problems with WH igniter or pilot

[troutcamper]

tried to start water heater on 212 QBW , this unit has the peizo electric igniter. when I pushed the start button seems the igniter was working fine. but not lighting the heater. I cannot seem to find a pilot light button ? not sure if it needs a pilot with this system, but there is a thermo coupler like with a pilot. the owners manual and the water heater manual were pretty useless to answer this question ??
I was able to light manually but it did not cycle back on as should have when hot water supply was exhausted.
thanks troutcamper

[mike837go]

What make and model WH are you dealing with?


If it is a pilot light model, then there should be a mode control on the gas valve.

[troutcamper]

I'll have to look when I get home at work now.
thanks
troutcamper

[mike837go]

Thinking about the standing pilot equipment I've used.... Some have a separate button to activate pilot gas flow, some I've had to press the actual control valve down against a spring to get the pilot gas to flow.


Then wait a long time to expel the 'dead' gas. Then wait 30-40 seconds after the pilot flame is established before letting go.


I used to cheat and use a propane torch for the first ignition of the season. Light the torch, set the controls for pilot ignition hold the flame of the torch to warm the thermocouple for 20 seconds then turn the control to ON. Within 10 seconds flammable propane would be burning unsteadily. Hold the torch until everything settles down (another 10-15 seconds). Wait for the water to get hot and the main burner shuts down. Check for pilot. Good until the tank runs out.


I'd check the spark on your piezo igniter carefully. Is it arcing really close to the pilot burner? Is it shorted somewhere else? I had a gas grill wire get shorted to the case once.

[troutcamper]

the unit in my TT is an Atwood model#G6A-8E
S/N 962200416246
I cannot find anywhere there is a pilot control knob. I just have an on switch inside the door of TT to start it.
any help appreciated.
thanks
troutcamper

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by troutcamper

the unit in my TT is an Atwood model#G6A-8E
S/N 962200416246
I cannot find anywhere there is a pilot control knob. I just have an on switch inside the door of TT to start it.
any help appreciated.
thanks
troutcamper

I found the user manual: http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Atwoo...er-Service.pdf

It includes a troubleshooting guide.

I'm not sure if your unit carries a pilot. It may use the electronic sparker to ignite the fuel as needed.

You may have a thermostat or board malfunction.

[ALJO]

If you have read the WH manual it states the E in the serial stands for "Electronic Ignition" (first page bottom RH corner)
So if there is spark and the LP gas line is purged you should be OK. Can take sometimes 3 tries.
Always light a stove burner first after opening a valve at the LP gas tank.

[troutcamper]

just a follow up, I double checked the spade connection going to the peizio
starter. it was tight but cleaned contact (didn't appear dirty as is new TT)
plugged it back in, and it fired up first click. everything ran smooth as can be.
troutcamper

[suzhou]

Just went through a similar problem with my new TT and the water heater. There are no controls on the water heater, simply an on/off switch in the trailer. Turn it on, it will try to light three times then stop. The light by the switch will come on telling you it did not light properly. Mine would light the first time on a tank of cold water but would not restart to keep the water hot after use. No gas issues, just would not stay lit after the first start. Short version the dealer had to replace the control board on the water heater.

Net - don't assume that if it lights the first time it will again. Cycle it to test. Let it get to temp, shut off, then use some hot water and make sure it will re-light a few times. I made a couple of trips thinking it was fixed. Would get to camp site and light the water heater. I would take the first shower and then no hot water for my wife to use or for washing dishes, etc.