Back fire (?) flame from pilot

[Fern Dweller]

Just got back from 5 nights in the mountains (great time had by all) but we were without our water heater. I noticed it wouldn’t stay lit so I sat and watched it for a while. The burner seemed fine but the pilot light was a longer lazier yellow flame than usual. After a little while burning it would shoot a flame out a vent (?) hole behind the pilot and shortly thereafter extinguish itself and shut the whole system down. I am guessing I need a new pilot apparatus but wanted to check here before I spend $30. You can see the orange flame coming out of the hole on my side of the metal plate. It is a 6 gallon Atwood water heater I don’t know the specific model #

 

[SteveP]

The pilot tube is partially blocked. Blow compressed air into that hole in the side of the nut, where it backflames. If that doesn't work run a pipe cleaner through the pilot tube.

 

[Lug_Nut]

Oh, no. I won't make that mistake again... I recently provided incorrect advice in a post that I had to walk-back when my disregard of video evidence was brought to my attention.
There is a restriction in the flow path of the propane gas between the venturi air inlet (the small hole on the side where flame is forming, and the intended flame location at the further end. The restriction is causing gas to flow out the side hole rather than to use the gas high velocity to draw in the air needed for the ideal air-fuel ratio.
Clean out the restriction.

Back Firing Flame on Propane Fridge

I can get a really small flame ignited but after 5-10 seconds or so the flame back fires. See video: Here is a second video showing the flame back firing upon ignition: I verified the flue pipe is free and clear of debris. Any other ideas what I can look at or where the problem may be Model...

www.popupportal.com

"...We won't be fooled again!" The Who

 

[Fern Dweller]

Thanks everybody! I got out there and ran a pipe cleaner through and sure enough a little white spider nest came out. Running smoothly now.

 

[Lug_Nut]

Mercaptan (methanethiol) is an additive used to make the distinct odor that we have learned to associate with what is otherwise odorless propane gas.
Spiders (which are arthropods, not insects) associate that odor with decay of organic materials, the kind of decay that insects seek as ideal for their larvae. A spider nest near decaying materials is their version of a hunting blind on a game trail.