Atwood Water Heater Question

[PC70]

I originally posted this question under the Light Trailer Forum:

I’ve searched the forums and can’t seem to find a fix for my particular water heater problem. I have an Atwood gas/electric water heater. When I went through the de-winterizing process I checked the WH and it worked on both gas and electric. But on the first trip of the season the gas is not working. Here’s the symptoms and what I’ve done so far:

I hear and smell the gas cycle three times before the unit defaults but hear no spark from the igniter. I’ve tried to manually light the WH but it won’t stay lit (gas just stops flowing). All other gas appliances are working (just filled the tanks). I’ve cleaned all the contacts, verified the 2amp on the circuit board is good and replaced the ceramic igniter with a new one.

What am I missing?

[HappyCamperMN]

Sorry, I've got nothing to help with.

I'm happy to be moving from manual water heater ignition to automatic. Though if we end up with an Atwood, I'll be sure to watch out for the problem you're describing.

[bobbecky]

You say you just filled the propane tanks--did you slowly open the gas valves when putting them back on the trailer? Some of these have a system where the gas flow is restricted if too much gas flows suddenly. Have to turn off both valves and disconnect the hoses from the tanks, then reinstall the fittings on the tanks, and SLOWLY open each valve.

Another thing to look at is, you must have at least 12 volts to the igniter, or the spark isn't going to be strong enough. It is also possible that the gas solenoid valve is not working, and that would prevent gas from flowing to the burner. You also must have about 11" WC gas pressure to the water heater, and to check that, you will need a manometer, or someone with one that knows the procedure for checking the gas pressure at the appliances.

There are other things that could be a problem, so it may be less frustrating to just call a pro, instead of just throwing parts at it.

[PC70]

Thanks. I can check the voltage but not the pressure. I just hate paying for a service run and finding out that it was a simple (meaning inexpensive) fix.

[GaryWT]

Shut off propane disconnect it re connect and turn it on. Let us know if it works.