American Water Heater 6510319 Piezoelectric Igniter System, Testing the Igniter System

Piezoelectric Igniter System

The piezoelectric igniter system is part of the Flame Guard® Safety System and consists of the igniter button, electrode, and wire. The pilot is ignited by an electric spark generated when the igniter button is pressed. The spark gap of 0.125 inch is set when the electrode is installed at the factory. (See Figure 28A and 28B). Use only factory authorized Flame Guard® Safety System piezoelectric igniter parts for replacement.

Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat

Important: The gas control valve/thermostat is a standard valve with a left-hand thread thermocouple that is unique to the Flame Guard® Safety System. Use only factory authorized replacement parts.

1. On the gas control valve/thermostat turn the

temperature dial counterclockwise to its lowest

setting. Turn the gas control knob clockwise to the

"OFF" position (Figure 19).

Figure 28A

Natural Gas Igniter Assembly

Igniter

Button

Thermocouple

2.	Turn off the gas at the manual shut-off valve on the
	gas supply pipe (Figure 3).
3.	Drain the water heater. Refer to the section of

Pilot

.125

Tip

Wire

to PilotElectrode electrode Bracket

Snap-on Connector

Figure 28B

L.P. Igniter Assembly

Pilot

IgniterBracket

Button

Thermocouple

Pilot

.125 Wire

toTip electrode

Electrode

Snap-on Connector

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.

"Draining and Flushing" on page 20 and follow the

procedure.

4. Disconnect the igniter wire from the igniter button.

Remove the igniter button by depressing front and

rear holding tabs and lift. Remove igniter bracket.

Disconnect the thermocouple (left-hand threads),

pilot tube, and manifold tube at the thermostat

(Figure 21). Note: L.P. gas systems use reverse

(left-hand) threads on the manifold tube.

5. Refer to "Gas Piping" (Figure 3) and disconnect the

ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the

remaining pipe from the gas valve/thermostat.

Important: When removing the gas control valve/thermostat do not use pipe wrench or vise to grip body. Do not insert any type of blunt instrument into the inlet or outlet connections. Using these type tools may result in damage to the gas control valve/thermostat.

6.Turn the gas control valve/thermostat counterclockwise. Remove the gas control valve/thermostat.

To replace the gas control valve/thermostat, reassemble in reverse order. The gas control valve/thermostat is a standard valve with a left-hand thread thermocouple that is unique to the Flame Guard® Safety System. Use only factory authorized replacement parts.

!Be sure to use approved Teflon tape or pipe joint compound on the gas piping connections and fitting on the back of the gas valve that screws into tank.

!Be sure to remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new gas control valve/thermostat.

!Turn gas supply on and check for leaks. Use a chloride-free soap and water solution (bubbles forming indicate a leak) or other approved method.

!Be sure tank is completely filled with water before lighting and activating the water heater. Follow the "Lighting Instructions" on page 17.

!If additional information is required, contact the Service Department at: 1-800-999-9515.

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