Water heater issue

[Mbiallas]

I am having an intermittent issue with my water heater and need advice. It's an Atwood propane only model with a 10 gallon capacity. The issue is that sometimes it will light right away like it's supposed to and run fine. Other times I have to go put there, light a stick on fire, shove it in the hole and run inside to turn the switch back on as it just won't light on its own (but the gas is definitely flowing) . Then sometimes it will fire up - nice pun huh? - for 10 seconds or so then quit and try to turn itself right back on. Usually when that happens the ignitor won't start it up and I have to do the stick trick again. Any ideas to help me track this little goblin down?

[RJsfishin]

Quote
- or quiet and smooth just right air
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A quiet and smooth flame on a w. heater or fridge is never correct !

[maillemaker]

Is the ignitor firing (clicking) when it doesn't start? Have you tried cleaning the electrodes?

[Mbiallas]

It's not always 3 times. Sometimes just once. The flame seems fine to me. It's not overly noisy and seems to burn cleanly.

[SDcampowneroper]

Does it go the 3 tries before locking out? Is the flame loud like a jet- indicates too much air- or quiet and smooth just right air. Are you seeing any soot - not enough air.
Altitude is another factor
Are you hearing the ignitor clicking to light?