I'm having a problem with my Atwood water heater. It attempts to ignite, but then fails. I've replaced the TSTAT, ECO, thermo fuse (circled in green). You can see and hear the spark when it's attempting to ignite, but never catches (circled in blue). What I do see sometimes is ignites, but I see a small flame for a second or two where it's circled in red which does not seem right. Any thoughts?Picture of Water Heater

Start by checking the ground on the gas valve. It is hidden behind the mounting bracket.Check continuity on the TWO gas valve coils. They should read the same resistance.I don't care much for the wires at the circuit board being so tightly twisted.Forgot ask does your other appliances work OK?

1. Small flame indicates a clogged orifice. Remove the orifice and clean with spray carb cleaner and compressed air. 2. Also indicates LOW or marginal LP gas pressure. Light the Stove/Range burners all 3 or 4. They should have a full blue flame3. When it tries to ignite, tap on the gas valve with a hammer. IF the flame then comes ON, your gas valve is bad. 4. If the W/H is in a slide room, then the rubber gas line may be pinched. Doug

The original post was confusing. Was the ignitor replaced? If not, that should be first on the list.Next make sure all the connectors are clean and seated especially the connector array, upper right.

Igniter was not replaced, it’s sparking. Connections look good, all removed, cleaned and securely attached. All gas appliances work fine (fridge, heater, stove, oven). Continuity looks good. Have not checked orifice or banged on gas valve. Will try that next. That’s for everyone’s suggestions.

I would check that the ignightor is still properly gapped, althought it sounds like it is sparking, and before your go nuts try spraying compressed aire throught the compustion path and make sure there is nothing causing interferance with the air flow. I had a simular problem and it ended up being bugs.

Atwood Water Heater Will not Ignite or Stay Lit

JimK-NY
Explorer II
Jun 24, 2022
The original post was confusing. Was the ignitor replaced? If not, that should be first on the list.

Next make sure all the connectors are clean and seated especially the connector array, upper right.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jun 24, 2022
1. Small flame indicates a clogged orifice. Remove the orifice and clean with spray carb cleaner and compressed air.
2. Also indicates LOW or marginal LP gas pressure. Light the Stove/Range burners all 3 or 4. They should have a full blue flame
3. When it tries to ignite, tap on the gas valve with a hammer. IF the flame then comes ON, your gas valve is bad.
4. If the W/H is in a slide room, then the rubber gas line may be pinched. Doug
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 23, 2022
Start by checking the ground on the gas valve. It is hidden behind the mounting bracket.
Check continuity on the TWO gas valve coils. They should read the same resistance.
I don't care much for the wires at the circuit board being so tightly twisted.
Forgot ask does your other appliances work OK?

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Atwood Water Heater Will not Ignite or Stay Lit

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