Water heater

[Medicine_Man1]

I have a Surburban SW6D water heater that won't light. I changed the gas valve, still won't light. Any suggestions?

[Harvard]

We are assuming the new gas valve assembly did include 12 Volt Coils. Why, because it is very common for the Suburban coils to fail open circuit.

[Mocoondo]

Ignitor or thermostat/ECO assembly. Almost always.

[Medicine_Man1]

Thanks All!

[klutchdust]

old biscuit said :1st .....
Stop throwing parts at it.

exactly. With you tube and free advice on the internet learn how to use a simple multimeter and diagnose before you purchase. My water heater sent black smoke to the side of my rig and later found out a spider took up residence in the piping and caused gas flow issues. If the gas lines are empty it takes a while for the gas to 'creep' into all the lines, very low pressure in those lines.

[rockhillmanor]

If you can hear the clicking of it trying to light and it won't?

It could be as simple as turning the stove on and lighting it first to get the propane flowing.

[Old-Biscuit]

1st .....
Stop throwing parts at it.
Failed gas valves are not common issues.

Uses a 'spark electrode' for high voltage spark and main flame proving (no thermocouple----no pilot)
Does it SPARK?
Have someone turn switch ON while you are out at WH and can see/hear spark electrode fire...CLICK, CLICK, CLICK

No spark.....
Check for tripped Hi temp T-stat
Rubber cover with 'Push to Reset'
Left button is for propane Hi temp T-stat reset.
If tripped you will feel it reset....resistance

If not tripped then you need to troubleshoot further by testing/measuring DC voltage ....from Main FUSE to switch to junction box (backside of tank) to t-stats (RED wire--outside compartment) to control board (RED wire--mounted inside rv close to WH) to Gas Valve (Black wire)
Blue wire....fault light
Yellow wire ...Ground

Spark electrode...mounting screw used as ground for spark assembly

Good grounds/good DC voltage---good spark---good flame

[tobydad]

If the flame appears and goes out immediately, then it could be the thermocouple. Open the door on the outside and have someone turn on the switch for the water heater. You should hear clicking as the pilot tries to light. No clicking could be the battery or the electronic board. If possible try lighting manually from the outside, if it does not light maybe the board.

[2oldman]

How's your battery?