Thermocouple

Turned off gas supply. Removed 75% of the heater to access thermocoupler. The parts list view was helpful to determine access. Removed old part with some difficulty as the copper tubing was directly against the frame on the lower connection. I had to bend the new copper tubing similar to the shape of the old one and it was still difficul ... Read more t to align the threads at the lower connection. Made sure I had good alignment by screwing in the first several threads by hand. Did this two times to make sure I did not cross thread due to the limited space with the tubing hitting the frame. This was the most difficult part. It would have been easier if I had someone hold the thermocoupler tubing as I made this connection due to limited space for my hands. I had to split the ss screen and spread it apart to gain access with my hands. It easily bent back into shape. When I reassembled I left the screws loose until I had alignment for all holes. It was good that I marked everything I removed so it went back in the same orientation to align the screw holes. It was difficult to align the square shaped cover with two slots that surrounds the pilot light and thermocoupler. I had to use a flashlight to align the bolt holes with this part and found it easier to look through the pilot light external cover for this. This Is the little bent plate lever you use to cover the pilot light access whole which I assume is there to prevent the pilot light from blowing out during high winds. It was also difficult to align the outside ss cover that has one long screw, the longest screw you remove which is approximately 2" long. It screws through the outside cover and through the back to hold the thermocoupler in place. Tuned on the gas and lit the pilot then checked both connections for the thermocoupler for leaks with a soap and water solution. Tested the unit for proper installation and no leaks before assembling all of the other parts. Make sure you note where the different screws you remove go so they are installed in the correct location during reassembly. A magnetic tip phillips screw driver is helpful for disassembly and reassembly.