Hi guys,

Great forums....use them often....great input from your tech guys.

I have a Kenmore Model #153.335550, Serial #B977755234 gas-fired water heater, that is experiencing a shut-off condition after the unit reaches operating temps. It will shut off and extinguish pilot light along with main burners.

I have turned pilot to off, cycled for 5 minutes, relit the pilot (successfully) and the pilot stayed on after one minute (pilot know popped up). Turned knob to ON and main gas burner ignited. This burned for at least 5-8 minutes and then shut off (should be normal operation) but when main shuts off, so does pilot.

Ran this procedure twice - same results. Is this the automatic gas shutoff (water temp) system at fault? If so, how difficult a repair is this? Have plumbed in tanks before and changed out pressure relief valves, but have not dealt with thermostats and the like before this. Any suggestions?

Thanks again for all your great work out there guys.

John

Hi John,

It sounds like you have a bad thermocouple.

Here's the parts diagram for your model:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...5621-00001.png
Its #7

Looks like the only place that has it in stock is at Sears. So you can go to your local Sears store to get it.

Its part#H06E-036

Jake

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thanks Jake....on my way to the parts house as we speak.

John

Sounds good John, let us know the outcome.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Jake,

It was indeed the thermocouple....and after a few scrapes on the wrists from close quarters, I managed to put the new thermocouple in and fire the unit up. Many thanks again sir.....great input for us working stiffs out there.

John

Good job installing the new thermocouple John, glad its working good again.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances