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Blair71 · Feb 16, 2013, 06:23 PM

Hi, I replaced my TC with a new one but the pilot light still will not stay lit. I re tightened the end on the control unit moved the flame end as close as possible to the flame. Held the nob down for 3 min to make sure it's heated we'll but still will not stay lit. Repeated and still not staying lit. The flame is blue and hits the TC. I cannot really move it closer t the flame. Just the way it's designed. I'll keep trying.

Blair71 · Feb 16, 2013, 06:53 PM

I changed my TC and still pilot light will not stay lit. I then tested it with a volt meter to make sure all was good and it produced 18mv had it set to 200 on the meter. Followed a YouTube video on testing your TC. So that is not the problem... but still will not stay lit

massplumber2008 · Feb 17, 2013, 05:45 AM

Hi Blair

If this is a newer water heater (say 8 years old or less) then my first guess after the thermcouple is that you have a make-up air issue at your water heater. Here, with the newer closed combustion chambers on water heaters, clogged filters can create problems for combustion to occur.

Check for filters around the base of the water heater and note that the underside and the inside of the water heater filter may need to be vacuumed out to clear the filter system.

Start there and if that doesn't improve things post back with a specific brand and size of water heater and we'll see what else we can come up with, OK?

Mark

Blair71 · Feb 17, 2013, 05:38 PM

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the help. My hot water heater does not have any filters that I can see. Under the flame / burners its just metal. My make and model is GSW Water heater 6G40ENA-04
Cat B4060 Serial S0109 516017

I did vacuum under the pilot and burner but still it goes out. It burns fine as long as I hold down the pilot light button. But as soon as I release it it goes out.

massplumber2008 · Feb 17, 2013, 07:16 PM

GSW isn't working for me (or google)... what EXACTLY is the name brand?

From what you describe in your last post it still sounds like a thermocouple issue.. ;) Maybe, the new one you installed is defective?

Mark

Blair71 · Feb 17, 2013, 08:24 PM

It's a Canadian brand... I did test the TC and it generated a current. But I agree it seems like the current is not transmitting the signal to the switch. I disconnected it from the box(gas valve) Then reconnected and made sure I pressed it up firmly before tightening the nut by hand then 1/4 turn.

It seems like the signal is not reaching the gas valve assembly. Is there a way to test your gas valve? Or to make sure the signal is reaching it?

Blair

massplumber2008 · Feb 18, 2013, 09:10 AM

Ho Blair

There is a way to test the gas valve itself, but as I am not sure of the exact kind you have you will be better of calling GSW tech. support and have them walk you through the test. They will also be able to help you finalize an answer to your problem, I am sure!

I'm all about helping when I can, but when I am not 100% sure of something that involves GAS, that help can be counterproductive/dangerous and waste time for both of us... ;)

Call GSW tech. support and please let me know what you found the issue to be, OK?

Thanks!

Blair71 · Feb 18, 2013, 10:54 AM

Hi Mark,

My tank is an 04 and after talking with the support number it looks like the only other thing it could be is the gas valve... my price on that is 150 and a new hot water tank I can get for 400... so I am thinking just replace the whole tank as these things do not last forever and why not put the 150 towards a brand new one for only 250 more.

Really appreciate your help.

God bless