RV Repair: hot water heater does not come on, hot water heater, pilot flame

Question
If the gas valve is bad can I replace that myself?
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Followup To

Question -
I have a 1998 coleman pop-up with a gas hot water heater. The pilot light will light just fine, but when I turn the knob to on, the main heater flame never comes on.

Answer -
Hi Andy:
Either the flame sensor or the gas valve is not right. The flame sensor is the small bulb that sits in the middle of the pilot flame. When it heats up it transmits a pressure signal to the gas valve and the gas then can flow to the burner. The sensor needs to be in the middle of the flame, if it is not then put it there, you also have to hold the red button down long enough for the pilot to stay on. If all that is good and it still does not light then either the gas valve is bad or there is not enough propane pressure. Good luck.
Bill

Answer
Hi Andy:
Yes, you can change it. Disconnect the in and out gas lines and then the valve unscrews from the tank. They are usually pretty well stuck in there. I Use a large pipe wrench and grip the valve at the outer edge then pull hard. It makes it easier to remove all the exhaust sheet metal, won't cut your hand when the wrench slips off. Put some pipe dope or teflon tape around the threads of the new one and get it in there good and tight. Good luck.
Bill