Water Heater Stuck

[thundercakes]

I am trying to light my water heater pilot for the first time in my 1971 Ambassador. My problem is that the "gas cock knob", the green knob on the top of the unitrol will not turn in any direction. Tried using force but that just cracked the plastic. Has anybody run into this problem before. Is there a special trick to turn it? The unit has not been lit for about 8 years.

Thanks in advance.

[SafeHarbor]

Forgive me for this, but do you need to press down on it before turning it? I have one in my Argosy (Jade controls) that works that way.

Lamar

[thundercakes]

Originally Posted by SafeHarbor

Forgive me for this, but do you need to press down on it before turning it? I have one in my Argosy (Jade controls) that works that way.

Lamar

I tried pressing down, the knob just won't budge. I am worried that there is corrosion but am hoping I am just doing something wrong.

[SafeHarbor]

That controller actually has the part that goes back into the tank and regulates the run cycle. if it's broken, I don't think I'd mess with it.

Maybe you have an experienced, old propane guy in your area . . .

Years ago, I had a leaking tank in the water heater on my Argosy. Three-Way Campers in Atlanta, who sold the trailer originally, happened to have a dusty, but new tank that wasn't very expensive. My local propane guy replaced the controller for about $50, and that was in 1992.

Faced with a similar problem recently on the Excella, I decided that it was easier to replace the water heater than to repair it. Not only did I get better saftety features, this one has a switch inside to turn on the water heater. That sure beats a standing pilot, and I like the convenience of flipping a switch.

I ordered the water heater from PPL Motorhomes in Texas. They are not always the cheapest I can find on the net, but they've come through for me when I needed specific stuff again and again. Their parts department folks are friendly and are a pleasure to deal with.

In other words, if your controller is shot, you may as well abandon this ancient water heater and put a new one in. You'll know what you have, and it should be good for years of service.

Lamar