GE/Rheem VENTING SYSTEM

by Bruce
(SoCal)

Behind the burner disk on my GE/Rheem hot water heater (NO parts place recognizes the model number) there are pieces of a stainless fitting that seems to control the air flow to the diffuser grid at the bottom of the burner chamber.

How do I find a parts diagram or other guidance as to reassembling these pieces, and configuring them properly.

Currently, whenever the burner comes on, it burns for about 3 seconds, then everything goes out, including the pilot. Pilot lights easily, stays on with no problems and will burn for hours, until I adjust the temp to turn on the main burner.

It appears that the flame is strangled because the high-tech air flow control system has failed. Heater is 4 years old.

Thanks