Hi Jake,

Got a new one for you. A couple of weeks ago we got a lot of rain around here and our basement got flooded. Twice. Both times, the water got high enough to douse the pilot light. Each time, I got the pilot re-lit and everything was working fine. This past weekend, we went out of town on vacation and when we came back the pilot was out again. We got some rain while we were away but not enough to flood. This time when I went to relight the pilot, it would light but it wouldn't stay lit. Could the flooding have damaged the feeder or something?

It's a Rheem model 21V40-7 and according to the energy savings label was built in 1994.

Sounds like the thermocouple is bad.
Part# SP6379C

Check for a Rheem water heater parts dealer in your area in your yellow pages or online here:
http://waterheating.rheem.com/conten..._catalog.shtml

Jake

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I think that did the trick. Pretty straightforward although I have a couple of follow up questions.

1: When I reattached the burner, it wasn't quite in center. Should it be?

2: The burner itself is pretty rusty. Should I consider replacing it?



3: The new thermocouple is longer than the old one. Is this a problem?

It should be as close to center as you can get it.

Yes, it would be a good idea to replace the burner assembly as well.

The longer thermocouple is fine.

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

Hey Jake,

Just wanted to let you know that the new thermocouple worked just fine. I haven't had a chance to go back in and re-center the burner. I tried to identify the new burner part in the parts catalog but I wasn't sure which one it was. Do I have to buy the entire burner assembly?

Glad its working good again.

Looks like they discontinued the burner for your model:
Part# AS-29458A-B
Burner, nat. gas

Discontinued. We're sorry. This part is no longer available. No alternate or substitute part has been recommended by the manufacturer.

Jake