Forum Discussion

Useroverdrive's avatar
Nov 18, 2014

Atwood G6A-6E not lighting. Possible gas valve issue?

Hello all,

This will be a bit of a long post but I want to know if I covered my bases before posting.

I have a 1989 Mallard Sprinter class A. The water heater is a Atwood G6A-6E 6 gal electronic ignition wh. On a trip a couple of months ago, I noticed the wh having trouble keeping a full flame. It would cycle on, but after a while seemed to almost "choke out" but not quite.

Back at home base, I didn't turn on the wh, although I keep water in the system. I noticed during a walk around that the PRV was weeping and it had been leaking onto the main burner tube so I resolved to fix that. I bled the PRV to get an air bubble back in the tank and replaced the burner tube.

I attempted to start the wh and was rewarded with the clicking sound but no "whoof" sound like the wh ignited. There was no air in the lines as I started the furnace and stove beforehand. I have done the following: taken every connector loose, cleaned and reconnected. Cleaned the flue with a bottle brush and blew out with compressed air. Replaced the spark probe assembly because the original had some cracks in the electrodes.
I had a helper inside the mh turn the ignition switch on and off while I checked the electrical connectors outside. I had power (12v plus) to the board, wires to the eco, wires to the stat, red wires from the eco to the gas valve. the green ground I made sure was seated. At this point I am only smelling a very tiny bit of LP, barely noticable, then its gone.
Should I be able to hear the solenoid open at the gas valve? A clunk or squeak maybe? I dunno what else to consider at this point and I don't want to spend $500 replacing parts until the problem works itself out.

I think I've covered most of the bases but if I didn't write it down, let me know

Thanks in advance and if this post needs to be moved, go for it

DS
  • Main gas orifice......located on gas valve right where burner tube connects.
    Remove it and clean with alcohol then blow it out with air

    Clean burner, check that diffuser on end of burner tube is 'squared' to end of tube.
    Reassemble and make sure burner tube is straight(in that gas flow will go directly down center of tube)
    Make sure spark electrode is centered in flame so that when main flame light the electrode is engulfed by main flame.
  • Check the ground wires connected to the back of the gas valve. They could be corroded. Check for voltage out of the circuit board on the wire that goes to the gas valve.
    Clean burner tube. May have bug nests that is preventing gas from flowing through it.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,194 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 29, 2025