Bradford White RG130T*N Series User manual

Save this manual for future reference
Manual 238-51542-00B REV 10/18
SERVICE
MANUAL
Troubleshooting Guide
and Instructions for Service
(To be performed ONLY by
qualified service providers)
Models Covered
by This Manual:
RG130T*(N,X)
RG140T*(N,X)
RG150T(N,X)
LG250H65*(N,X)
RG230S*(N,X)
RG230T*(N,X)
RG240S*(N,X)
RG240T*(N,X)
RG250H*(N,X)
RG250L*(N,X)
RG250S*(N,X)
RG250T*(N,X)
(*) Denotes Warranty Years
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant
Water Heaters

2
2
The Bradford White
®
Page Service Procedure
Introduction 3 - - -
Troubleshooting Chart 4 - - -
Inner Door Gasket Removal, Inspection, and Replacement 9 RG-I
Thermocouple/Thermopile Testing and Replacement 12 RG-II
Pilot Assembly Inspection Cleaning and Replacement 15 RG-III
Piezo Igniter, Electrode Testing and Replacement 16 RG-IV
White Rodgers Gas Valve Testing and Replacement 17 RG-V
Honeywell Gas Control Testing, Disassembly, and Replacement 22 RG-VI
Burner Operation Inspection, Adjustment, Cleaning and Replacement 28 RG-VII
Resettable Thermal Switch Testing and Replacement 31 RG-VIII
ScreenLok®Flame Arrestor Cleaning 33 RG-IX
DipTube and Anode Inspection and Replacement 34 RG-X
Generic Parts List 36 - - -

3
3
INTRODUCTION
The Bradford White DEFENDER Safety System®
The Bradford White DEFENDER Safety System®was designed to resist the ignition
of flammable vapors that can occur outside of the water heater. Use and installation
are nearly identical to previous versions of atmospherically fired and vented water
heaters. A number of exclusive design features are incorporated in the system that
will require additional knowledge on the part of the qualified service provider. The
following information will instruct service professionals on the function, proper
diagnosis and repair of water heaters employing the Bradford White DEFENDER
Safety System.
How the Safety System Works
During normal operation, air for combustion is drawn into the water heater through the
opening in the jacket. This air travels down and around the combustion chamber and
enters through holes in the very bottom of the corrosion-resistant combustion
chamber. The air then travels up through the oriented flame arrestor plate louvers,
where the velocity of the air is increased and its direction altered. The air then mixes
in a normal manner with the supplied gas and is efficiently combusted, producing very
low NOx emissions.
In the case where trace amounts of flammable vapors are present in the air flowing
into the combustion chamber, the vapors are harmlessly ignited by the burner / pilot
flame. If flammable vapors are in sufficient quantity to prevent normal combustion,
the burner/pilot flame is shut down.
Should the flammable vapors continue to the burner, the flame arrestor plate prevents
the flames from traveling backwards and igniting vapors outside of the combustion
chamber. The calibrated, multipurpose thermal switch recognizes this and shuts down
the pilot and main burner. This switch also deactivates the burner and pilot in the
unlikely event of restricted airflow caused by severe lint, dust or oil accumulation on
the arrestor plate.

4
4
White Rodgers Gas Control Troubleshooting Chart
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant Water Heaters
Symptom Probable Cause Corrective action Service
Procedure
Pilot will not light.
1. No incoming gas or too low
gas pressure.
2. Gas control knob set to
wrong position.
3. Pilot light button not being
fully depressed when
attempting to light pilot.
4. Pilot orifice or pilot tube is
obstructed or kinked.
5. Pilot electrode not sparking to
pilot.
6. Piezo igniter not functioning.
1. Turn on gas supply and/or check
line pressure.
2. Review lighting instruction. Set
combination/thermostat gas valve
to correct position.
3. Review lighting instruction. Fully
depress pilot lighting button.
4. Clean, repair or replace.
5. Verify correct electrode position.
Replace pilot assembly.
6. Replace piezo igniter.
1. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 12.
2. See Service
Procedure RG-III,
Page 10.
3. See Service
Procedure RG-III,
Page 10.
4. See Service
Procedure RG-IV,
Page 11.
Pilot will not stay lit
when button is
released.
1. Poor thermocouple
connection at combination
thermostat/gas valve.
2. Thermocouple not fully
engaged in pilot assembly
bracket.
3. Pilot flame is not fully
enveloping the thermocouple
“hot” junction.
4. Weak or defective
thermocouple.
5. Open ECO on
combination thermostat/
gas valve.
6. Defective magnet in
combination thermostat/gas
valve.
7. Resettable thermal switch
has opened.
1. Check connection at combination
thermostat/gas valve. Proper
tightness should be finger tight
plus ¼turn.
2. Inspect thermocouple to ensure
that it is fully engaged into pilot
bracket.
3. Adjust tip of thermocouple to be
fully engulfed by pilot flame.
4. Check thermocouple and replace
if necessary.
5. Check ECO continuity and replace
combination thermostat/gas valve
if necessary.
6. Check magnet operation and
replace combination
thermostat/gas valve if necessary.
7. Determine cause of switch
activation. To reset, depress
button on resettable thermal
switch located on inner door.
1. See Service
Procedure RG-II,
Page 8.
2. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 14.
3. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 13.
Pilot will light but
the main burner
will not come on.
1. Combination thermostat/gas
valve set too low for desired
water temperature.
2. Combination
thermostat/gas valve
temperature is satisfied.
3. Insufficient gas supply or
low gas pressure.
4. Combination thermostat/gas
valve has wide differential or
is out of calibration.
1. Adjust temperature dial on
combination thermostat/gas
valve.
2. Check temperature dial
setting on combination
thermostat/gas valve.
3. Check gas supply and line
pressure.
4. Check combination
thermostat/gas valve for
proper operation, replace if
necessary.
1. See installation
and operation
manual.
2. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 12.
3. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 12.

5
5
White Rodgers Gas Control Troubleshooting Chart
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant Water Heaters
Symptom Probable Cause Corrective action Service
Procedure
Pilot goes out
periodically (after
heating cycles,
once a day, once
a week etc.)
1. Insufficient combustion air
supply.
2. Incorrect, clogged vent
system/vent terminal or
location.
3. Inconsistent gas supply or
gas pressure.
1. Verify adequate combustion air
is available to the unit. Check
and clear Jacket slot openings of
any dirt, dust, restrictions or
other obstructions. Inspect flame
arrestor plate and clean with stiff
bristled brush and/or vacuum to
remove any debris accumulation.
2. Check venting for proper sizing
and proper operation
3. Check gas supply and line
pressure.
1. See Service
Procedure RG-
VIII, Page 22.
2. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 14.
Not enough hot
water.
4. Combination thermostat/gas
valve set too low for desired
water temperature.
5. Cold inlet water temperature
is very cold.
6. High demand periods.
7. Incorrectly sized water
heater for application.
8. Combination thermostat/gas
valve is out of calibration/not
functioning.
9. Out of spec dip tube is
diluting hot water with cold
water.
1. Check dial on combination
thermostat/gas valve.
2. Extremely cold water going into
the heater will decrease the
amount of hot water produced. It
may be necessary to temper
incoming water supply.
3. Adjust high demand usage.
4. Contact Plumbing professional.
5. Check combination
thermostat/gas valve for proper
operation, replace if necessary.
6. Inspect dip tube and replace if
necessary.
1. See Service
Procedure RG-V,
Page 12.
2. See Service
Procedure RG-IX,
Page 23.

6
6
Observe green LED indicator on Gas Control.
Status flash codes are displayed with a three
second pause before repeating. Check and repair
the system as noted in the troubleshooting table
below.
Honeywell V1 Gas Control Troubleshooting Chart
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant Water Heaters
V
LED Status Control Status Probable Cause Service Procedure
None (LED not
on or flashing) Pilot assembly is not lit Gas control is not powered. Light Pilot.
If the pilot will not stay lit
replace pilot assembly. If
problem persists replace
g
as control.
One flash and
three second
pause
1. If setpoint knob is in “PILOT”
position then pilot flame is
detected. Turn setpoint knob
to desired setting.
2. If the setpoint knob is
already at the desired
setting, the water heater is
satisfied.
1. Gas control is
powered and waiting
for setpoint knob to
be turned to a water
temperature setting.
2. Water heater is
satisfied and
operating normally.
Normal operation.
LED on
continuously
(solid)
Setpoint knob has been recently
turned to the “OFF” position. Wait
until LED goes out before
attemptin
g
to reli
g
ht.
Setpoint knob was
turned to “OFF”
position.
LED will not go out and the
control will function
normally the is lit.
Two flashes
and three
second pause
Weak pilot signal detected.
System will reset when pilot
flame is sufficient.
1. Thermopile failure.
2. Unstable pilot.
3. Pilot tube block or
restricted.
1. See service procedure IV
2. See service procedure II
3. See service procedure II
Three flashes
and three
second pause
Insufficient water heating.
System will reset.
1. Thermal sensor out
of calibration.
2. Faulty gas control.
Replace gas control.

7
7
Observe green LED indicator on Gas Control.
Status flash codes are displayed with a three
second pause before repeating. Check and repair
the system as noted in the troubleshooting table
below.
Honeywell V1 Gas Control Troubleshooting Chart
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant Water Heaters
LED Status Control Status Probable Cause Service Procedure
Four flashes
three second
pause
Excessive tank temperature.
System must be reset.
1. Temperature sensor
out of calibration.
2. Faulty gas control.
Replace gas control
Five flashes
and three
second pause
Temperature sensor fault.
1. Damage to the
temperature sensor.
2. Temperature sensor
resistance out of
ran
g
e.
Replace gas control
Six flashes
and three
second pause
Water leak detected by
accessory module
Excessive amount of
water in drain pan/water
dam.
1. Check T&P valve.
2. Check all water fittings.
3. Pressurize and leak test
tank.
Seven flashes
and three
second pause
Gas control electronic fault
detected.
1. Control needs to be
reset.
2. Control is wet or
ph
y
sicall
y
dama
g
ed.
1. Reset gas control
2. Replace gas control.
Eight flashes
and three
second pause
Standing pilot remains on while
setpoint knob is in “OFF”
position.
Pilot valve stuck in
open position. Replace gas control

8
8
Observe colored LED indicator on Gas Control.
Status flash codes are displayed with a three
second pause before repeating. Check and repair
the system as noted in the troubleshooting table
below.
Honeywell V2 Gas Control Troubleshooting Chart
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant Water Heaters
LED Status Control Status Probable Cause Service Procedure
None (LED not on
or flashing)
Millivolt power is not
present. Light pilot.
Gas valve is functioning normally.
Gas valve is not powered. Light
pilot.
If the pilot will not stay lit
replace pilot assembly. If
problem persists, replace
gas control.
One flash every
four seconds
(LED green)
Not an error. Indicates
pilot is lit and main
burner is off.
You can now turn the know to a
desired setpoint temperature Normal operation.
One flash every
second
(LED green)
Not an error. Indicates
main valve is open and
main burner is lit.
None. Control will automatically
shut main burner off when water
temperature reaches the setpoint
temperature.
Normal operation.
Two flashes
(LED yellow)
Low thermopile voltage;
main valve not turned
ON.
Check thermopile and its
connections. Check pilot flame.
1. See service procedure
IV.
2. See service procedure II.
3. See service procedure II.
Four flashes
(LED red)
Temperature cut-out
limit reached.
Check the valves and the water
temperature sensor. Reduce the
water temperature setpoint.
Thoroughly check
out main valve operation and water
temperature control before walking
away.
Replace gas control
Five flashes
(LED red)
Water temperature
sensor failure.
Check water temperature sensor
and its connection for open
circuits, shorts, or differences in
resistance between the two sensor
elements.
Replace gas control
Six flashes
(LED red)
Tank leakage detected
by accessory module.
Control recovers after receiving
message from accessory module.
1. Check T&P valve.
2. Check all water fittings.
3. Pressurize and leak test
tank.
Solid ON
(LED red)
Not an error-indicates
that the control is in
OFF mode.
None; wait until LED turns off if
you want to restart system.
LED will go out and the
control will function normally
the pilot is lit.

9
9
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I
Inner Door/Gasket Removal,
Inspection, and Replacement
Inner Door Removal Procedure
Step 1. Rotate knob of the combination
thermostat/gas valve to the “OFF” position.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Remove outer jacket burner access door.
Inner Door Removal.
a) Disconnect resettable thermal switch wire leads
(leading from gas control/gas valve).
b) Remove (2) hex drive screws from right side inner door.
c) Remove (2) hex drive screws from flange section of inner door.
d) Remove (2) hex drive screws from left side inner door.
e
)
Remove inner door and inspect per step 4.
Step 4. Fully inspect inner door gaskets for the following:
>Tears
>Missing material
>Cracks
>Dirt or debris
>Other imperfections that will inhibit proper seal
>Gasket adhesion to inner door
>Material left on combustion chamber (around opening)
If the gasket is not affected by any of the above, gasket replacement is not required. If replacement
is required, proceed to Inner Door Gasket Replacement Procedure.
Inner Door Gasket Replacement Procedure
GASKET OVERLAP
MUST BE AS
SHOWN ±1/32"
RECOMMENDED
PATTERN FOR RTV
SEALANT
ENLARGED
VIEW OF
FLANGE AREA
PLACE FLANGE
SECTIONS FIRST VIEW WITH
GASKETS IN
PLACE
EXPANDED
VIEW

10
10
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I
Inner Door/Gasket Removal,
Inspection, and Replacement
Installation of Inner Door with Gasket
Step 5. Clean any residual gasket residue or other
debris from combustion chamber surface
before installing the inner door/gasket
assembly.
Place the left side inner door into position
first. Firmly position the radiused channel of
the inner door around the feedline. Using the
(2) hex drive screws from step 3d, secure left
side inner door in place
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN SCREWS.
Position thermocouple, pilot tube and Piezo
wire against left side inner door flange gasket.
DO NOT ROUTE THROUGH RADIUSED
CHANNEL WITH FEEDLINE.
Step 6.
Step 7.
WARNING
Stripped fastener connections may allow
for seal breach of inner door. A seal
breach may result in a fire or explosion
causing property damage, personal injury
or death. Do not over tighten screws in
steps 8, 10 and 11.
If a fastener connection is stripped,
contact the manufacturer listed on the
water heater rating plate.

11
11
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I
Inner Door/Gasket Removal, Inspection
Replacement and Reinstallation
Step 8. Firmly place right side inner door flange against the left side inner door flange and secure with (2)
hex drive screws from step 3c. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN SCREWS.
Align right side inner door to combustion chamber and verify the fastener holes of the combustion
chamber are aligned with the right side inner door slotted opening. Verify seal integrity around
combustion opening. Secure right side inner door using (2) hex drive screws from step 3b.
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN SCREWS. Verify both left and right sides of the inner door are properly
positioned and sealed against the combustion chamber.
Step 9.
Step 10. Reconnect lead wires from combination thermostat/gas valve to resettable thermal switch (See
photo in step 3). Note, wire terminations are interchangeable with either resettable thermal switch
connections.
Replace outer jacket burner access door.
To resume operation, follow the instructions located on the lighting instruction label or the lighting
instructions located in the installation and operation manual.
Step 11.
Step 12.

12
12
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-II
Thermocouple/Thermopile Testing and
Replacement
CLOSED CIRCUIT THERMOCOUPLE TESTING (White Rodgers Control)
Step 1. Closed circuit testing is the preferred method for testing thermocouple. Following the lighting
instruction label on the heater, proceed to light the pilot and allow to operate for three minutes. If
the pilot will not stay lit, hold the pilot button (located on the combination thermostat/gas valve)
down during this test.
Using a multimeter capable of measuring millivolts, connect one lead
using an alligator clip to the copper sheath of the thermocouple, use the second lead of the
multimeter to probe the top terminal located at the back of the combination thermostat/gas valve.
If meter reads 10 mv or higher, the thermocouple is OK. If reading is below 10 mv,
replace the thermocouple.
Step 2.
Step 3.

13
13
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-II
Thermocouple/Thermopile Testing and
Replacement
OPEN CIRCUIT THERMOCOUPLE TESTING (White Rodgers Gas Valve)
Step 1.
Step 2.
Disconnect thermocouple from combination thermostat/gas valve.
Using a multimeter capable of measuring millivolts, connect
one alligator clip to the end ball or contact portion of the
thermocouple, and the other alligator clip to copper portion of
the thermocouple.
Following the lighting instruction label on the heater, proceed to light the pilot and allow to operate
for three minutes. It will be necessary to hold the pilot button down continuously throughout
this test. A reading of 20 to 30 millivolts indicates good thermocouple output.
Step 3.
THERMOCOUPLE REPLACEMENT (White Rodgers Gas Valve)
Step 1. Turn off gas supply to water heater. Rotate knob of combination
thermostat/gas valve to “OFF” position.
Depress knob slightly and rotate
clockwise to the “OFF” position.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4
Remove outer jacket door.
Remove right side of inner door per SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I, steps 3a through 3c.
Disconnect thermocouple from combination thermostat/gas valve. Locate other end of
thermocouple inside of combustion chamber and remove from pilot bracket. Pull firmly pulling away
from the pilot assembly.
Install new thermocouple into pilot bracket making certain the thermocouple is fully engaged into
the pilot bracket. Position thermocouple against left side inner door flange at its original position.
Connect other end of thermocouple to combination thermostat/gas valve (finger tight + ¼ turn).
Inspect inner door gasket per
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I, Step 4.
Step 5.
Step 6.
Step 7. Install right side inner door per
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I,
Step 10 through Step 13.
Step 8. To resume operation, follow the instructions located on the lighting instruction label or the lighting
instructions located in the installation and operation manual.

14
14
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-II
Thermocouple/Thermopile Testing and
Replacement
OPEN CIRCUIT THERMOPILE TESTING (Honeywell Gas Control)
The following test should be performed while the pilot flame is on.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Turn knob to pilot position and depress.
Continue pressing knob and remove red (+) wire from resettable thermal door switch.
Using a multimeter capable of measuring millivolts, connect the positive side of the multimeter to
the terminal of the resettable thermal door switch. Connect the negative side of the multimeter to
any earth ground location (jacket base, screw, etc.).
Normal thermopile operation will be between 350mV - 850mV. If reading is less than 350mV, replacement of
pilot assembly is recommended following SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-III.
Step 4. If thermopile reading is between 350mV - 850mV, remove multimeter and reconnect red wire to
positive (+) terminal of gas control.
Release gas control knob and turn to desired setting to resume normal operation.
Step 5.

15
15
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-III
Pilot Assembly Inspection, Cleaning
and Replacement
PILOT/ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY INSPECTION, CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT
Step 1. Turn off gas supply to water heater. Rotate knob
of gas control/gas valve
to “OFF” position.
Remove outer jacket door.
Remove right side of inner door per
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I, steps 3a through 3c.
Disconnect thermocouple/thermopile, pilot tube,
and feedline from gas control/gas valve.
NOTE: Feedline nut for natural gas control uses
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4
right hand threads, LP control uses left hand thread.
Step 5
Step 6.
Step 7.
Step 8.
Disconnect piezo ignition wire from piezo igniter.
Remove burner assembly from combustion chamber.
Remove pilot/electrode assembl
y
from feedline.
Inspect pilot for the following:
a) Primary air openings for blockage. Must be free from any
debris (dirt, lint, etc.).
b) Kinks or cracks in the pilot tube. If found,
the pilot must be replaced.
Step 9. Inspect pilot orifice:
a) Remove ½" nut from bottom of pilot assembly.
b) Remove pilot tube and pilot orifice.
c) Inspect pilot orifice for blockage, must be cleaned
or replaced. (Honeywell pilot orifice not replaceable,
replace pilot assembly)
Step 10.
Step 11.
Install pilot/electrode assembly to feedline, secure with screw from step 7.
Re-Install burner assembly into combustion chamber, connect feedline,
pilot tube and thermocouple/thermopile to gas control/gas valve.
Step 12.
Step 13.
Install inner door per SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-I, step 4 through 13.
To resume operation, follow the instructions located on the lighting
instruction label or the lighting instructions located in the installation
and operation manual.
Removal of thermopile from
Honeywell pilot assembly is not
recommended, but can be
achieved by viewing the pilot
assembly from the top and
pressing the thermopile
towards the right while pulling
to remove.

16
16
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-IV
Piezo Igniter, Electrode Testing
and Replacement
PIEZO IGNITER, ELECTRODE TESTING AND REPLACEMENT
With the pilot, not in operation (no pilot flame) you can check the piezo and electrode circuit by viewing pilot
thru the sight glass located on the inner door and observing the spark action.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Remove outer jacket door.
Repeatedly depress the piezo igniter while viewing the pilot thru the sight glass. If a
spark is present, the circuit is OK. If there is no spark, proceed to step 3.
Step 3. Remove orange (or white) wire from Piezo igniter and install a jumper wire in its place.
Hold the other end of the jumper by the wire insulation or using an insulated tool, next to
an unpainted surface such as the feedline or gas valve and depress the piezo igniter. If
there is a spark, the igniter is OK, the pilot is not functioning and must be replaced, see
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-III for pilot replacement. If no spark is present the igniter is
not functioning and must be replaced.
Step 4a. For White Rodgers gas valves: With orange wire disconnected from piezo igniter. Using
a common screw driver, place blade of screw driver under piezo bracket and gently pry
bracket from front of gas valve and unhook bracket from rear of gas valve.
Step 4b. For Honeywell gas controls: To replace igniter, see “Gas Control Disassembly
Reassembly” in SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-VI.

17
17
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-V
Gas Valve Testing and Replacement (White
Rodgers)
Gas Valve Testing and Replacement (White Rodgers)
The gas valve is a non-repairable device. If trouble shooting has determined a problem with the gas valve, it
must be replaced.
If the burner and/or pilot do not function, service checks for gas pressure, thermocouple output, magnet
assembly and ECO are to be performed. If these check OK, the gas valve may be faulty.
LINE PRESSURE
The gas valve is designed for a maximum line pressure of 14.0" w.c. and a minimum line pressure of 1.0"w.c.
over the water heater rated manifold pressure (check rating plate). Line pressure must be checked with
burner on and burner off to assure proper readings.
MANIFOLD PRESSURE TESTING
(This procedure assumes a maximum line pressure of 14.0" w.c.)
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4.
Set gas valve to “OFF” position.
Remove pressure tap plug and install pressure tap.
Connect manometer to pressure tap.
Follow lighting instructions and proceed to light
main burner and observe manometer reading.
Proper operating range for natural gas is 4.0 ±0.5" W.C.
Proper operating range for L.P. gas is 10.0 ±0.5" W.C.
If pressure is OK, set gas valve to “OFF” remove manometer and pressure tap and replace pressure
tap plug. Check for gas leaks before placing water heater back in operation. If pressure is out of the
specification noted in step 5, proceed to step 7 for proper service procedure.
The manifold pressure is not adjustable. If manifold pressure is outside the range in step
5, the control must be replaced.
Step 5.
Step 6.
Step 7.

18
18
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-V
Gas Valve Testing and Replacement
(White Rodgers)
THERMOCOUPLE TESTING
See SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-II
MAGNET ASSEMBLY TESTING (White Rodgers Control)
Step 1. Following the lighting instruction label on the heater, proceed to light the pilot and allow to operate
for three minutes. If the pilot will not stay lit, hold the pilot button (located on the gas valve) down
during this test.
Using a multimeter capable of measuring millivolts, connect one lead using an alligator clip to the
copper sheath of the thermocouple, use the second lead of the multimeter to probe the top
terminal located at the back of the gas valve.
Step 2.
Step 3. With a meter reading of 13 millivolts or greater, rotate knob of combination thermostat/gas valve to
the “OFF” position.
The magnet should remain closed for a drop of at least 6 millivolts. You will hear a “snap” or “click”
sound when the magnet opens, if you hear this sound prior to a drop of 6 millivolts, the magnet is
out of specification and the gas valve should be replaced.
Step 4.
ECO (Energy Cut Off) TESTING
Step 1. Disconnect thermocouple from gas valve.
Step 2. Using a multimeter capable of measuring Ohms (or continuity),
attach one lead (alligator clip) to the pilot tube. Insert the other
lead (probe) fully into the magnet opening, be sure the probe
makes contact only at the top center of the magnet opening.
Do not allow the probe to make contact with the threaded
sides of the opening.
Step 3. If continuity is indicated, the ECO is OK. If continuity is not indicated, the ECO has opened and the
gas valve must be replaced.

19
19
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-V
Gas Valve Testing and Replacement
(White Rodgers)
COMBINATION THERMOSTAT/GAS VALVE REPLACEMENT
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4.
Step 5.
Step 6.
Rotate knob of the gas valve to the “OFF” position.
Turn off gas supply to water heater.
Disconnect gas supply line from gas valve.
For White Rodgers Control,
depress knob slightly and rotate
clockwise to the “OFF” position.
Turn off water supply and drain water heater completely.
Remove outer jacket burner access door.
Right side inner door removal.
a) Disconnect resettable thermal switch wire leads (leading from gas valve)
and remove wire tie from feedline.
b) Remove (2) hex drive screws from right side inner door.
c) Remove (2) hex drive screws from flange section of inner door.
d) Remove right side inner door and set aside.
Be careful not to dama
g
e
g
asket material on inner door.

20
20
SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-V
Gas Valve Testing and Replacement
(White Rodgers)
Step 7. Removal of gas valve.
a) Disconnect main burner feedline, pilot tube and thermocouple from
gas valve & remove burner from combustion chamber.
NOTE: Feed line nut for natural gas control uses right hand threads,
LP control uses left hand thread.
b) Remove piezo bracket with piezo igniter
(refer to SERVICE PROCEDURE RG-IV) from gas valve.
c) Remove gas valve from water heater, rotating counter
clockwise using a control body wrench or a length of ½"
NPT pipe threaded into inlet of control.
Step 8. Installation of gas valve.
a) Install new gas valve using a control body wrench or a length
of ½" NPT pipe threaded into inlet of control.
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. Use caution not to damage cast aluminum body of
gas valve. Be certain not to damage the bundled wire leads.
NOTE: Gas valve must be installed in proper upright position to assure the
feedline will align properly at the inner door flange. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
If control is turned past proper alignment, do not reverse direction to align.
b) Reattach piezo bracket with piezo igniter to gas valve.
c) Reattach main burner feedline, pilot tube and thermocouple to gas valve.
NOTE: Feedline nut for natural gas control uses right hand threads, LP
control uses left hand thread.
d) Gather wire leads of gas valve and piezo igniter and secure alongside of
feedline using new wire tie provided.
e) Connect gas supply piping to inlet of control. Use back up wrench on
wrench boss of control, never use back up wrench on body of control.
Step 9. Reinstallation of inner door assembly.
a) Prior to reinstallation of inner door, fully inspect inner door gasket for the following:
> Tears
> Missing Material
> Cracks
> Dirt or debris
> Gasket adhesion to inner door
> Other imperfections that will inhibit proper seal
> Material left on combustion chamber
If the gasket is not affected by any of the above, gasket replacement will not be required. If replacement is
required, replace using new gasket kit following the instructions provided with kit.