> The funny thing is the sparker sparks inside the burner chamber and the pilot lights but won't stay lit when the button is released unless I straighten the wire.
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Aloha, Dave: This is generally caused by thermocouple or related circuits. Thermocouples generates very small voltage (mV) to keep the pilot lit. Do you have any schematic diagram you can post? The orange wire could be conductor to transmit this low voltage....
Surveyor NW
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> Are you using "condensing" or "non-condensing" units?
>
Aloha, Surveyor NW:
I quickly look through the installation manual, there are no indications if it is condensing or non-condensing unit.
The model I have here is Rinnai Continuum 2424C It is commercial grade. Check out www. rinnaiamerica.com
Sorry for the hijack Dave!
The control box is White Rodgers. The piezo isn't mentioned on their website so I'm not sure who makes it.
It may not be a regular connector, but it sure likes some kind of connector, with the wire frayed where it was crimped to the top part of the connector. Can you release the connector to check it out? Try using CRC silicone spray to help release it. If you can disassemble it you may be able to strip and solder the frayed wire into the funky connector and reconnect.
Failing that, I might try removing the connector completely by soldering the 2 wires directly to each other, and insulate with heat shrink. That would eliminate the funky connector, strengthen the wire and provide a far more reliable connection.
Sharkbite Fittings
I had to delay the water softener install due to holiday goings-on, but finally got around to it yesterday. Here's a shot of the two Sharkbite fittings I used:
These will remain exposed (they're in the garage), so I can easily check for leaks, but so far they're working great. They were super-easy to install once I sawed off the old fittings. Though a bit pricey, for attaching to old work they're well worth the money.
Sharkbite Fittings
I've had great success with the Sharkbite Fittings on my water line connections. No leaks or problems so far. Best thing is how easy they are to install and use.
Sharkbite Fittings
I torture tested mine when I first installed them by rotating a section of pipe and pushing on the joint to deflect the joint. All of this was under 120 psi of water pressure and nothing slipped or dripped so I was impressed.
Sharkbite Fittings
Sharkbite sells a tool to prep the pipe ends, but I didn't buy one. I did take pains to file the burrs off the outside of the cut pipe ends in order to avoid damaging the O-rings on the fittings. It seems to me that a careless install might produce a leaky fitting.
Sharkbite Fittings
Is this to avoid soldering pipe?
Sharkbite Fittings
> Is this to avoid soldering pipe?
Basically, yes. I wanted to use flex hoses in order to avoid stressing the connections to the tank anyway, and since the existing pipes are only about an inch from the wall, the idea of trying to sweat in a pair of vertical fittings was unappealing. At about $13 apiece, the Sharkbite hoses looked like a great way to go. So far, I'm happy with the result.
Sharkbite Fittings
Those look useful. Are they available at Homedepot or Lowes.
They have a lot of different fittings.
Answered my own question. They make pex pipe too which is an easy way to extend potable lines.
Sharkbite Fittings
> Are they available at Homedepot or Lowes.
I think Home Depot carries Sharkbite, and Lowes carries Gatorbite. Basically the same thing.
I finally figured it out.
I need a new piezo igniter. Got the part number from State and a local supplier.
Get it tomorrow and hopefully make the permanent fix.
The igniter has a black wire that goes into the orange connector. Replacing that should fix it.
7.50 plus tax.
Sharkbite Fittings
Sharkbite fittings are awesome.
I used them and pex pipe to run some hot and cold lines, very simple and the pipe can be bent somewhat.
I fixed the water heater. I noticed the wire out of the piezo igniter is frayed. The water heater clicked off when I touched it. So I got the part at Slakey Brothers for 7 bucks plus tax and it has been happy ever since.
