Water Heater will not stay lit on gas

[rbs]

Atwood 6 gal gas/electric in 2005 Classic. The water heater works just fine on electric, but when we tried to run it on gas it would only light for a few seconds and then shut off. The switch light in the bathroom does not come on at all. I have checked the switch light to make sure it wasn't burnt out, and it is fine. Removed and cleaned all of the connection, removed and checked the venturi tube, no spider problems. When the gas switch is turned on I get the gas and ignition, but only a couple or more seconds of burn time. I have made so many attempts that I am certain that the line is bled. Anybody experience this, and or suggestions to get the water heater working with gas. I have read about a "flame sensor", but can't seem to find it, any help with that would also be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rod

[ctdair]

The flame sensor is the same element as the igniter. My trailer was doing the same thing with the exception of I believe the light was indicating failure.What I discovered is the wire was loose inside the ceramic of the igniter , it actually pulled out. The high voltage of the ignition circuit was able to jump the break in the wire and still work. Then hen it switched to sensing mode(low voltage) the high resistance caused by the loose connection would not allow current flow back to the brain box. Replaced igniter and all was ok.

[rbs]

Originally Posted by ctdair

The flame sensor is the same element as the igniter. My trailer was doing the same thing with the exception of I believe the light was indicating failure.What I discovered is the wire was loose inside the ceramic of the igniter , it actually pulled out. The high voltage of the ignition circuit was able to jump the break in the wire and still work. Then hen it switched to sensing mode(low voltage) the high resistance caused by the loose connection would not allow current flow back to the brain box. Replaced igniter and all was ok.

Pulled the igniter, cleaned and replaced, still not staying lit. Decided to call Atwood for some advice. Talked with Jerry in customer service (super nice guy), explained what was going on and he walked me thru several possible causes. Spider webs, faulty igniter or patially blocked orfice. My problem turned out to be partially blocked orfice, and a little cleaning and hot water.

Thanks,
Rod

[Silver Otter]

Rod,
Nice to see you found the solution. We had exactly the same problem and a good cleaning solved it. Now I fire up the propane every camp, just to be sure I have all systems. We usually use the electric heater when we have the hook up, as most do I suspect.

[rbs]

I think I will add the "test the water heater on gas" to my routine also. We have just really started trying to learn about everything, and unfortunately waited untiil we "needed" the water heater to run on gas to discover the problem. Cold water showers are a very strong motivator, thank goodness my wife has a very good sense of humor.

Rod

[tinman1]

I'm glad I ran across this thread - been having the same problem when using the gas. I'll check for spider webs, the igniter and clean the orifice.
Glad I have the electric - gas option.
Thanks