PDA

View Full Version : Atwood Water Heater Pilot won’t stay lit

PaulDeb2
03-03-2018, 05:13 PM
We have a 6 gallon Atwood water heater...Brand new. The pilot turns on, (we can see the fire), but burns out after about 30 seconds. All other gas appliances are working. This is our first outing since de-winterization.

Please help. Cold in Myrtle Beach!
(I’ve read the other posts and they have not helped our situation)
chuckster57
03-03-2018, 06:35 PM
There isn’t any pilot light on your water heater, It’s either on or off. The igniter is also the flame sensor. Take it out, clean it with WD-40, making sure to wipe the ceramic. Put it back in and try it. If it still fails to stay lit, then it’s probably bad.
PaulDeb2
03-03-2018, 07:25 PM
That sounds complicated!!
chuckster57
03-03-2018, 07:28 PM
Not really. The igniter has a wire that is plugged into the board up in the right corner. Should take a 1/4” socket.
flybouy
03-04-2018, 06:20 AM
That sounds complicated!!

From this response I have to ask, did you install the water heater? If it's new and you had it installed by a tech then return to the dealer and have them make it right.
ctbruce
03-04-2018, 07:42 AM
I learned to do this on my S&B furnace and a $150 service call. After I watched the tech fix it, I told myself never again.
Remove one screw, took the sensor out, cleaned it off, repositioned it properly, put the screw back in and voila'! Problem solved and I kept $150. Easy peasy.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
PaulDeb2
03-04-2018, 11:03 AM
So now the pilot is lighting and staying on for about 5 minutes. I’m thinking this has something to do with the de-winterization process. There is only on valve. The hot water out valve is warm but there is no hot water coming to the faucet. It makes me think there is something that we haven’t done to allow the hot water to come out. But since there is only one valve, I don’t know what that could be
ctbruce
03-04-2018, 11:47 AM
So now the pilot is lighting and staying on for about 5 minutes. I’m thinking this has something to do with the de-winterization process. There is only on valve. The hot water out valve is warm but there is no hot water coming to the faucet. It makes me think there is something that we haven’t done to allow the hot water to come out. But since there is only one valve, I don’t know what that could beDid you change the bypass valve on the back of the water heater?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
chuckster57
03-04-2018, 12:42 PM
Did you change the bypass valve on the back of the water heater?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

If you didn't rotate the valve to allow regular flow, I'm thinking the thermosat is reading "hot" and turning the flame off. DO NOT use the electric side until you verify water is in the tank. Best way to verify flow INTO the tank is to pull the overheat tab and if you get water then your tank has water, If not then you need to turn the bypass valve and try again, you'll probalby hear air coming out. If you hear air then close that overheat valve, go inside and turn the HOT faucet on at the FURTHEST faucet from the heater. Let it run until a steady stream of water comes out. Then fire up the water heater and see what happens.
PaulDeb2
03-04-2018, 03:38 PM
Releasing the pressure release valve was the solution. I don’t understand why...but I have hot water! Thanks so much!!
chuckster57
03-04-2018, 04:43 PM
I have no idea either.
ctbruce
03-04-2018, 05:06 PM
'Tis a mystery...

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
jkohler70
03-05-2018, 05:19 AM
The answer is probably air. Your empty tank was full of air, and the tank couldn't fill without displacing the air. Your tank was only partially full causing it to heat up quickly and shut off. When you opened the valve, you "burped" the tank.
After I drain my HW tank, I always leave a faucet on until I get water before turning it on.