Gas Hot Water Failure

[zinom]

My hot water heater stopped working on gas. AC works fine. Normally, when I flip the switch the red light comes on untill gas ignites. Now I get no red light or ignition. Fuse ok and 12vdc at switch. What should I look for at heater?

[Jim A]

You might want to check the two thermostats. The 120v thermostat acts as a high temp cutoff for the gas operation. If it trips, it needs to be reset.

Maybe this manual will help.

[Jim A]

This one would not fit as an attachment. Here is a link instead.

http://www.tada-rv.com/scripts/pdfretail/get.php?id=344

[WAZ]

We had the exact problem. Remove the electronic starter and clean the two prongs that cause an arc when the water heater button is pressed. They get corroded and will not allow an arc to start the combustion. Hope this corrects you problem, it did ours.

[zinom]

Jim, thanks for the manuals. Walt, thanks for the electrode hint. I'm afraid that after double checking the electrode (now shiny with 1/8 inch gap) and some other voltage checks the trouble is isolated to the "card" which is somewhat inaccesable for my old bones. We are pretty lucky that in the San Jose, CA area we have a reliable shop familar with Alpines (Leal's) that I suspect I'll be visiting soon. Thanks again folks, Matt

[zinom]

Spontaneous recovery! It now works, not sure why??? I wonder for how long?
Thanks again for your help folks. Matt

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello Matt:

If the electronic Ignition is sparking and the water heater does not light it may be the Propane, have the propane check for proper pressure. This must be done at a repair facility that is qualified to work on Propane Systems. Since it is summer, you are not using the heater and it may have the same problem if the pressure is low.

[zinom]

For the record, I FOUND THE PROBLEM!
The wire to the Hi-temp limit switch had rubbed through it's insulation and was occasionally shorting out. I repositioned the wire and all should now be well.
Again I say THANKS to all who provided the info I needed to track this down.
Matt