The combustion chamber of water heaters having electronic ignition are sealed tight and gasketed. They require removal of a burner assembly manifold cover which contains the burner supply tube, burner, electronic ignition, pilot and thermocouple. To remove the panel proceed as follows:
- Unscrew or remove the nuts securing the burner assembly manifold cover plate. Depending on the brand and model of water heater, the panel may be secured by nuts, screws or specialty tamper-resistant fasteners such as #20 torx head tool.
- Once the panel is unsecured, grab the burner supply tube and push down slightly to free the manifold, pilot tube, and thermocouple connections.
- Gently remove the manifold / burner assembly from the burner combustion compartment. Take care not to damage the internal components. If the burner does not move easily check around the base. It may have additional screws holding it down.
- Carefully remove the old gasketing from around the manifold cover plate if it is going to be reused.
- Clean the metal surfaces between the cover plate and the water heater.
