I am servicing a "red tagged" HWT that set off a CO detector. It's a 75 gal Bradford White, power vented, 3 yrs old. I checked manifold pressures... 7.3 and 3.8 respectively. Burner and baffles are spotless, 3" vent is clean and clear also. The tank starts and runs perfectly, clean blue flame, orange tips. I am getting reading of 1600 ppm+ @ the burner and in the exhaust gasses. I have never seen a situation like this (22 yrs gas tech). What am I missing??

I wish I could help but we use electric heaters in my area.. I bumped this up so perhaps some of the other experts could respond. Regards, Tom

Check this out:

Tom Rostron Co., Inc. - Bradford-White Water Heater Recall

Jlisenbe came up with the answer. Manufacturing defect. Thanks Jlisenbe! Tom

Wow thanks. We pulled the tank and replaced it with a new model, sent the old one back to B.W. for testing. There was no recall on the tank up here in Canada and B.W. were giving us the "runaround" till I forewarded a copy of Jlisenbe's info. I might even recoup some of the labor costs. Best of all, the customer is happy/relieved. Thanks again.

Lil Joe: we install Bradford White heaters all the time. I found the company very cooperative. It is mostly the supplier and/or distributor who doesn't want to handle the exchange (... more work for them). In my area, we can cut out the manufacturer's plate from the heater's jacket and submit only that instead of bringing entire heater down to the store.

Also, Brandford White will pay you up to $100.00 towards the re-installation cost. Supplier has to file proper paperwork with distributor. They don't like doing it (... more work for them ). It takes about 4 weeks to get your money. Supplier receives and pays out the money. They usually don't notify you they already received the money (... more money for them). You have to call them every other day and ask them.