Intermittent Intellivent/Powershot problems: gas HWH fails to stay on sometimes

Users who are viewing this thread

browncow

New Member
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Points
1
We have a 25 month old A.O. Smith PowerShot. Works nicely. Most of the time.

Sometimes, the LEDs on the front indicate "System in Lockout" (according to the manual). After a few resets, and/or a few hours, the problem fixes itself.

The manual gives four possible reasons for the specific LED error code (error code 6): 1) Gas supply is too low, 2) hot surface ignitor not positioned correctly, 3) Low voltage to the water heater, and 4) electric polarity to unit is incorrect.

We can power cycle the unit to clear the lockout state, and sometimes it fixes itself, but usually fails to stay on after three tries, then goes back into lockout. Each time it tries, I see the ignitor glow... I see the blue flame appear, but kind of a wavering flame (it's a low NOx burner, I think), and then the gas supply shuts off. When it gets into this state, it takes a few hours for it to recover. Eventually, things will work again.

I checked the manual for the A.O. Powershot and the Intellivent Control Information document. The flowchart for Intellivent operation suggests that a failure at this point means it is not detecting flame. I see there are exact measurements for the position of the flame sensor, but I do not happen to have a caliper on me.

I could understand that there might be a problem with the flame sensor, but why would it be sporadic? Why does it appear to get better after a few hours?

Could the "waviness" of the flame indicate a dislodged flue adapter, as suggested in the IV troublshooting guide (the guide suggests this would suck the flame away from the flame sensor, leading to my problem)?

BTW: we have a "Gas log" in our fireplace that works just fine, so I tend to trust the municipal supply

Also, I tried tweaking the gas manifold pressure tap on the IV (the one on the bottom, nearest the flame... there was one on top but it would not budge, or else I am just a weak sissy). Loosening or tightening this screw did not change anything.
 

Cass

Plumber
Messages
5,947
Reaction score
7
Points
0
Location
Ohio
Pull the burner assy. and clean the flame sensor...many times this is the problem...and yes a "wavey" flame could possibly cause it...
 

Kingsotall

Plunger/TurdPuncher
Messages
1,238
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Also, I tried tweaking the gas manifold pressure tap on the IV (the one on the bottom, nearest the flame... there was one on top but it would not budge, or else I am just a weak sissy). Loosening or tightening this screw did not change anything.

While I am not siding with you on the "sissy" part, I would suggest leaving the control alone as then we are in need of a technician thats qualified.
 

GrantK

New Member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Wisconsin
Sensor

Pull the burner assy. and clean the flame sensor...many times this is the problem...and yes a "wavey" flame could possibly cause it...

Cass, thanks for the advice. I've got another question, the power vent motor on top of my unit will get very hot to the touch, hotter than I would think it should get. Is this normal? Can the motor being going (6+ years old) and cause a vent system code error? thanks...
 

Thatguy

Homeowner
Messages
1,454
Reaction score
3
Points
0
Location
MD
repair/replace

This heater has lasted longer than 96% of gas WHs. Either it's great and you should keep it, or it's about to have "multiple organ failure".
 

GrantK

New Member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Wisconsin
Longevity

This heater has lasted longer than 96% of gas WHs. Either it's great and you should keep it, or it's about to have "multiple organ failure".

I'm confused, are you saying that 6 years is GOOD for a AO Smith Power Vent water heater?
 

Master Plumber Mark

Sensitivity trainer and plumber of mens souls
Messages
5,533
Reaction score
354
Points
83
Location
indianapolis indiana - land of the free, home of
Website
www.weilhammerplumbing.com
Smiths are junk

I'm confused, are you saying that 6 years is GOOD for a AO Smith Power Vent water heater?

all smiths are basically junk.

especially their low quality power vent models...


if it is only 25 months old, it will most likely nickle and dime you to death till the tank warrnanty runs out..

I know of many folks that have puts hundreds into the units, to only see the tank expire and leak at 6 years a few month old.....

beat them to the punch and just claim its leaking and get it changed out before you sink too much into it.
 

SavageCruiser

New Member
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kansas
We are having this same problem. The house is 3 1/2 years old. If you shut the switch off on the wall and turn it back on the heater works for maybe two days.

We have had AB MAY come out in August and they said that the problem was a gas control valve replaced it. $700.00

They came back out today and couldn't figure it out the guy replaced the vent still samething. Parts $9.00 Labor $300.00 $309.00

This did not fix the problem so they called AO Smith and AO Smith gave them a checklist to go through. They called me and said it would be an additional $700 to go through the checklist.

We have spent $1009.00 with AB May and they want another $700 to figure out what is wrong. I am at a loss I think we are more $$ into this than it is worth. What do you experts think?
 

Dan Roose

New Member
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Wisconsin
This is how I fixed mine

I have the exact same Hot Water heater mentioned in this thread and was experiencing the exact same problems described intermittent hot water error code 6 etc... I tried re-routing the electricity to its own breaker, replaced the starter and heating rod all to no avail. Today after reading this thread I decided to check my heating sensor to see if it was dirty. I noticed that it was not dirty but was not fully in the flame so I took it out and repositioned it to be within the flame. Ever since I have had hot water with no errors! I would recommend anyone with this very frustrating hot water heater do the same!

Hope this helps!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,770
Reaction score
1,190
Points
113
Location
New England
Sensors only work when they are: connected properly, relatively clean, and positioned where they are supposed to be to sense what they are designed for. Then, the device that reads and interprets them must also be connected and working. Some of this can be determined soley by good observation, but some takes some diagnostic knowledge and tools. But, the first thing is to read the instructions to try to understand what is supposed to be happening, then take a close look at things to see if there is anything obvious. Those two things often can resolve a problem.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks