Forum Discussion

elkrott's avatar
elkrott
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014

Suburban Water Heater Problem Lighting

Subarban water heater model SW12DEL sometimes lights at first try other times it tries to light 6 times.
Someone told me it should try 3 times then lockout.
Any idea whats going on?

4 Replies

  • Suburban WH LPG valve solenoid coils (there are 2) are known to fail. In my case the coil that eventually failed open circuit would function intermittently.
  • Yes, it has a 3 try, then lock out. BUT if at anytime it does have a flame, no matter how short in duration and then goes out the 3 try timer starts all over. Doug
  • Not all have 3 tries/lock out system.

    Need to clean the gas orifice (remove it and clean with alcohol) clean out burner tube and check spark electrode position.
    Spark electrode to ground rod gap 1/8" and positioned IN main flame.
    The burner tube needs to be 'straight' (in direct alignment with gas valve so gas flows down the center of tube----adjust if needed by repositioning gas valve)

    Open outside compartment and watch operation while somebody turns it ON
    Is spark strong?
    When main flame lights......is it strong blue flame?
    Is spark electrode engulfed in main flame?