Whirlpool SG1J5040T3NOV 5K User Manual

23

Bracket

Figure 28A
Combustion Chamber

Tab

Flame-trap

Door Gasket

Figure 28B

Manifold Assembly

Close-up

Tab

Bracket

Slot

Manifold tube

Close-up inside view of
the combustion chamber.

The piezoelectric igniter system consists of the igniter 
button, electrode, and wire.  The pilot is ignited by an 
electric spark generated when the igniter button is pressed. 
The spark gap of 0.125 inch is set when the electrode is 
installed at the factory. (See Figure 29). Use only factory 
authorized piezoelectric igniter parts for replacement.

Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas shut-
off valve. Watch the electrode tip while activating the igniter. 
A visible spark should jump from the electrode. To avoid 
shock, do not touch the burner or any metal part on the 
pilot or pilot assembly. If no spark is visible, check the wire 
connections and make sure the electrode is not broken. 
Replace the igniter if defective. Dirt and rust on the pilot or 
electrode tip can prevent the igniter spark. Wipe clean with 
a damp cloth and dry completely. Rust can be removed 
from the electrode tip and metal surfaces by lightly sanding 
with an emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper.

Figure 29
Natural Gas & L.P. Gas 
Igniter Assemblies

Igniter

Button

Pilot

Bracket

Pilot

Thermocouple

Electrode

Wire

to

electrode

Tip

.125 *

Snap-on Connector

Electrode

Thermocouple

Tip

Pilot

.125 *

Natural Gas

L.P. Gas

Pilot

Bracket

* Note: Spark gap distance measured from electrode tip to pilot.

1.  Check the door gasket for damage or imbedded debris 

prior to installation.

2.  Inspect the viewport for damage and replace as 

required.

3.  Insert the manifold assembly into the burner 

compartment making sure that the tab of the manifold 
tube engages in the slot of the bracket inside the 
combustion chamber (Figure 28B). 

4.  Inspect the door gasket and make sure there is no 

fiberglass insulation between the gasket and the 
combustion chamber.

5.  Replace the two screws, which secure the manifold 

assembly door to the combustion chamber and 
tighten securely. Once the manifold assembly door is 
tightened, visually inspect the door gasket between 
the manifold assembly door and the combustion 
chamber for spaces or gaps that would prevent a 
seal. IMPORTANT: Do not operate the water heater 
if the door gasket does not create a seal between the 
manifold door and the combustion chamber.

6.  Reconnect the two wire leads to the thermal switch, the 

manifold tubing, pilot tubing, and thermocouple to the 
gas control valve/thermostat. Do not cross-thread or 
apply any thread sealant to these fittings.
     The thermocouple nut should be started and turned 

all the way in by hand. An additional quarter turn 
with a 7/16” open-end wrench will then be sufficient 
to seat the lockwasher.

7.  Reconnect the igniter wire.
8.  Turn gas supply on and refer to the Lighting 

Instructions.

9.  Check for leaks by brushing on an approved 

noncorrosive leak detection solution. Bubbles forming 
indicate a leak. Correct any leak found. IMPORTANT: 
All leaks must be fixed immediately.

10.  Replace the outer door.

WARNING

WARNING