New Heater Igniter Shattered on First Light

[Cymetrix]

I have a Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400 that won’t light. I went through the diagnostic workflow and landed on replacing the igniter. Sounded right because I pulled the igniter and it was shattered. I ordered a new one, installed it and tried to start it up with no luck. I pulled the new igniter and it was shattered too! I bought a cheap one on Amazon so maybe that’s the problem, but is there a reason this could happen that is a symptom of a different problem?

TIA

 

[ajw22]

I suspect you have a leaking heat exchanger with some drips and your cold water hitting the hot igniter causes it to shatter.

You can try another and and if it also breaks then you need to open up the burner can.

@swamprat69 @1poolman1 may have ideas.

 

[JamesW]

Check the voltage and current going to the ignitor.

 

[1poolman1]

I have a Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400 that won’t light. I went through the diagnostic workflow and landed on replacing the igniter. Sounded right because I pulled the igniter and it was shattered. I ordered a new one, installed it and tried to start it up with no luck. I pulled the new igniter and it was shattered too! I bought a cheap one on Amazon so maybe that’s the problem, but is there a reason this could happen that is a symptom of a different problem?

TIA

You need to check the voltage the Fenwal box is sending to the ignitor.
As mentioned, it could be a leak in the heat exchanger as well. Pull the lower left bolt on the manifold and look for any water that may run out. That would indicate a leak.

 

[JamesW]

I bought a cheap one on Amazon so maybe that’s the problem,

File a warranty claim and get a new ignitor.

【12-MONTH WARRANTY】 If for any reason at all, you are not fully satisfied with the ignitor, simply contact us through amazon message at any time. We will provide comprehensive quality assurance for our product.

Business Name: ruianshihengwangguojimaoyiyouxiangongsi
Business Address:
塘下镇场桥埭上村铁樟树路98号第二层东边第一间
温州市
瑞安市
浙江省
325200
CN

The first room on the east side of the second floor, No. 98 Tiezhangshu Road, Changqiao Daishang Village, Tangxia Town
Wenzhou city. Ruian City. Zhejiang Province.

 

[Cymetrix]

Thanks guys, I will pull the bolt and see what happens. I actually have a brand new manifold that the previous owner bought but didn’t use. If that isn’t it I’ll pull out the meter and see what’s going on.