Help -- Suburban water heater - gas valve

Question

The model # I have is SW10DE and serial #064211119. The valve part # is 161109. Before I order a new gas valve, I want to see if mine needs to be replaced or not. Valve has 4 terminals. I used electric multimeter to test  ohm - terminal number 1 and 2 show no ohm while number 3 and four shows 42 ohms. So my question is my gas valve bad or not? I will be waiting to hear from you soon. Thank you!

enblethen · Answer

Yes, you have a bad coil. Some locations have replacement coils, thou hard to find. Gas valve complete unit is better way to go.

old-biscuit · Answer

Based on your ohm readings the one solenoid is bad (Terminals 1-2) and one solenoid is good (Terminals 3-4)

Need BOTH solenoids to open/keep open gas valve

Your gas valve part number 161109 is a White Rodgers Gas Valve

Replacement solenoid Kits are available.......much cheaper than replacing gas valve

Solenoid Info

Kit

rock2 · Answer

Thank you! Enblethen and Old-Biscuit.  I think it is better to buy gas valve complete  rather than kit. It is not much saving. Found Ebay. I am going to order today so hopefully get before weekend.

rv_sam · Answer

The one closest to the tank usually goes due to high heat from the tank.  Make up a little shield from a pop can or something to slide in there to reflect some of the heat away. Keep your old one as one coil is still good.

brianinmichigan · Answer

I rewound mine. Cost about $10 for the magnet wire.

Forum Discussion

Help -- Suburban water heater - gas valve

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Rusty Suburban Water Heater

Suburban water heater

Suburban Electric Water heater

Suburban water heater question

Suburban water heater won't get hot