Gas Water Heater takes 4-6 cycles before staying Lit

First, blow out the chamber with compressed air if you have it, and brush off the electrode. Prob not the problem but it'll help. Next, once you have it lit adjust the air mixture slider to make the flame more "lazy", not so much a blasting blue flame. A softer flame is usually more efficient and lights better but don't go more than a little yellow or you'll build up soot. Blue with yellow tips is good.