American Water Heater 318935-003 Piezoelectric Igniter System, Testing the Igniter System

if the door gasket does not create a seal between the burner door and the combustion chamber.

6.Reconnect the manifold tubing (3/4” wrench), pilot tubing (7/16” wrench), temperature sensor wires, and thermopile wires to the gas control valve/thermostat. (See Figure 22 for the correct position of the thermopile wires.) Do not cross-thread or apply any thread sealant to the fittings. NOTE: If installing a new pilot tube install the provided ferrule nut in the gas control valve/ thermostat at the pilot location, hand tight only. Next, insert the pilot tube into the ferrule nut until it bottoms out. Hold the tube in this position. Tighten the ferrule nut with a 7/16” wrench until the crimp connection seals to the pilot tube. Continue to tighten until the nut is tight in the gas control valve/thermostat.

7.Reconnect the igniter wire.

8.Turn the main gas supply on and check the gas supply connections for leaks. Use an approved noncorrosive leak detection solution. If such a solution is not available, use a mixture of hand dish washing soap and water (one part soap to 15 parts water) or childrens’ soap bubble solution. Bubbles forming indicate a leak. Correct any leak found.

9.Follow the “Lighting Instructions” on page 17.

10.With the pilot and main burner lit, check the manifold tube and pilot tube connections for leaks. Correct any leak found. Use an approved noncorrosive leak detection solution. IMPORTANT: All leaks must be fixed immediately.

11.Replace the outer door

Figure 30A	Flame-trap	Bracket
Combustion Chamber
Door Gasket

Figure 30B

Close-up inside view of the combustion chamber

Bracket

Piezoelectric Igniter System

The piezoelectric igniter system consists of the igniter button, electrode, and wire. The pilot is ignited by an electric spark generated when the igniter button is pressed. (See Figure 31). Use only factory authorized piezoelectric igniter parts for replacement.

Figure 31
Gas Igniter Assembly
	Thermopile
	Pilot
VAC
	Electrode
Wire to Electrode	Pilot/Thermopile Bracket
Igniter Button	(Opposite Side)

Testing the Igniter System

Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas shut- off valve. Watch the electrode tip while activating the igniter. A visible spark should jump from the electrode. To avoid shock, do not touch the burner or any metal part on the pilot or pilot assembly. If no spark is visible, check the wire connections and make sure the electrode is not broken. Replace the igniter if defective. Dirt and rust on the pilot or electrode tip can prevent the igniter spark. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry completely. Rust can be removed from the electrode tip and metal surfaces by lightly sanding with an emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper.

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