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View Full Version : Water heater burner keeps shutting off


tmeyer01
Oct 15, 2008, 04:26 AM
I just drained my water heater yesterday to try and clean out the build up causing a popping sound.

Well now the burner won't stay lit and we have no hot water. It is a gas water heater but electric or pilotless as far as the ignitor is concerned. When I turn it on, the ignitor lights up and starts the burner in full but then the burner goes out right away on its own. After about 10-15 seconds, it will go through this again. (ignitor heats up, burner comes on in full, and then shuts off) After about 3 times, the whole water heater shuts off.

If I unlpug any of the wires or just flick the on/off switch on the water heater, it will go through this all again. There is no problem with the pilot or getting the burner to light up. I just need the burner to stay on to heat the water.

Please help.

Thanks,

hvac1000
Oct 15, 2008, 09:39 AM
Brand name of water heater?
Model number of water heater?
Brand name and model of gas control?

tmeyer01
Oct 15, 2008, 09:43 AM
I am not at home so don't have that information right now. I know the brand is AO Smith. I was told by our gas company that it may have something to do with the flame sensor.

hvac1000
Oct 15, 2008, 11:16 AM
Yep flame sensor if so equipped can cause that. You might try cleaning it with sand paper/steel wool. Easy does it and keep your fingers off the ignitor (the part that glows).

tmeyer01
Oct 15, 2008, 11:27 AM
I've attached what I have on my water heater. Is the boxed area what I need to clean?

Thanks,

tmeyer01
Oct 16, 2008, 09:06 AM
It worked fine when I got back home. Something must have got wet so it didn't work for 1/2 day or so.

Thanks,

hvac1000
Oct 16, 2008, 11:15 AM
Interesting but glad you got it goping.