Installation Guide

31
TESTING THE IGNITER SYSTEM
Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas shut-off valve.
Watch the electrode tip while activating the igniter. A visible spark
should jump from the electrode. To avoid shock, do not touch the burner
or any metal part on the pilot or pilot assembly. If no spark is visible,
check the wire connections and make sure the electrode is not broken.
Replace the igniter if defective. Dirt and rust on the pilot or electrode
tip can prevent the igniter spark. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and
dry completely. Rust can be removed from the electrode tip and metal
surfaces by lightly sanding with an emery cloth or fi ne grit sandpaper.
REMOVING AND REPLACING THE
G A S C O N T R O L VA LV E / T H E R M O S TAT
IMPORTANT: This gas control valve/thermostat is shipped from the
factory as a natural gas unit. However, it may be converted to use LP
gas. Before installing this gas control valve/ thermostat, make sure
that it is confi gured for the type of gas that you are using. Refer to the
“Gas Conversion” section.
Removing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat:
1. Turn the gas control/temperature knob to the “OFF” position
(Figure 34).
2. Turn off the gas at the manual shut-off valve on the gas supply
pipe (Figure 27).
3. Drain the water heater. Refer to the section of “Draining and
Flushing” and follow the procedure.
4. Disconnect the igniter wire from the igniter lead wire. Use
needle nose pliers to disconnect the red (+) and white (-)
thermocouple wires. Disconnect the pilot tube (7/16” SAE
wrench) and manifold tube (3/4” SAE wrench) at the gas control
valve/thermostat. See Figure 36.
5. Refer to “Gas Piping” (Figure 27) and disconnect the ground
joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the remaining pipe
from the gas control valve/thermostat.
6. To remove the gas control valve/thermostat, thread
a 4” (10.16 cm) section of gas pipe into the inlet and use it to turn
the gas control valve/thermostat (counterclockwise.) Do not use
a pipe wrench or equivalent to grip body. Damage may result,
causing leaks. Do not insert any sharp objects into the inlet or
outlet connections. Damage to the gas control valve/thermostat
may result.
Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat:
To replace the gas control valve/thermostat, reassemble in reverse
order. When replacing the gas control valve/thermostat, thread a 4”
(10.16 cm) section of gas pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas
control valve/thermostat (clockwise). DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN;
damage may result.
• Be sure to use approved Teflon
®
tape or pipe joint
compound on the gas piping connections and fitting on the
back of the gas control valve that screws into the tank.
• Be sure to remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new gas control
valve/thermostat.
• Turn the main gas supply on and check the gas supply
connections for leaks. Correct any leak found. Next, light
the pilot and main burner, then check the manifold tube and
pilot tube connections for leaks. Correct any leak found. Use
an approved noncorrosive leak detection solution. If such a
solution is not available, use a mixture of hand dish washing
soap and water (one part soap to 15 parts water) or children’s
soap bubble solution. Bubbles forming indicate a leak.
• Be sure tank is completely filled with water before lighting and
activating the water heater. Follow the “Lighting Instructions” on
the front of the water heater.
• If additional information is required, contact Residential
Technical Assistance.
TEFLON
®
is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De
Nemours and Company.
SERVICE CHECKLIST
1. Manifold gasket properly sealed.
2. Viewport not damaged or cracked.
3. Manifold component block properly installed.
4. No leaks at pilot and manifold connection.
5. Manifold door screws securely tightened.