[Ciburri]

Hi,
My 9 month old America Standard water heater Model:G-40T2-3-6 NAT is not heating water. I do not see any flames through the observation window. I tried re-lighting it without any luck following instruction on he label. I hate those push button spark generators! I wish this was not a "sealed" unit that I could re-light with fireplace lighter. I do not hear any gas hissing on pilot or higher thermostat setting. There is gas reaching the valve, since my forced air gas heater works just fine and gas feed line is split between the two. I am a car mechanic so any help would be greatly appreciated. Is there a repair manual for this or similar model you can link me to? I also noticed that thermocoupler line is pinched from what appears to be pliers judging by the imprint on the copper line, about 4" from the gas valve body. Normal or installer screw up?
Thank you very much!
Ivan

[drtom4444]

You need to replace the thermocouple. A thermocouple is adjusted by sliding it in or out so only 3/8" on tip is in flame as it works on temperature difference between tip and rest of unit. All American Standard water heaters have regular thermocouples that you can buy at any hardware store. They come in a kit. You take loose the tubing and thermocouple from gas valve on side of tank and slide out the burner assembly and then replace the thermocouple. You will have to adjust the flame to hit the end just right, so you may have to take the assembly back out a few times until you get the flame right if it's not easily adjustable.

[Ciburri]

Thank you very much Dr Tom! I will do that if problem re-occurs!
Problem is remedied, for now. I actually found a manual stuck behind my water heater. Problem with these new "sealed" units is that to change/clean thermocouple or just adjust position, you need to remove entire burner assembly! It is meant to be replaced as a complete unit - themocouple, pilot and piezo igniter assembly! R&R is easy, but seal is not reusable, so unless you have replacement in hand options are limited. Just for the heck of it I called American Standard hotline and call center must be in India or Pakistan. I was like "oh no!", but it was the best call center" experience I ever had. Gentlemen was great and answered all my questions. I wanted to make sure there were no recalls for the unit or known problems. Problem with pilot "window" is that it is not in direct horizontal line of sight, but above it. You must be on your hands and knees and almost lay down on the floor to see the pilot and/or burner flame! Small mirror highly recommended! From there lighting the pilot was walk in the park as per manufacturer instructions. Holding gas knob pressed in pilot position for long time (40-60 seconds) is the key. BTW, tech support instructed me to check for spark by disconnecting ignitor button at connector and grounding it on the water heater to see if we have a spark. I have done that on my own already, but did not expect it from them. I know, dissapointing that we do not even expect that anymore! Troubleshooting! Wow, dying art!
These days "certified part exchangers" are the norm. Replace parts, but never remove the cause on the first place. Cars, appliances, machines, doctor's visits... Makes me all warm and fuzzy getting on a plane! ROFL!
Dr Tom, love your signature with pdf attached! You are reading my mind. Old school! I am thankful that an old Polish mechanic thought me the trade. He could fix anything anywhere with next to no tools! Modify or make a new part if OEM is not up to par!
Thanks Dr Tom!

[drtom4444]

You are welcome. I hope more people will learn to use a meter; it's so easy.