[JohnK120]

The heater will not stay lit. It seems to be an air flow problem and I need to clean the burner assembly. To do this, I need to remove the burner. Do I just detach the three lines at the bottom of the valve and pullout the whole thing out or will this cause more problems. Anyone who has done this, I would appreciate any tips. This heater is not 5 years old and I can see on the net where this is a common problem with the ao smith's. If I call a plumber, I'm getting a new and different heater the first trip. Thanks

 

[kenmac]

If this is the type with peizo ignitor button the side for lighting the pilot. You will need a new gasket seal kit so that the burner area is sealed back once you remove the burner assy. Could be air flow ,thermocouple , bad valve/ thermostat