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    tmeyer01's Avatar
    tmeyer01 Posts: 136, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 15, 2008, 04:26 AM
    Water heater burner keeps shutting off
    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's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #2

    Oct 15, 2008, 09:39 AM
    Brand name of water heater?
    Model number of water heater?
    Brand name and model of gas control?
    tmeyer01's Avatar
    tmeyer01 Posts: 136, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    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's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #4

    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's Avatar
    tmeyer01 Posts: 136, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #5

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

    Thanks,
    Attached Images
     
    tmeyer01's Avatar
    tmeyer01 Posts: 136, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #6

    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's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #7

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