Rheem model number PROG40-38U RH62 EC1
SP21022 burner replacement
For any future inquires, I had a water heater installed 3 years ago, they hooked it up to the old 3/4" existing cold hot water valves. This valve had a small leak that started to rust the 3 year old heat rap nipples.
So I figured if I was going to replace the ball valve, I should also replace the rusted heat trap nipple, and after three years should check the anode rod while I was there, do it all in one go.
Went seamless, I used an impact gun for 20- 30 sec off and on to loosen the nut about a quarter turn, then I used a break bar from there to slowly turned it and wheel it off. Hacked sawed it out, replaced it with a segmented anode rod, and got the heat trap nipple replaced as well as new ball valve.
Padded myself on the back and the turned it on.
The burner fired up, no ignition delay, burner is on and roaring, with in 10 sec boom, combustion chamber filled with gas and combusted.
So we ordered a new burner under warranty, swapped it in and it has been working for a day.
No one really knows what happen, other than some extra gas was filling the combustion chamber while the burner was lit, and then once it got close to the open flame it would explode. We never found a hole or anything, the burner looked pretty good shape. The impact gun must have scared the burner so bad it formed a hole somewhere. We will never know. Thanks for all your help.