suburban 6 gal. hot water heater problem

[kippy]

My hot water heater is not working. Heater ignites with a strong flame & runs for 10 minutes and goes out. Turn hot water tap on and you get cold water for 3 seconds, then warm water for 4 seconds, then stays cold. Unit has to rest for about 2 hours before you can relight it. Took thermostats to camping world and they said thay were o-k.any suggesstions appreciated. Thanks kip

[poncho62]

Silly question, but you did check to see if your bypass valve is in right position, right?

[GaryWT]

Does it work on electric?

[HappyCamperMN]

The warm water for 4 seconds sounds like it's just "room temperature" water from sitting in the lines.

[mikell]

Yup sounds like a gas electric with the bypass in the wrong position.

Been there done that

[GaryWT]

So it works on electric so there must be water in the tank. Since the gas runs for ten minutes, it does not seem like a propane issue. I know you said the thermostats were good but I am not sure what else. Sorry, not sure what else.

[B&T]

Does really sound like the heater bypass valves are set for winterize but also sounds like the heater has not been drained and has water in it.