Hello, changed the thermo coupler flame is still orange. Do not have an outside pipe everythings inside so again which is the drip pipe. And is there a noticeable knob I turn. And also how is the burner removed. I'm thinking it's the round part underneath where the flames exit when the tank is heating up...

One thing that has not been mentioned is the cleanliness of the combustion chamber and air intake. Especially on the new "closed System" FVIR models that are now required you have to make sure there is NO dust in the air intakes. When you remove the burner assembly use a shop vac to vacuum out the combustion chamber. Use your shop vac or an air compressor to blow air down through the air intake on the bottom of the combustion chamber and then vacuum out the bottom section under the heater. If you don't get sufficient air into the chamber it doesn't matter how new, or where your thermocouple is, you will get an orange flame and it will suffocate itself. This is especially true on any heater from AO Smith. (state, whirlpool, kenmore, american) I have found on these heaters that you are better off to replace the pilot assembly which includes the themocouple, pilot supply tube and sparker and do a thorough cleaning job of the combustion chamber and underneath and around the heater. Also, if your heater is in a laundry room or other dusty area make sure you have a screen on the air intake that is easily cleaned. If your heater is in a closet make sure it gets plenty of air. I have had to cut an air return grille into the walls or doors of closets so the heater had enough air.

The thermocoupler was bad. The part was $9.49. Probably saved myself $300!
Thank you!!

Todd

Thanks to everyone who responded here. I also had a problem with the pilot light on my Rheem 21V40-7 water heater not staying lit. So as per the suggestions on this site I purchased a new thermocouple and replaced the old one. Sure enough it's working fine. A $6.97 part. Now that's a pretty cheap fix!

Thanks guys.

Tim

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jeromew

Thanks to everyone who responded here. I also had a problem with the pilot light on my Rheem 21V40-7 water heater not staying lit. So as per the suggestions on this site I purchased a new thermocouple and replaced the old one. Sure enough it's working fine. A $6.97 part. Now that's a pretty cheap fix!

Thanks guys.

Tim

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That's what we like to hear. Happy we could help, Tom

MY pilot light stays lit for about 2 hours and then goes out I changed the TC but still does the same thing.
What's my problem HELP

We have a hot water tank pilot light that also keep going out. My husband replaced the thermocoupler and all was well, but only for about three weeks. We had a plumber in for other work; he replaced the thermocouple with a new one and mentioned that the one he took out looked like it had been in there since day one (about 4 years).
Now, the second thermocouple is going bad. Since replacing these things every three weeks doesn't work, any ideas about what else might be wrong? Or does it make sense to simply replace? (Neither my husband and I are really very handy.) Any advice would be appreciated.

I have a hot water tank approx. 5 yrs old and the pilot lite keeps going out every few days. I lite it and it starts with no problem but after a few days goes out again. The thermocouple has been replaced and tank has been checked by the gas company but still having a problem.

Hi Caspercha

It sounds like you have a water heater with a CLOSED COMBUSTION CHAMBER. If this is th ecase, then you may have a clogged air intake filter. Check the mnanufacturer's website or the paperwork on the side of the water heater and see what type of filter system you have (could be filters at base of heater or could be a honeycomb filter on the inner/bottom of the water heater, etc.) and clean/vacuum the filter and it should resolve the issue.

With the newer, closed combustion chamber water heaters we are seeing many changes to water heaters all around... heck, some manufacturers now install BATTERIES in their thermocouples! I'd contact the tech. department of your particular heater and see what they think!

Good luck!

Mark

If it was at the line would it also shut down the gas furnace?

Hi,

I have a Whirlpool model BFG1F4040S3NOV and I also can't get my pilot to stay lit.
When I light the pilot I can get it to stay on when I leave it as just the pilot. I lit it this morning and forgot to turn the knob from pilot to on and when I came home it was still lit.
So I turned it on and the burner flared up and everything seemed fine. An hour later both the burner and the pilot went off...
So I sat outside and did it again. This time I sat and watched it... the burner went for about 5 minutes and I heard a click and the entire thing shut down.
As I sit here typing this, 2 minutes after it shut down I heard another click.

Im pretty handy and actually used to work for the gas company (inside) so Im not afraid to work on the appliance, but I can't figure it out...

Why would the pilot be fine for hours alone but go out after a few minutes of the burner?

I know the unit is either a 99 or a 2002 so its old, but if the tank is OK why buy a new one...

Help. Please
Jim

First, make sure the tip of pilot flame is positioned directly under Thermo-coupling. If problem continues, start with replacing Thermo-coupling first. Thermo-coupling carries electricity to the thermostat. If not functioning properly, gas safety valve will not stay open meaning it will not allow gas flow to the burner and burner flame will die.

Back to you. Milo

I have the same problem however, I replaced the thermalcoupler and my pilot still goes out after releasing the button. In that case could it be the meter?

The flame is blue but won't stay on I even lasted about 20 min holding the pilor light on and it turns off as soon as I let it go

How do you install a thermocouple in a Ruud water heater?

Hey Reggie

Go back to the thread you started and answer my questions and we'll see if we can help!

Thank you so very much for this advice. We were panicking because it was the weekend, I have four kids and really can't go without hot water. I really found this very useful. I am very grateful. -Brenda Kleinsmith

Hello Brenda,

Thanks for your comments we are here to help have a nice day.

John

I have lite my pilot light and after several attempts it has finally stayed on, I can turn it to on position, but as soon as I turn the temp gage above the first warm line it shuts off again... any suggestions on what to do

FoxyWetBunny: replace Thermocoupling. Milo