Hot water pilot not staying on

[wildmandmc]

2000 itasca horizon, unit has been off for few weeks, went to put on to have hot water, pilot lights tank is getting heated, 3 min later pilot is out.
last time we used it worked great. no wind to blow it out. i shut it off wait few min, attempt again, same results only now just doesnt light, lp tank is full.

[CampDaven]

Things to check: the burner tube must be free of dust and tiny spider webs, and the thermocouple can kick out and kill the flame if it is carboned up or not quite close enough to the flame or possibly in process of failing. Also, loose wiring can cause issues.

[Pepper2]

It's been awhile since I've worked on a home style hot water heater, but I'll give it a try. Should be about the same as the RV. Remove the pilot assembly( it's at the end of the gas line) and remove the orifice in side. Be careful, do not damage this. Blow out the orifice and gently rub the tip against your pant leg. Don't know why this works, but it does. Do not use a wire or toothpick to clean it, you will probably only damage it. Remove the thermocopler (that's the wire that hangs over the pilot that gets fatter at the end) and lightly sand with fine sandpaper. Reassemble everything, cross your fingers and hope my memory is good.

[Pepper2]

One other thing. Some systems will lock out after several attempts at lighting. Turn off power to the WH before starting the above procedures.

[wildmandmc]

thanks, will check tomorrow.an see wht is an what isn't what thru me off was that at one point it did run for abt 5 or so minutes.

[vsheetz]

Thermocouple.

[Pepper2]

That can happen. That's why your cleaning the thermocouple. Don't forget to power down the WH.

[BFlinn181]

You probably don't have a pilot light like an older home gas device. Most RV LP devices use an electric igniter and a thermocouple to shut off the gas if it didn't ignite. Clean the burner tube and listen for spark as it goes on. If it still goes out after igniting, replace the thermocouple.

[Argosy]

Agree there very likely isn't a pilot, and your thermocouple is the problem. If you search for your make and model online there should be a repair manual.

[garykk]

Check the air gap..

[DAN L]

Originally Posted by wildmandmc

2000 itasca horizon, unit has been off for few weeks, went to put on to have hot water, pilot lights tank is getting heated, 3 min later pilot is out.
last time we used it worked great. no wind to blow it out. i shut it off wait few min, attempt again, same results only now just doesnt light, lp tank is full.

check the wire connections at the circuit board first.

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/...S%204.9.09.pdf

[wildmandmc]

thanks to all, going there at 9am i get back to ya

[wildmandmc]

went down there, while there couple guys (nieghbors) stoped by, said had a similar prob with his yrs ago. seems not sensing the heat when burner comes on an thus shutting off. got to pick up a wire brush an remove tube an clean see if that works.

[wildmandmc]

have a atwood 10 gal system. what is the piece that has a ceramic coating on most of it, metal wire that runs on top of where flame is. is this what you all are calling the thermocouple

[Pepper2]

Never saw a ceramic thermocouple. All I've ever seen are copper in color. If it's over a pilot it's probably the thermocouple. Post a picture if you can. If I can't help someone else is sure to jump in.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by wildmandmc

have a atwood 10 gal system. what is the piece that has a ceramic coating on most of it, metal wire that runs on top of where flame is. is this what you all are calling the thermocouple

That might be a thermocouple, but as Pepper2 said, they are usually copper.

Yesterday I commented that you probably didn't have a pilot light. Further reading says if your Atwood unit's model number contains a 'P' then it does have a pilot light, if it has an 'E' then it's electric ignition.

http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Atwoo...er-Service.pdf

[gfs1943]

I didn't ask if you have the Operator's Manual for your Horizon. Here's a quote from the manual regarding the (optional) 10-gallon water heater:

"For LP Gas Operation:
Press the Water

Heater switch on the Monitor Panel. The “Pilot

Out” light will glow for about 10-15 seconds,

then it will go out. The “Heater On” indicator

will remain lit. If the “Pilot Out” light comes on
during LP operation, it means that the burner has
gone into “lockout” mode and must be restarted.
If this happens, turn the Water Heater switch off
for about 5 minutes, then turn it back on. See the
Atwood user’s guide in your Owners InfoCase

for further information.

"Gas Safety Information

A. This appliance does not have a pilot light. It
is equipped with an ignition device that automatically
lights the burner. Do Not try to
light the burner by hand.
B. Before lighting, smell around the appliance
area for gas. Be sure to smell near floor
because LP gas is heavier than air and will

settle on the floor.

If you don't have the manual, I can send it or a link to it. Let me know.

George Stewart

[wildmandmc]

no pilot light, does have electonic ignition.

[wildmandmc]

lookiing at link on post 16, on page 15 is same exact model i have, the piece im talking abt is following the burneer tube, goes into unit, there is bracket with (the piece) attached is wire (blk). is that the thermalcoupler

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by wildmandmc

lookiing at link on post 16, on page 15 is same exact model i have, the piece im talking abt is following the burneer tube, goes into unit, there is bracket with (the piece) attached is wire (blk). is that the thermalcoupler

No, I believe that is the igniter, (manual pg. 21) I suggest you read the entire manual for your water heater. Perform the clean out and test procedures listed.