Kitchen Gas Appliances - Water Heater Won't Light

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davek
05-13-03, 05:42 PM
11 year old Rheem Powervent will not light. Blower runs, ignitor glows for approx 20 seconds, clicking sound like the gas valve is opening, 3 seconds later the ignitor goes out, another click, and no flame. Help!!!!!

Jay11J
05-13-03, 07:25 PM
Sounds like the sensor has gone out on your water heater.. You may have have that replaced.
davek
05-13-03, 07:57 PM
I found some technical reference material on the Rheem web site and they say that the flame sensor is integral with the hot surface ignitor. Is this true?

Also, troubleshooting guide says that if there is NO voltage at the at the gas valve, then replace the control module. I get voltage, but 16 volts, not 24. What should I get at those terminals?

Jay11J
05-13-03, 09:16 PM
flame sensor is integral with the hot surface ignitor. Is this true?

Yes it is.



I get voltage, but 16 volts, not 24. What should I get at those terminals?

I've never check voltage on a water heater before, on other HSI system I've check, I get 110v. If they say you need 24, and your reading 16, you maybe getting drop since you don't have a load?? I guess I honeslty can't give you an answer at this point.
davek
05-13-03, 09:32 PM
Thanks for the info. Based on Rheem's trobleshooting info on their web site, the problem is the Ignition Control Unit. The flame sensor is good, there's 24 volts out of the transformer, but only 16 volts at the gas valve. When I bypass the IC unit and apply 24 volts directly to the valve, with the ignitor lit, it fires right up. Just one cold shower tomorrow, and keep your fingers crossed this works. Thanks.
davek
05-24-03, 09:45 AM
Just a note to say that replacing the Ignition Control Module worked for those looking for a solution. Thanks for all the input.