Pilot lights but burner won;t ignite. - Whirlpool Water Heaters

It may be the Thermocouple safety device. Here is some video help.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Attwood+propane+water+heater+won%27t+stay+lit

1. Open the up the door or the cover over where the pilot light is accessed and also located at . The pilot light will be located under the gas valve and some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot lights burner is.
2. Using either a flashlight or a headlamp to find out where the burner i located inside. 2 small gas tubes will lead to it. You will want to watch it as you are working.
3. Turn the gas knob to "Pilot,"and then press and hold it down. This will begin to start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters do have a separate button for pilot mode, mostly it will be a colored red one which you will have to press and hold.
4. While still holding the gas down light that pilot. Some water heaters do have a red or black igniting button and some others will have to be lit manually with a lighter than is longer.
5. When the flames do ignite continue to hold the gas knob or button down for a full one minute. Then slowly release it and make sure that the light is still lit and is still on.
6. Turn the gas knob to On and then listen for the distinct "whump" or whooshing sound of the main burner igniting.
7. Replace the cover.

Check pilot is clean and strong Also check sensor is clean and connections are clean and tight .

A lot of pilot lights have a thermal coupler... the pilot light must be lit for several min to open the coupler so the pilot light will not go out.... the newer systems use an electronic ignition and no pilot light and need power to autostart but the coupler may be gone if you are holding that pilot start button down for several min and the pilot light is still going out..ps.. leave it in pilot mode for several min after initial start up before turning turning full burner operation operation operation operation operation operation operation it will snuff out the pilot light.

pilot lit on gas furnace, but the burners won't light (Home ...

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Oct 26, 2013 - i have a gas furnace with a lit pilot, but the burners won't light. ... if the thermocouple does not sense the heat of the pilot it prevents the gas controller fromturning on the burners. ... clamped onto the outgoing hot water pipe, if huydronic system) that is telling the furnace it is too hot, whether or not that is true.

Tankless?... call service technician

Tank? clean arrestor screen, replace gas valve thermostat
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

Gene

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

I believe this is a hydro-sparker pilot ignition then burner on when T-Couple/Flame Sensor acknowledges pilot lit.
W/O the signal feedback the Gas Valve will not open and light burner.
This is a Technician Service Job as you have insufficient knowledge to DIY this potentially dangerous LP/NG Control Valve/Sparker Assembly
I assume that lack of knowledge by your lack of a Manual for the Unit
You cannot force ignition on a hydro-sparker manually.

You need to replace the thermocouple.
When you light the pilot it is supose to heat the thermocouple.
the thermocouple produces a small electric current which allows the gas valve to open and keep the pilot going. and allowing the main burner to come on.

Thermo coupler may be defective. it controls the main gas valve by closing main if pilot is out. make sure thermo coupler bulb is positioned over and near tip of pilot flame, but not in the flame. Thermo couplers are inexpensive and easy to change out.