Whirlpool 201553 Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual Download Page 24

24  

Replacing the Burner Door Assembly

1.  Check the door gasket for damage or imbedded debris 

prior to installation.

Piezoelectric Igniter System

The piezoelectric igniter system consists of the igniter 

button, electrode, and wire. The pilot is ignited by an 

electric spark generated when the igniter button is pressed. 

The electrode should be centered between the pilot and 

thermocouple. (See Figure 29). Use only factory authorized 
piezoelectric igniter parts for replacement.

Testing the Igniter System

Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas 

shut-off valve. Watch the electrode tip while activating the 

igniter. A visible spark should jump from the electrode. 

To avoid shock, do not touch the burner or any metal 

part on the pilot or pilot assembly. If no spark is visible, 

check the wire connections and make sure the electrode 

is not broken. Replace the electrode if defective. NOTE: 

The electrode is part of the pilot assembly and cannot be 

replaced separately. Dirt and rust on the pilot or electrode 

tip can prevent the igniter spark. Wipe clean with a damp 

cloth and dry completely. Rust can be removed from the 

electrode tip and metal surfaces by lightly sanding with an 

emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper.

Explosion Hazard

Tighten both manifold door screws 
securely.

Remove any fiberglass between gasket 
and combustion chamber.

Replace viewport if glass is missing or 
damaged.

Replace two piece wire connector if missing 
or removed.

Replace door gasket if damaged.

Failure to follow these instructions can 
result in death, explosion, or fire.

WARNING

2.  Inspect the viewport for damage and replace as 

required.

3.  Insert the burner door assembly into the combustion 

chamber and slide it completely forward. Note: When 

inserting the burner door assembly, tip the burner end 

up slightly to ensure it engages with the burner bracket. 

4.  Inspect the door gasket and make sure there is no 

fiberglass insulation between the door gasket and the 

combustion chamber (See Figure 28).

5.  Replace the two screws, which secure the burner door 

assembly to the combustion chamber and tighten 

securely. Once the burner door assembly is tightened, 

visually inspect the door gasket between the burner 

door assembly and the combustion chamber for spaces 

or gaps that would prevent a seal. IMPORTANT: Do not 

operate the water heater if the door gasket does not 

create a seal between the burner door assembly and 

the combustion chamber.

 

6.  Reconnect the manifold tubing, pilot tubing, and 

thermocouple to the thermostat.  Do not cross-thread 

or apply any thread sealant to these fittings. The 

thermocouple nut should be started and turned all the 

way in by hand.  An additional 1/2 - 3/4 turn with a 

Figure 28

Burner Door Assembly

Burner Door
Assembly

Gas Control Valve/
Thermostat

Explosion Hazard

Replace viewport if glass is 
missing or damaged.

Failure to do so can result in 
death, explosion or fire.

WARNING

7/16” open end wrench will then be sufficient to seat 

the lockwasher.

7.  Reconnect the igniter wire.
8.  Turn gas supply on and refer to the “Lighting 

Instructions”.

9.  Check for leaks by brushing on an approved 

noncorrosive leak detection solution. Bubbles will show 

a leak. Correct any leak found.

10.  Replace the outer door.

Figure 29

Natural Gas Igniter Assembly

Pilot

Bracket

Pilot

Thermocouple

Electrode

Igniter

Button

Wire

to

electrode

Snap-on Connector

Summary of Contents for 201553

Page 1: ...service agency or the gas supplier WARNING If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly a fire or explosion may result causing property damage personal injury or death INSTALLER AFFIX THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO OR ADJACENT TO THE WATER HEATER OWNER RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE RETAIN THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PURCHASE 6510415 W10123251 March 200...

Page 2: ... substances WARNING This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects or other reproductive harm This appliance can cause low level exposure to some of the substances included in the Act Your safety and the safety of others are very important We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance Always read and obey all s...

Page 3: ...users of this water heater will need it for future reference Service to the Flame Lock Safety System should only be performed by a qualified person Examples of a qualified person include licensed plumbers authorized gas company personnel and authorized service personnel IMPORTANT The manufacturer and seller of this water heater will not be liable for any damages injuries or deaths caused by failur...

Page 4: ... liquids or vapors have spilled or leaked in the area of the water heater leave the area immediately and call the fire department from a neighbor s home Do not attempt to clean the spill until all ignition sources have been extinguished Keep combustibles such as boxes magazines clothes etc away from the water heater area Site Location Select a location near the center of the water piping system Th...

Page 5: ...trols must be easily accessible for operation and service Maintain proper clearances as specified on the data plate Do not locate the water heater near an air moving device The operation of air moving devices such as exhaust fans ventilation systems clothes dryers fireplaces etc can affect the proper operation of the water heater Special attention must be given to conditions these devices may crea...

Page 6: ...ntrol valve thermostat 4 Turn the gas supply on and check for leaks Test all connections by brushing on an approved noncorrosive leak detection solution Bubbles will show a leak Correct any leak found Figure 3 Gas Piping Manual Gas Shut off Valve Ground Joint Union 3 minimum Check with local utility for minimum height Drip leg Gas Pressure IMPORTANT The gas supply pressure must not exceed the maxi...

Page 7: ...e is excluded from warranty coverage The following types of installation not limited to the following will require outdoor air for combustion due to chemical exposure and may reduce but not eliminate the presence of corrosive chemicals in the air beauty shops photo processing labs buildings with indoor pools water heaters installed in laundry hobby or craft rooms water heaters installed near chemi...

Page 8: ... be drawn from outside of the enclosure One opening shall be within 12 inches of the top and one within 12 inches of the bottom of the enclosure as shown in Figure 4 The size of each opening free area is determined by the total BTUH input of all gas utilization equipment i e water heaters furnaces clothes dryers etc and the method by which the air is provided The BTUH input can be found on the wat...

Page 9: ...ipment so that they are opened automatically during equipment operation Keep louvers and grilles clean and free of debris or other obstructions Direct to outdoors Vertical ducts Horizontal ducts Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Table 3 Minimum Free Area of Permanent Openings for Ventilation and Combustion Air Supply All Air from Outdoors Only Based on the total BTUH input rating for all gas utilizing eq...

Page 10: ...isting water heater be sure to use the new draft hood supplied with the water heater Vent Pipe Size It is important that you follow the guidelines in these instructions for sizing a vent pipe system If a transition to a larger vent size is required the vent transition connection must be made at the draft hood outlet Vent Connectors 1 Type B Double Wall U L Listed Vent Pipe 2 Single Wall Vent Pipe ...

Page 11: ...terminate with a listed cap or other roof assembly and be installed according to their manufacturer s instructions Gas vents must be supported to prevent damage joint separation and maintain clearances to combustible materials Figures 11 and 12 IMPORTANT This gas vent must be terminated in a vertical position to facilitate the removal of the burnt gases An unused chimney flue or masonry enclosure ...

Page 12: ...r line as shown in Figure 14 These valves reduce the point of use temperature of the water by mixing cold and hot water and are readily available for use 4 If installing the water heater in a closed water system install an expansion tank in the cold water line as specified under Closed System Thermal Expansion section 5 Install a shut off valve in the cold water inlet line It should be located clo...

Page 13: ...ain a check valve backflow preventer or water pressure reducing valve This will create a closed water system During the heating cycle of the water heater the water expands causing pressure inside the water heater to increase This may cause the temperature and pressure relief valve to discharge small quantities of hot water To prevent this it is recommended that a diaphragm type expansion tank suit...

Page 14: ...t terminate a maximum of six inches above a floor drain or external to the building Must be capable of withstanding 250 F 121 C without distortion Must be installed to allow complete drainage of both the valve and discharge line T P Relief Valve and Pipe Insulation Some Models 1 Locate the T P Relief Valve on the water heater 2 Locate the slit running the length of the insulation 3 Spread this sli...

Page 15: ...m the system Otherwise these bubbles will be trapped in the air handler heat exchanger coil reducing the efficiency Do not connect the water heater to any system or components previously used with non potable water heating appliances when used to supply potable water Some jurisdictions may require a backflow preventer in the incoming cold water line This may cause the temperature and pressure reli...

Page 16: ...rized service provider Fresh air supply free of corrosive elements and flammable vapors Fresh air openings sized correctly with consideration given to the blocking effect of louvers and grilles Ductwork is the same cross sectional area as the openings Vent Pipe System Check for proper drafting at the water heater draft hood Refer to the Checking the Draft section of this manual for the test proced...

Page 17: ...ckwise to its lowest setting WARNING If you do not follow these instructions exactly a fire or explosion may result causing property damage personal injury or loss of life LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS 7 Depress the reset button all the way in and IMMEDIATELY depress the igniter button until you hear a loud click Observe the pilot through the view port Do not release the reset button Repeat immediately if...

Page 18: ...how a discoloration on the air intake grid and require replacement of the entire water heater Depress the gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to OFF Do not use tools or force Turn the temperature dial clockwise to its lowest setting Turn gas control knob clockwise to PILOT WARNING If you do not follow these instructions exactly a fire or explosion may result causing property damage person...

Page 19: ...e edges After several minutes of operation the burner screen may glow red If large flames are observed at anytime shut off unit and call a qualified person Stacking Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot water 3 gallons or less are taken from the water heater tank This causes increased cycling of the burner and can result in increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet An anti...

Page 20: ...ilot flame is present and will shut off the gas supply to the main burner and the pilot burner if the flame is absent A high temperature limit switch or ECO Energy Cut Off in the tank is used to shut off the unit if the water temperature exceeds 180 F 83 C The ECO is a single use switch which if activated requires complete replacement of the entire gas control valve thermostat If the ECO should ac...

Page 21: ...n air supplies are not obstructed Build up of soot and carbon on the main burner and pilot burner Check for a soft blue flame Leaking or damaged water and gas piping Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in the installation area Presence of combustible materials near the water heater After servicing this water heater check to make sure it is working properly See Operating Your Water Heater ...

Page 22: ... Replacing the Pilot Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in Removing the Burner Door Assembly section to remove the assembly 2 Remove the retainer clip securing the two piece wire connector to the burner door assembly Note the orientation of the retainer clip Insert the tip of a large flat head screwdriver between the clip and the top of the two piece wire connector Carefully rotate the screwdriver...

Page 23: ...y section 2 Use a vacuum cleaner shop vac to remove all loose debris in the combustion chamber Figure 28 Use compressed air to clear any dust or debris that may have accumulated in the flame trap 3 Reassemble following the procedure under the Replacing the Burner Door Assembly section External Inspection Cleaning of the Flame trap Although not likely to occur if debris collects on the flame trap u...

Page 24: ...spect the viewport for damage and replace as required 3 Insert the burner door assembly into the combustion chamber and slide it completely forward Note When inserting the burner door assembly tip the burner end up slightly to ensure it engages with the burner bracket 4 Inspect the door gasket and make sure there is no fiberglass insulation between the door gasket and the combustion chamber See Fi...

Page 25: ...rder When replacing the gas valve thread a correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas valve clockwise DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN damage may result Be sure to use approved Teflon tape or pipe joint compound on the gas piping connections and fitting on the back of the gas control valve that screws into tank Be sure to remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new gas control valve thermosta...

Page 26: ...h gas utility company SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY 1 Insufficient air 2 Flue clogged 3 Low gas pressure 4 Improper calibration 5 Thermostat set too low 6 Water heater too small 7 Wrong piping connections 8 Wasted hot water 1 Provide ventilation to water heater Check flue way flue baffle and burner 2 Clean flue locate source and correct 3 Check with gas utility company 4 Replace thermostat 5 Turn temper...

Page 27: ...nd orifice Is the pilot free from dirt and debris NO YES Follow the Cleaning the Pilot Assembly instructions found in this manual Is the pilot protected from cold drafts that could prevent it from lighting NO YES Eliminate any drafts See the Site Location instructions found in this manual Check the water heater for a Flammable Vapor FV event If the flame trap show signs of discoloration shut off t...

Page 28: ... PIECE WIRE CONNECTOR WITH RETAINER CLIP 15 BURNER DOOR GASKET 16 VIEWPORT ASSEMBLY 17 THERMOCOUPLE 18 PIEZOELECTRIC IGNITER BUTTON 19 FLEXIBLE MANIFOLD TUBE REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATION When ordering repair parts always give the following information 1 Model serial and product number 2 Type of gas 3 Item number 4 Parts description Repair Parts List LEGEND Special anode rod see Anode Rod Water Odor s...

Page 29: ...ntains two piece wire connector and retainer clip Item 15 Contains burner door gasket Item 16 Contains viewport Item 17 Contains thermocouple Item 18 Contains piezoelectric igniter button Item 19 Contains flexible manifold tube Item 15 Item 14 Item 16 Item 13 Item 12 Item 18 Item 17 Item 19 Alternate Igniter WHIRLPOOL FLAME LOCK DESIGN and FLAME LOCK are trademarks of Whirlpool U S A 2007 Whirlpoo...

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