28
tight in the gas control valve/thermostat. Finally, start
the thermocouple nut and turn it all the way in by hand.
An additional quarter turn with a 3/8” open-end wrench
will then be sufficient to seat the lockwasher. When
you are finished, connect the two wire leads that go to
the thermal switch.
7. Reconnect the igniter wire.
8. Turn gas supply on and refer to the Lighting Instruc-
tions.
9. With the burner lit, check the gas control valve/
thermostat supply line, two piece wire connector,
manifold tube, and pilot tube connections for
leaks. Check for leaks by brushing on an approved
noncorrosive leak detection solution. Bubbles forming
indicate a leak. Correct any leak found. IMPORTANT:
All leaks must be fixed immediately.
10. Replace the outer door.
DOOR GASKET
FLAME ARRESTOR BRACKET
TIP
FIGURE 30.
MANIFOLD TUBE TIP BRACKET
SLOT
CLOSE-UP INSIDE VIEW OF
THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
FIGURE 31.
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. The spark gap of 0.125 inch is set when the
electrode is installed at the factory. (Figure 32 ). Use
only factory authorized piezoelectric igniter parts for
replacement.
SNAP-ON CONNECTOR
IGNITER
BUTTON
WIRE
TO
ELECTRODE
THERMOCOUPLE
PILOT
PILOT
BRACKET ELECTRODE
TIP
.125” *
* NOTE: SPARK GAP DISTANCE MEASURED FROM ELECTRODE TIP TO PILOT.
FIGURE 32.
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.
Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat IMPORTANT: This water heater has a resettable thermal
switch installed. Do not attempt to disable or modify this
feature in any way. Use only factory authorized
replacement parts.
Removing the Gas Valve:
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. Note the position of the shut-
off valve in the open/on position then proceed to turn it
off (Figure 3).
2. On the lower front of the water heater locate the
gas control valve/thermostat (see Figure 23). 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. NOTE: On the White
Rodgers gas control valve/thermostat the knob sto p
must first be depressed before turning the gas control
knob. See Lighting Instructions on the water heater.
4. Drain the water heater. Refer to the section of
“Draining and Flushing” section and follow the
procedure.
5. Disconnect the piezo igniter wire from the piezo igniter
button. NOTE: There are two types of igniters. If
you have the square igniter, slide the igniter bracket
backwards away from the gas valve to remove it. If
you have the round igniter, first remove the igniter
from the bracket by depressing front and rear holding
tabs and lift. Next remove igniter bracket from the
gas valve. Disconnect the thermocouple, pilot tube,
the two connectors attached to the thermal switch,
and manifold tube at the gas control valve/thermostat
(Figure 22). NOTE: L.P. gas systems use reverse (left-
hand) threads on the manifold tube.
6. Refer to “Gas Piping” section (Figure 3) and disconnect
the ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the
remaining pipe from the gas control valve/thermostat.
7. To remove the gas control valve/ther mostat, thread a
correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas
control valve/ther mostat (counterclockwise.) Do not use
pipe wrench or equivalent to grip body. Damage may
result, causing leaks.
Do not insert any sharp objects into the inlet or out let
connections. Damage to the gas control valve/thermostat
may result.