Water Heater Pilot

[mapley3]

I have an Atwood plain-jane water heater. The pilot lights and stays lit in the PILOT position but, the instant I turn the dial towards ON, the pilot flame goes out. I've cleaned, scraped, and adjusted everything I know to do with no benefit. What do you suggest I do next?

[azflycaster]

The thermo couple is most likely not working or not positioned correctly. It should be heated by the pilot light and cause the gas valve to open. Make sure it is clean and in the path of the flame. It may need to be replaced.

[Orlop]

thermocouple is a good bet ..... could be the control unit; I had to re[lace one last year, but I would replace the thermocouple first

[Becky B.]

My daughter had the same problem when we were camping a few weeks ago. It turned out that she had a switch for the propane that was turned to off. It was getting just enough propane for the small flame. If you have a switch, you could check that & make sure your propane tank is full. (I know, it sounds too simple, but we went all round the cleaning & checking routes before my DH told me about the switch on a desperate call to home!)

[mapley3]

Thanks everyone.. We replaced the thermocouple and it behaves the same.. So, now I'm thinking it must be the control unit. Can a novice like me replace the control unit or should I take it to a dealer?

[Mike Leary]

Take it to a dealer, have it flushed from the drain and check/replace the pressure regulator. Atwoods are good products, but I'd have the dealer replace the card with a Dinosaur.

dinosaurelectronics.com

[Orlop]

I replaced mine with no problem. The square unit just screws out and you would need to put some goop on the threads before you screw it back in.

After you remove all the fittings a pipe wrench will be needed as a minimum ..... however there is actually a tool that fits over the square unit you can borrow if you have a friendly RV Dealer. Especially if you buy the replacement unit from him/her.