Trailer Tents Backpacking Equipment Statics UK Campsites Camping Abroad General Chat News More Sections Latest Posts All Adverts Tents for Sale Caravans for Sale Motorhomes for Sale Equipment for Sale Post an Advert Campsite Jobs All Categories Caravanning Advice Caravan Equipment Tents and Camping Motorhomes Towing and Towcars Equipment Furniture and Cooking Electrical / Gas Shows and Events General More Categories Join for Free Log In

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Motorhomes and Campervans

Topic: SMEV Oven flame

Post Reply

wmcnaught

14/6/2020 at 3:07pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Abbey Aventura 315 2002

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/5/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 11

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	2
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Hi there, we've recently bought on old Hymer (2001) with a SMEV oven. Any other caravan/camper we have had has had a Thetford oven which when lit stays on a small flame then after a short time the flame increases. This doesn't happen on the SMEV oven. The flame never increases. Does anyone know if this is correct or is this a problem that can be fixed?

cliffbrown

via mobile 14/6/2020 at 5:35pm
Location: chesterfield
Outfit: Ford Kuga AWD & Lunar Clubman SI

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/7/2006

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1598

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Do you have to hold the knob in for about 10 seconds? If not it will be a solenoid like the Thetford. Get a torch and check the burner, there is a bulb on the end of a wire, this goes to the solenoid, the bulb should be in the flame when lit, then when hot it opens the solenoid valve to give full flame.
So check that the bulb is over the burner, it can't become dislodged.
Next light the burner and check if there is a flame under the bulb, if not turn off and clean with a small wire brush and try again.
If it still doesn't rise then the solenoid valve may be faulty, a solenoid valve is usually only fitted to an oven with a timer to set automatically, others generally are on a thermocouple which needs holding for about 10 seconds

Capt Lightning

14/6/2020 at 9:34pm
Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2406

Site Reviews Total:	46

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	1
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	2

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	2
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	5
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	6

What you describe is normal for the SMEV oven.
The SMEV oven in my van is pretty useless. There is nothing fancy about it. You just light it and turn the thermostat to the required setting.
I have read other posts agreeing that the SMEV oven is pretty feeble and there's not a lot you can do with it unless you can alter the jet.

My last van had a Spinflo oven which was much better.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.

wmcnaught

via mobile 21/6/2020 at 7:45am
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Abbey Aventura 315 2002

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/5/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 11

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	2
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Thanks. I’ll have a look. Van is in storage and we are only allowed limited access.

wmcnaught

via mobile 21/6/2020 at 7:47am
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Abbey Aventura 315 2002

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/5/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 11

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	2
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Thanks. Might look at changing it to a spinflo in the future.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

Upcoming Event

Elvaston Steam Rally 2026 03/07 to 06/07

Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.

6413 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Special Offers]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Tent Reviews]

[Contact Us]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2026