Suburban SW6D Ignition Issue?

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Ceramic should be solid..no cracks.
Cracks allow high voltage used for spark ignition to go to ground vs creating spark at ground rod and in path of main flame.

Also spark electrode position can cause same issue........tip of electrode must be engulfed by main flame.

Burner tube flame spreader at end of tube must be squared/parallel with end of tube for proper flame disbursement

I thought I could see a couple of hairline cracks right where the igniiter rod exits the ceramic (dull chaulk looking part) but they did not extend out into the shiny glazed portion of the ceramic so I took it to a local dealer who tested it and said that there was nothing wrong with it I think he put it on a hypot and tested it for leakage at double the spark voltage. anyway I took it home and reassembled it trying to get the igniter closer to the center of the burner tube (there is very little adjustment possible!) it ended up with the electrodes centered horizontally but in the upper third of the burner tube vertically. I turned it on and it lit almost on the first spark. tried it several times and it never failed to light however this is par for the course as this has been a very intermittent problem. the tech at the dealer suggested that the gas valve may be failing to open enough to light on the first try but is releasing some gas which is collecting in the combustion chamber until ignition does occur with a bang! Your Thoughts?