Manifold tube nut won't loosen. Will it break gas valve?

[4lane]

I'm replacing my thermopile, and the manifold nut on the gas valve is TIGHT! I've reefed on it hard enough that the gas valve is flexing on the water heater and I'm afraid of going the next level. Is this a concern or can I give it full force? Suggestions?

PS. Water heater is 4yrs old, no corrosion, etc.

 

[TomFOhio]

Is it possible that it is a left hand thread??? Try tightening it once. Back up the gas valve so it can't move.

 

[4lane]

Is it possible that it is a left hand thread??? Try tightening it once. Back up the gas valve so it can't move.

I was wondering if it was left hand thread too, but I've looked a videos of it and haven't seen any left hand thread. But I can't budge it either way, so it sounds like I'll need to block from the back and giving it a harder crack. Will be a nervous moment...

 

[Diehard]

I was wondering if it was left hand thread too, but I've looked a videos of it and haven't seen any left hand thread. But I can't budge it either way, so it sounds like I'll need to block from the back and giving it a harder crack. Will be a nervous moment...

Less chance of breaking something tapping sharply on your wrench rather than using brute strength.

 

[4lane]

Less chance of breaking something tapping sharply on your wrench rather than using brute strength.

Yep, will give it a sharp strike to try and break it. Thanks!

What is going to happen if the gas valve breaks? It must thread into the water heater so the sheet-metal of the water heater will bend? Or will the gas valve will break off it's own stud (piece that threads into the water heater)? Or something else?

 

[Diehard]

Beats me! Not realy sure how you'd back up the gas valve as already mentioned above.
These guys made it look easy. I don't believe the sheet metal holds it. Connected to the inner tank.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Spray the tight nut with good penetrating oil, and wait for at least a few hours.
Tap gently on the nut a few dozen times with a tool handle or small wrench, after spraying on some oil.
Shocking the nut like this helps the oil find its way into the threads.

 

[RenewDave]

Call the manufacturer. They will tell you. If it’s propane, chances are LH thread. I had a gas HWH that I called the manufacturer and they had a recall and sent me all the parts for free, my customer......super happy!

 

[4lane]

Update: the manifold is a left-hand thread, but the pilot tube is a right-hand thread. Tricky.