Having problems with a Rheem/GE power vented hot water heater, model # GGGG50S06RVJ. I'm going to do this in point form for clarity:
1) Tank stops heating, check flashing error code and it shows 4-2 which is ECO failure
2) Call Rheem Canada and they say check resistance on the two outside wires of the four pin connector. It shows about 18K ohms. They say it needs a new electronic control and they send it.
3) Install new control, (NOTE: JUST the electronic portion, NOT the whole control AND valve assembly) which is identical to original one, and immediately get 4-2 error code.
4) Next morning, while on hold with Rheem Canada again, tried plugging the unit back in and it fires up and heats the tank. Since nothing else has been done, I'm quite certain this isn't going to last (quits a little later when it tries to reheat the next tankful).
5) Rheem Canada transfers us to "advanced troubleshooting" at Rheem USA who tell us "you shouldn't have installed that control, it is the wrong one". Got into a frankly ridiculous discussion with them, but they are sending the updated "digital" control.
5) New control hasn't arrived yet, but I highly doubt this will fix the problem. So I was thinking I would like to replace the thermocouple because it is a cheap and relatively easy fix.
6) However, the burner access panel has a warning on it that the gasket MUST be replaced if opened. So the question is, does this REALLY have to be replaced and if so, how hard are the gaskets to find? Home Depot etc. has thermocouples but what about specific gaskets?
I do not want to pay someone to do the easy thermocouple fix, to ensure the gasket is dealt with properly, just to find out they REUSE the old gasket anyway.
Thanks for any suggestions.
1) Tank stops heating, check flashing error code and it shows 4-2 which is ECO failure
2) Call Rheem Canada and they say check resistance on the two outside wires of the four pin connector. It shows about 18K ohms. They say it needs a new electronic control and they send it.
3) Install new control, (NOTE: JUST the electronic portion, NOT the whole control AND valve assembly) which is identical to original one, and immediately get 4-2 error code.
4) Next morning, while on hold with Rheem Canada again, tried plugging the unit back in and it fires up and heats the tank. Since nothing else has been done, I'm quite certain this isn't going to last (quits a little later when it tries to reheat the next tankful).
5) Rheem Canada transfers us to "advanced troubleshooting" at Rheem USA who tell us "you shouldn't have installed that control, it is the wrong one". Got into a frankly ridiculous discussion with them, but they are sending the updated "digital" control.
5) New control hasn't arrived yet, but I highly doubt this will fix the problem. So I was thinking I would like to replace the thermocouple because it is a cheap and relatively easy fix.
6) However, the burner access panel has a warning on it that the gasket MUST be replaced if opened. So the question is, does this REALLY have to be replaced and if so, how hard are the gaskets to find? Home Depot etc. has thermocouples but what about specific gaskets?
I do not want to pay someone to do the easy thermocouple fix, to ensure the gasket is dealt with properly, just to find out they REUSE the old gasket anyway.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Last edited: