Posted by: Shelton on January 04, 2002 at 20:31:04:

In Reply to: Gas Water Heater Valve Posted by: Jim on January 01, 2002 at 13:01:29:

My 18 month old GE 40 gallon gas water heater, model #GENG 0400129118 refuses to lite the burner. The pilot is lit. It's a Robert Shaw controller. A CFA gas furnace 3 feet from water heater works okay. Same with all other gas appliances. Are there anythings I (a so-so handyman) should check to get it working on New Years Day?
Thank you.

I would try playing with the thin tube that runs from the pilot flame to the gas control. This tube senses that the pilot flame is lit. There is threaded collar at the controller; try loosening the collar, reseting the tube and re-tightening the collar.