American Water Heater 71681, ADCG, DCG3-Series Pilot Burner and Main Burner Assembly Inspection

Index

Pilot Burner and Main Burner Assembly Inspection

To access the pilot burner and main burner for inspec- tion:

1.Turn off gas at main shutoff valve and turn off electrical power.

2.Disconnect the gas supply line from the gas valve.

3.Remove the 2 screws holding the Pilot & Main Burner Assembly in place. See Figure 17 for location of screws.

Figure 17: Pilot/Burner Assembly Removal

4.Carefully slide the assembly out of the water heater.

5.If needed, use a brush or vacuum to clean any soot or debris from the burners.

6.Check for correct alignment of burners before sliding assembly back into the water heater.

7.Carefully slide Pilot/Burner Assembly back into the water heater.

8.Replace and sufficiently tighten the two screws holding the Pilot/Burner Assembly in place.

9.Reconnect the gas supply line to the gas valve.

10.Turn on gas at main shutoff valve.

11.Check for gas leaks and proper operation on the unit after servicing.

Gas Valve Removal and Replacement

It is recommended that this maintenance be performed by a qualified service technician.

1.Turn the thermostat to its lowest setting.

2.Turn off gas at manual gas shut-off valve

(see figure 10 for reference) and disconnect electrical power from water heater.

2.Unplug the 4 wires located on the gas valve. Label wire position for correct reattachment.

3.Disconnect pilot tube from the gas valve.

4.Disconnect the main gas line from the gas valve. Use care not to crack the gas valve housing.

5.Carefully unscrew the gas valve from the burner assembly.

Important: When removing gas control valve do not use a pipe wrench or vise to grip the body.

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6.When replacing the gas valve, use an approved Teflon® or pipe joint compound on the pipe threads.

7.Screw the new gas valve onto the burner assembly.

8.Reconnect the pilot tube to the gas valve.

9.Reconnect the main gas line to the gas valve.

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

11.Reconnect the 4 wires to their proper location and restore electrical power to the unit.

11.Verify proper operation after servicing this water heater.

12.If additional information is required, contact the Product Service and Support Group at 1-800-456- 9805.

Anode Rod Inspection

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the rods and the water. Once the anodes are depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak. The most common complaint asso- ciated with the anode rod is a "rotten egg smell" pro- duced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dis- solved in the water. Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties, stated or implied. A spe- cial anode is available for this complaint. This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems. The water supply system may require special filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to suc- cessfully eliminate all water odor problems.

Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the process substitutes sodium ions for mag- nesium and calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water heater tank.

The anode rods should be removed from the water heater tank every 3 years for inspection. If the rods are more than 50% depleted, the anode rods should be replaced.

In replacing the anodes:

1.Turn off gas supply and electrical power to the water heater.

2.Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to depressurize the water tank.

3.Drain approximately 5 gallons (19 l) of water from tank (Refer to “Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain valve.

4.Remove old anode rods.

5.Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and install new anode rods.

6.Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet to purge air from water system.

7.Restart the water heater as directed under “Operating Your Water Heater.” See the "Repair Parts Illustration" for anode rod location.

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