Have a very old AO Smith water heater model #FGR 40 224. Having trouble with the pilot light staying lit and replaced the thermocouple which didn't solve the problem. Pilot light will still not stay lit. If I wait for the water in the tank to cool eventually I can light the pilot and the burner will light and reheat the water. If I need to replace the thermostat might as well bet a new water heater.
AO Smith Water Heater
- Thread starter Eweneek1
- Start date
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Replace the heater.
How old is the unit?
Post a pic of it showing the entire heater if possible
You said it was "very old". I would classify a water heater that is 15 years old as "old", and anything more than that as "very old".
Just wondering why you say that there is "no way it can be 30 years old"?
Yes, it’s probably 30 yrs old. Definitely older than 22 yrs old
The industry changed the way water heaters were manufactured in 2002.
Heaters prior to a certain date in 2002 were open burner type just like they had been made for yrs.
After a certain date in 2002 they were made with a sealed burner.
The sealed burner was to prevent flammable vapors from igniting outside the burn chamber due to the water heaters open flame.
The water heater pictured above is open burner, so I know it’s most likely over 22 yrs old. Based off the serial number it’s most likely 30 yrs old.
I once did a presentation to kindergartners on this subject. They threw snacks at me and called me old.
Heaters prior to a certain date in 2002 were open burner type just like they had been made for yrs.
After a certain date in 2002 they were made with a sealed burner.
The sealed burner was to prevent flammable vapors from igniting outside the burn chamber due to the water heaters open flame.
The water heater pictured above is open burner, so I know it’s most likely over 22 yrs old. Based off the serial number it’s most likely 30 yrs old.
I once did a presentation to kindergartners on this subject. They threw snacks at me and called me old.
Mitchell-DIY-Guy
Well-Known Member
Manufactured September 1994.
I hope they were good snacks and, I must say, well done!
