maldune Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Greetings, this week my water heater will not ignite? replaced thermal couple, blew lines, no luck? Is there a way to bypass thermal couple to check if valve is functioning? Thx Gene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gulfstream Greg Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Is this the light the pilot with a match type or the turn the switch on inside the coach type? With the match light type you have to set the valve knob in the lite position and press it down to lite the pilot. Hold the knob down for awhile to heat the thermal coupler then release. This bypasses the thermal couple until you release the knob. If when depressing the valves knob you can not get the pilot to light the pilot orifice could be clogged. The gas valves do sometime stick shut, a tap or two on the valve might wake it up. I saw a valve recently that would not open up all the way and produced a very small burner flame. The electric start type automatically lets gas flow and produces a spark at the burner for ignition. The spark-er rod also detects that there is flame and keeps the valve open. The unit will make a tic tic tic sound as it tries to ignite. If it fails it will wait for awhile for any gas to dissipate then try again. There is an electronic controller that activates the gas valve etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maldune Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 Thanks, I have the old style that you lite with a match. Pilot lites, but will stay on. I tried tapping the valve with a hammer.no luck. Think i need a new valve. Thanks Gene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gulfstream Greg Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 There should be some sort of thermostat. Not sure how it works but I would look at that before buying a new valve. There has to be a way to bypass the thermostat. The valve I bet is going to be pricey and non returnable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gottasmilealot Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 If you don't get it working right, do yourself a favor and replace the whole heater if it's original. They're reasonably priced and easy to install. The new ones are in Styrofoam and insulated better. No use replacing the valve then having the tank go on you. I just did mine last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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