Hi. I have a Richmond WH with IntelliVent throwing error code 6 at me. I have had no hot water for 2 days now and have learned/tried the following things. First the operation sequence proceeds to the point of ignition which is where the problem begins. It completes the open test of the pressure switch, however when the fan starts, after 5 seconds I do get a momentary flash of the error code 4 due to the pressure switch taking a split second longer than five seconds to close. That code goes away immediately and the process continues on to the heating of the igniter, which glows bright orange as it should. But at this point, there is no "whoosh" of the burner igniting or blue flame visible in the observation window and as the igniter dims, it is clear that there was never a flame. It seems as though the gas valve isn't opening.
Just to rule it out, I did test the pressure switch with a multi-meter to make sure the circuit was open when the unit was off and closed with the air line attached and the fan on. I even went so far as to temporarily wire a manual switch in place of the pressure switch to simulate its function. I started with the switch in the off position then turned on the power to the WH. Once the fan started spinning I turned the switch on after about 2 seconds and the same sequence continued as described above.
To rule out obstruction in my vent pipe, I disconnected it from the top of the inducer and the startup continued and failed just the same as when it was connected.
I'm not sure where to go from here. The pressure seems fine because my range operates off the same line and I have no problems with flame intensity there. Am I looking at a bad Intelli vent unit? Is my burner suddenly clogged up enough to not let enough gas through to ignite? If anyone can point me in the next direction I would be much obliged. Thank you!
Update: This morning I removed the burner assembly to check the flame sensor and gas orifice. The orifice is clear and the sensor has no corrosion or anything and is positioned exactly according to specifications. The ignitor is also in proper position. I reassembled and no change in the startup behavior.
Just to rule it out, I did test the pressure switch with a multi-meter to make sure the circuit was open when the unit was off and closed with the air line attached and the fan on. I even went so far as to temporarily wire a manual switch in place of the pressure switch to simulate its function. I started with the switch in the off position then turned on the power to the WH. Once the fan started spinning I turned the switch on after about 2 seconds and the same sequence continued as described above.
To rule out obstruction in my vent pipe, I disconnected it from the top of the inducer and the startup continued and failed just the same as when it was connected.
I'm not sure where to go from here. The pressure seems fine because my range operates off the same line and I have no problems with flame intensity there. Am I looking at a bad Intelli vent unit? Is my burner suddenly clogged up enough to not let enough gas through to ignite? If anyone can point me in the next direction I would be much obliged. Thank you!
Update: This morning I removed the burner assembly to check the flame sensor and gas orifice. The orifice is clear and the sensor has no corrosion or anything and is positioned exactly according to specifications. The ignitor is also in proper position. I reassembled and no change in the startup behavior.
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