Piezoelectric Igniter System; Testing The Igniter System - American Water Heater Gas Water Heater Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual

Explosion Hazard
Tighten both manifold door screws
securely.
Remove any fiberglass between the door
gasket and combustion chamber.
Replace viewport if glass is missing or
damaged.
Replace two piece wire connector if
missing or removed.
Replace door gasket if damaged.
Failure to do so can result in death,
explosion, or fire.
Replacing the Manifold Assembly
1. Check the door gasket for damage or imbedded debris
prior to installation.
2. Inspect the viewport for damage and replace as
required.
3. Insert the manifold assembly into the burner
compartment making sure that the tab of the manifold
tube engages in the slot of the bracket inside the
combustion chamber (Figure 28B).
4. Inspect the door gasket and make sure there is no
fiberglass insulation between the gasket and the
combustion chamber.
5. Replace the two screws which secure the manifold
assembly door to the combustion chamber. Tighten
securely. There should be no space between the
gasket part of the manifold door and combustion
chamber. Do not operate the water heater if the door
gasket is not sealed.
6. Reconnect the two wire leads to the thermal switch, the
manifold tubing, pilot tubing, and thermocouple to the
thermostat. Do not cross-thread or apply any thread
sealant to these fittings.
The thermocouple nut should be started and turned
all the way in by hand. An additional quarter turn
with a 7/16" open-end wrench will then be sufficient
to seat the lockwasher.
7. Reconnect the igniter wire.
8. Turn gas supply on and refer to the "Lighting
Instructions" on page 17.
9. Check for leaks. Use an approved noncorrosive leak
detection solution. Bubbles forming indicate a leak. All
leaks must be fixed immediately.
10. Replace the outer door.
Figure 28A
Combustion Chamber
Door Gasket
Figure 28B
Manifold Assembly
Close-up
Manifold tube

Piezoelectric Igniter System

The piezoelectric igniter system 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 29). Use only factory
authorized piezoelectric igniter parts for replacement.
Figure 29
Natural Gas Igniter Assembly
Igniter
Button
Wire
to Pilot
electrode Bracket
Snap-on Connector

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.
Flame-trap
Bracket
Tab
Close-up inside view of
the combustion chamber.
Slot
Tab Bracket
Thermocouple
Pilot
.125
Tip
Electrode
23