Hot Water Heater

[blkmagikca]

This has me perplexed . . .

The heater is a 6-gallon Atwood gas with electric ignition, model G6A-8E. When I switched on the hot water heater (switch is in the bathroom), I hear the ignition and the light on the switch goes out. A few moments later, the light comes on again. I checked to see that there is propane in the tanks - there is, and the stove works as does the refrigerator. Given the delay before the light goes out, I switched on the heater and ran to the outside. I saw that there was in fact ignition and that there was flame, but there was still a clicking sound of the igniter as though it doesn't recognize that there is actually a flame. Then it all shuts off. It would seem that the thermocouple is malfunctioning, but I can't see where it is located, as the only wire to where the flame is burning is the igniter.

Any ideas?

[lewster]

Your unit has no separate thermocouple. It senses the flame back thru the igniter, so I doubt that is your problem. First, check all of the ground connections on the water heater (You don't heat hot water ). If you are getting a strong, blue flame and the igniter is still clicking, you probably have a bad igniter board.

Next, remove the white plastic plug that connects to the circuit board, then replace. Repeat 5 times. This will clear any corrosion from the contacts.

If this does not produce a steady flame, you have an igniter board problem.

[rmkrum]

Also be sure the igniter tip is IN the flame. If not, it can't tell its lit.


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[blkmagikca]

Lew I removed the plastic plug and reconnected it several times. I did notice that it comes off rather easily. Still, it ignites and then stops about 30 seconds later.

remkrum, as for the igniter tip, it hasn't moved at all and looks to be in the proper place.

I guess it is the igniter board. So, no hot shower tonight!

[rmkrum]

Try gently tightening the connector socket part by distorting it a tiny bit with a small tool so it fits tighter. Sometimes that works.


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[lewster]

Originally Posted by blkmagikca

Lew I removed the plastic plug and reconnected it several times. I did notice that it comes off rather easily. Still, it ignites and then stops about 30 seconds later.

remkrum, as for the igniter tip, it hasn't moved at all and looks to be in the proper place.

I guess it is the igniter board. So, no hot shower tonight!

Ahhhhhh! We're making progress. Remove the white plug again and look at the contacts. One or more might be depressed beyond the contact point with the board.

Get a small hook and gently pull the silver pads back out from the plug ( in the direction that they will be making contact with the board). The plug should NOT be easy to remove, and one or more might not be making the proper connection to the board.

Worth a shot anyway!!!

[blkmagikca]

OK, Lew. I'll do that tomorrow. BTW, I had just pulled in to JC for my service tomorrow and that's when I discovered that I couldn't get hot water for a shower. Definitely, this will be resolved tomorrow, as I'm heading to AZ ASAP - can't stand the cold and snow.

[blkmagikca]

Lew you were bang on! JC service cleaned both the plug and the connector on the board and put some CorrosionX on them. Heater works - the final test will be taking a shower this morning. :-)

[lewster]

Originally Posted by blkmagikca

Lew you were bang on! JC service cleaned both the plug and the connector on the board and put some CorrosionX on them. Heater works - the final test will be taking a shower this morning. :-)

I get lucky every once in a while!!