Pilot light will not remain lit

[ohhimself]

Hello, 2002 Shamrock. The pilot light on my Suburban water heater suddenly will not stay lit. It will remain Lit for 30 seconds or so but will then go out. There is gas in tanks. Any ideas. Everything else works with the propane. Thanks


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[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by ohhimself

Hello, 2002 Shamrock. The pilot light on my Suburban water heater suddenly will not stay lit. It will remain Lit for 30 seconds or so but will then go out. There is gas in tanks. Any ideas. Everything else works with the propane. Thanks


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Your water heater is working as advertised. The light is not an "ON" light; it is a "calling for heat" light and a "flame never lit" warning light.

Calling for heat - water cold; light comes on; then fire lights; light goes out.

Calling for heat - water cold; light comes on; NO FIRE; light stays on; water heater tries again (3 times total); Heater fails; light stays on until you reset it by turning OFF water heater.

If your light takes more than 10-15 seconds to go out, your heater is struggling to light. Something could be wrong that is causing unreliable ignition. Bug nests in flue is the usual suspect; though improper air shutter for altitude; dirty nozzle; or bad spark electrode/gap could also cause long "light" times.

[fonzie]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

Your water heater is working as advertised. The light is not an "ON" light; it is a "calling for heat" light and a "flame never lit" warning light.

Calling for heat - water cold; light comes on; then fire lights; light goes out.

Calling for heat - water cold; light comes on; NO FIRE; light stays on; water heater tries again (3 times total); Heater fails; light stays on until you reset it by turning OFF water heater.

If your light takes more than 10-15 seconds to go out, your heater is struggling to light. Something could be wrong that is causing unreliable ignition. Bug nests in flue is the usual suspect; though improper air shutter for altitude; dirty nozzle; or bad spark electrode/gap could also cause long "light" times.

He might actually have a "pilot light" in the heater as it is a 2002 model....might not be DSI?

[ohhimself]

Thanks for the reply but mine is your basic need to go out and hand start with lighter. No ignition model. It seems to stay on for a brief period then go out. : (


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[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by ohhimself

Thanks for the reply but mine is your basic need to go out and hand start with lighter. No ignition model. It seems to stay on for a brief period then go out.

Get your wh manual out and check for the dimensions of the thermocouple. It might not be properly located or defective.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by ohhimself

Thanks for the reply but mine is your basic need to go out and hand start with lighter. No ignition model. It seems to stay on for a brief period then go out. : (


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SO sorry!

Several things can cause this.

Low propane pressure - Out of/low propane or the tank valve pigtail safety may be closed or partially closed. Turn off the propane; wait 3 minutes; CRACK the valve and SLOWLY open it allowing the lines to fill. Light your range burners till they light and the flames are blue and stand tall on high.

Water heater Regulator

Reignitor module (if equipped) or control panel issue (depending on model).

[ohhimself]

Mine is the last picture. Thanks. I will try your suggestions and let you know.


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