Kenmore Water Heater: Thermocouple Replacement, Burner Assembly & Parts Guide

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER

Replacement Parts

IMPORTANT: The following maintenance procedures are for the FVIR System components and should be performed by a qualified technician.

Replacement parts may be ordered from Sears Parts and Service Centers or by calling 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663). When ordering replacement parts, always have the following information ready:

1.model, serial, and product number

2.type of gas

3.item number

4.parts description

See the Parts Order List section for a list of available repair parts.

External Inspection & Cleaning of the Base-Ring Filter

1.At least annually, check the base-ring filter (Figure 38) for any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the filter screen. NOTE: If the water heater is located in an area that is subjected to lint and dirt, it may be necessary to check the base-ring filter more frequently.

2.Follow the Lighting Instructions to turn off the water heater and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before attempting to clean the base-ring filter.

3.Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the filter. NOTE: If unable to inspect or clean the base-ring filter, follow the “Cleaning the Combustion Chamber and Flame-arrestor” instructions.

4.After the base-ring filter has been cleaned, follow the Lighting Instructions to return the water heater to service.

Removing the Manifold/Burner Assembly

1.Turn off the gas supply to the water heater at the manual gas shut-off valve. This valve is typically located beside the water heater (Figure 11). Note the position of the shut-off valve in the open/on position then proceed to turn it off.

2.On the lower front of the water heater, locate the gas control valve/thermostat (see Figure 32). Before performing any maintenance, it is important to turn the temperature dial on the gas control valve/thermostat to its lowest setting.

3.On top of the gas control valve/thermostat, turn the gas control knob to the “OFF” position.

WHITE RODGERS GAS VALVE

PILOT

TUBE

THERMOCOUPLE

MANIFOLD TUBE

FIGURE 31.

4.Remove the outer door.

5.Remove the two screws securing the manifold door assembly to the combustion chamber (Figure 32).

GAS CONTROL VALVE/

THERMOSTAT

		PIEZO
		IGNITER
	MANIFOLD	BUTTON
	MANIFOLD
	TUBE	PILOT
	THERMOCOUPLE	TUBE
	THERMOCOUPLE
		THERMAL
	VIEW PORT	SWITCH
		MANIFOLD
		DOOR
	MANIFOLD	TWO PIECE
	SCREWS (2)	TWO PIECE
	SCREWS (2)	WIRE CONNECTOR
		WIRE CONNECTOR

FIGURE 32.

6.Disconnect the thermocouple (right-hand thread), pilot tube, the igniter wire from the igniter button, the two connectors attached to the thermal switch, and manifold tube at the gas control valve/thermostat. (Figures 31 & 32.) NOTE: L.P. Gas systems use reverse (left-hand) threads on the manifold tube.

7.Grasp the manifold tube and push down slightly to free the manifold, pilot tube, and thermocouple.

8.Carefully remove the manifold/burner assembly from the burner compartment. NOTE: Be sure not to damage internal parts.

Removing the Burner from the Manifold/ Burner Assembly

Natural Gas (Low Nox) & L.P. Gas Burner

1.Take off the burner by removing the two (2) screws located underneath the burner.

2.Check the burner to see if it is dirty or clogged. The burner may be cleaned with soap and hot water (Figure 33).

PILOT ASSEMBLY

(BOTTOM VIEW)

SCREWS

BURNER

(BOTTOM VIEW)

FIGURE 33.

Replacing the Thermocouple

1.Remove the manifold/burner assembly as directed previously.

2.Lift the retainer clip straight up from the back of the two piece wire connector (using a flat-blade screwdriver), then remove the two piece wire connector from the manifold door (Figure 34.)

3.Remove the burner. See “Removing the Burner from the Manifold/Burner Assembly.”

4.Pull the thermocouple from the pilot assembly (Figure 35).

IMPORTANT: Be careful not to bend or alter the position of the pilot assembly components.

5.Insert the thermocouple tip into the holes provided in the pilot bracket until it clicks into place. NOTE: The base of the thermocouple must be flush with the base of the pilot bracket.