Removing and Replacing the Gas
Control Valve/Thermostat
Important:
The gas control valve/thermostat is a
standard valve with a left-hand thread thermocouple
®
that is unique to the Flame Guard Safety System. Use
only factory authorized replacement parts.
1.
On the gas control valve/thermostat turn the
temperature dial counterclockwise to its lowest
setting. Turn the gas control knob clockwise to the
"OFF" position (Figure 19).
2.
Turn off the gas at the manual shut-off valve on the
gas supply pipe (Figure 3).
3.
Drain the water heater. Refer to the section of
"Draining and Flushing" on page 20 and follow the
procedure.
4.
Disconnect the igniter wire from the igniter button.
Remove the igniter button by depressing front and
rear holding tabs and lift. Remove igniter bracket.
Disconnect the thermocouple (left-hand threads),
pilot tube, and manifold tube at the thermostat
(Figure 21).
Note:
L.P. gas systems use reverse
(left-hand) threads on the manifold tube.
5.
Refer to "Gas Piping" (Figure 3) and disconnect the
ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the
remaining pipe from the gas valve/thermostat.
Important:
When removing the gas control
valve/thermostat do not use pipe wrench or vise to grip
body. Do not insert any type of blunt instrument into the
inlet or outlet connections. Using these type tools may
result in damage to the gas control valve/thermostat.
6.
Turn the gas control valve/thermostat
counterclockwise. Remove the gas control
valve/thermostat.
To replace the gas control valve/thermostat,
reassemble in reverse order. The gas control
valve/thermostat is a standard valve with a left-hand
®
thread thermocouple that is unique to the Flame Guard
Safety System. Use only factory authorized
replacement parts.
!
Be sure to use approved Teflon tape or pipe joint
compound on the gas piping connections and fitting
on the back of the gas valve that screws into tank.
!
Be sure to remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new
gas control valve/thermostat.
!
Turn gas supply on and check for leaks. Use a
chloride-free soap and water solution (bubbles
forming indicate a leak) or other approved method.
!
Be sure tank is completely filled with water before
lighting and activating the water heater. Follow the
"Lighting Instructions" on page 17.
!
If additional information is required, contact the
Service Department at:
1-800-999-9515
.
Piezoelectric Igniter System
The piezoelectric igniter system is part of the Flame
®
Guard Safety System and consists of the igniter
button, electrode, and wire. The pilot is ignited by an
electric spark generated when the igniter button is
pressed. The spark gap of 0.125 inch is set when the
electrode is installed at the factory. (See Figure 28A
®
and 28B). Use only factory authorized Flame Guard
Safety System 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 igniter if
defective. 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.
Figure 28A
Natural Gas Igniter Assembly
Igniter
Button
Pilot
Bracket
Pilot
Thermocouple
Electrode
Wire
to
electrode
Tip
.125
Snap-on Connector
Igniter
Button
Pilot
Bracket
Pilot
Thermocouple
Electrode
Wire
to
electrode
Tip
.125
Snap-on Connector
Figure 28B
L.P. Igniter Assembly
24
