Hi The pilot light wont stay lit on my Whirlpool (yeah Whirlpool sucks I know) gas water heater. I have had to replace the TC (thermocouple) before, so I went to Lowe's to get a new one. Unfortunately they told me that Whirlpool has discontinued making the TC for my unit (which was left hand thread) but now has a conversion kit which is free, and uses an adapter to make it right hand thread, and uses a thermal switch.
I replaced the old parts and installed the new which consisted of a new TC and pilot line and gas line. The pilot would still not stay on so I called Whirlpool who had me check the reset on the thermal switch and bypass the wires to the TC, still no go. They then said it was most likely the gas control valve. So I ordered a new one of those which wasn't free and installed it.
This still didn't work I can't get my pilot light to stay lit. I have checked the amp draw on the TC which is supposed to be 12MA but seems to give me 3.4? maybe I am not checking it right...(I have 3 TC's all brand new and none of them work)
I have checked the flow to the pilot light, that seems to be good I have a nice bright blue flame. The flame seems to be making good contact with the thermocouple.
So as of right now I have:
1. A new TC
2. A new gas control valve
3. Everything new...except the burner.
What am I doing wrong or missing that is not letting me get this water heater to work?..HELP!
P.S. will the burner having a small crack in it cause the pilot to not stay lit?
