Water Heater Issues

[Hoonah Dave]

I have a Suburan SW12DE water heater in our 2013, 41RSSB. The Propane function just stopped working. Electric works fine.

When I select Propane, it fires up for a fews second. Good Flame, and then goes out and the DSI light illuminates. It makes 3 attempts and then stops trying. Propane levels are good. We know the Igniter is working as the flames fires, but it only stays lit for about 3 seconds each time.

I am thinking it is the control board? Any thoughts.

Also, any input on the location of the control board would be appreciated. I contacted DRV and asked about the location of the control board this is what they wrote back:

"It will be on the side of the water heater tank. On the forward facing side towards the rear. Accessible from the storage area."

I have looked and looked to no avail.

Any input on the cause of my issue, a fix for my issue, or the location of the control board would be greatly appreciated.

[Dr. D]

Bad thermocouple. It thinks it didn't light, maybe.

[wingnut60]

Thermocouple would be easiest and cheapest to replace first...

[GeoTech]

There is no thermocouple in direct spark water heaters. They use an electrode & flame rectification to sense the flame. A lot of issues with this type of system results from impurities in the air (such as dust, moisture, etc.) being burned Onto the flame "rod" a simple cleaning with an alcohol type eyeglass lens cloth should work ok. DO NOT use sandpaper or a file! Most flame rods/sensors have very tiny groves along the length giving more surface area to detect the flame. sanding can leave residue in these groves that will burn onto the rod.