Gas water heater: burner doesn't fire, replaced gas control valve
I have a GE gas water heater with a standing pilot system. Has worked trouble free for years until lately when the burner wouldn't fire up - pilot was on.
I replaced the gas control valve, pilot lights and stays on but the same symptom - burner doesn't fire up.
I noticed the old gas vavle would click when turned up in temperature while the new one doesn't. I assume the new one is good.
Also noticed that the burner had some loose rust flakes on it when I pulled it out. I just shook it off and put the burner back in, never thinking it may be the issue.
When I turned on the (new) temp valve, I waited only a minute or two for the burner to fire and then had to leave; I did not smell any gas during this time. Do I need to wait longer? Do I need to turn on the hot water as well to get flow? Can the burner be clogged - I doubt this as the pipe is rather large and surely all the small holes in the round part can't be clogged?
I replaced the gas control valve, pilot lights and stays on but the same symptom - burner doesn't fire up.
I noticed the old gas vavle would click when turned up in temperature while the new one doesn't. I assume the new one is good.
Also noticed that the burner had some loose rust flakes on it when I pulled it out. I just shook it off and put the burner back in, never thinking it may be the issue.
When I turned on the (new) temp valve, I waited only a minute or two for the burner to fire and then had to leave; I did not smell any gas during this time. Do I need to wait longer? Do I need to turn on the hot water as well to get flow? Can the burner be clogged - I doubt this as the pipe is rather large and surely all the small holes in the round part can't be clogged?
Water Heaters - General Electric - GE SmartWater Household Water Filtration System - GNWH38F
Answers & Comments
Hello,Don't worry about the rust flakes as every burner collects then and is normal.The new control should click.Please check incoming gas pressure supply 3.5"WC natural gas / 9"WC for LP.Check it at the piolt tube with a pressure dial meter,I assume the water temp now is cold.Did you change the thermocouple also as this provides the power to run the control?
Hello,The thermocouple makes milli-volt when burned.It holds open the (pilot) magnet in any gas valve open.No flame = pilot off.Assuming the new control is good, THERE IS NOTHING LEFT!A millivolt system (not the case here) can have a BURNING pilot and not work because of bad/weak generator/thermocouple.Try a new one can't hurt.