Water Heater Gas Valve?

[giffy58]

I just replaced the water tank for my original (1971) Safari. Before ordering the replacement tank I tested the pilot and gas valve operation and everything worked properly. Once all the parts were put on the new tank, the water heater installed and hooked up, gas shut off turned on, gas at valve, but now I can't get the pilot to light. Any ideas? I see that the gas valve that the thermo couple and pilot connect to has a face plate with three screws. Is it worth trying to open and clean? Any help is appreciated.

[SteveH]

Of course I don't know for sure because I'm not there, but my first suspicion would be there is actually not gas to the heater yet. I know you said there is gas there, but I would carefully loosen the fitting on the gas line at the heater and bleed the line. Then give it a few minutes for any gas in the area to clear, then try it again.

[giffy58]

Thanks for the input, but as I said there is gas at the valve. Any other ideas?

[SteveH]

I'm assuming this replacement water heater is the same type as the original? i.e. it does not have an electronic board that controls the heater?

OK, just re-read your original post...you just replaced the tank, and have the same burner, pilot light system, and such, and it worked before you changed the tank. Is that all correct?