water heater won't stay lit

I assume this isn't the first time in this rig for you. So it worked last time, right? Your in need of some help before having to heat water on the stove and take sponge baths.

In the campground, first I'd try blowing real hard in the air intake tube unless you have a compressor and blow gun handy. A blast from a can of compressed air for computer cleaning could be handy. Some times you get lucky with simple things.

When it was cool or damp out mine would lite and go out 3 times before requiring to be shut off and start over. It would do this multiple times until it would finally stay lit. I sprayed it with brake clean and some WD-40 for good measure. AFTER SPRAYING WAIT BEFORE RELIGHTING!!!! Flash, flames and all the things that get your attention quick, don't ask how I know. At least 10 mins. Haven't had any trouble since.

Next I would check the thermocouple as PhotoMike suggests. Search thermocouple troubleshooting. I remember seeing something on how to test them with a ohm or voltmeter. Dealers can check most but my old TT had a weird one for the fridge. I just always kept a spare for it.

Good luck Kevin, hope your not in for a cold shower. Brrrr.

Check the shutoff also...did you bump the winterize valve closed by mistake?

If the tank does not have water in it the burner will cycle but not stay lit...

Photomike wrote:
Sounds like the thermocoupler, take out and clean and put back in. If that does not work replace.

X2

Yea the burner actually lights but then the burner goes out?

Does it click, click, click and then after 5
5 or 6 seconds the flame quits?

rjxj wrote:
Is it pilot or dsi?

It's dsi.

I assume the thermocouple is the piece with 2 tips on the end and is right by the burner? That's the only piece in the burner area?

Is it pilot or dsi?

Sounds like the thermocoupler, take out and clean and put back in. If that does not work replace.

I've done that and it didn't do anything. The burner lights for a second or 2 and then just shuts off?