We have had a Richmond 50 gallon water heater (6G50pv-42pf) for about 4 years now. Recently our propane ran out and the water heater shut off. When we filled up the propane and started up the powervent, there is a noise like it is trying to kick on but there is no ignition then it shuts off. There is an error code on the side of the controler that is 4-2 for an eco faiure. What can I do to fix it?

Did you bleed the gas line before turning the water heater ON ?

Looks like Milo solved another one. You may be attempting to ignite pure air instead of Propane.
Bleed the line and try again. Good luck, b Tom

No I didn't bleed the gas line. How do you do that?

Very carefully, you "break" (disconnect) the union fitting (black fitting... see image) or the flare nut (see other pic.) nearest the gas valve going into the water heater and you let air flow out until you smell gas. When you smell propane, you tighten the union or flare fitting (use two wrenches) and then let the air clear for a minute and attempt to light the pilot as indicated on the water heater... keep trying and the pilot will light. Once the pilot is lit, hold the pilot button down for an additional 30 seconds before releasing the pilot button and setting the button to the ON position. Set the temperature to 120F maximum.

If you are unsure of your skills working with propane, please call in a local plumber for safety sake, OK?

Mark

PS: NEVER use regular teflon tape (white tape) as shown in the picture....bad example on what pipe lubricant/sealant to use, but good example on flare joint example. You should NOT need to use any pipe lubricant/sealants if you do this right.

With the line bled, the 4-2 error should go away and the water heater should start, right?

I believe so...

Hi Mark. Question. Why shouldn't you use teflon tape on the joints shown in pic? I only see tape on the black iron fittings, not on the flared fitting. Teflon tape is fine for black iron gas piping, no? Correct me if Im wrong (wont be the first time, and Im sure it won't be the last) but I always thought telfon tape, or liquid pipe dope was just for lubrication purposes to make it easier to tighten the threads, and the threads themselves actually make the seal.

Hi Lee...

You can't use any regular teflon tape or teflon-based pipe dope on any gas piping that I know of. From what I understand, natural gas and propane can actually dissolve the teflon and over time the joints can leak.

There are exceptions to the rule in that they do make a YELLOW extra thick teflon-based gas fitters sealing tape. Check it out at:

3-Wrap Yellow Gas Tape

But regular teflon/teflon-based pipe dope is a no-no! At least that's how it was taught to me throughout the New England area... ;)

Have a good day!

Thanks Mark. I have been using rector seal for many years on gas piping, but used to use the plain white teflon. Never knew otherwise. Thanks for clearing that up. Now I know. Always learning. Take care.

Rectorseal 5 is my choice for gas piping, too... :)