Pilot light will not stay lit on GE 40 gal. gas water heater tank

1) Open following link to identify type of gas control and read printed 'how-to-light-water-heater' instructions for each different gas control valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

2) Same printed instructions should appear on side of tank by gas control valve, and inside product manual.

3) Add a comment March 2013 and describe gas control valve.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Get more fresh air to the unit.
Clean the air intake/ flame trap/ flame arrestor located on bottom of tank.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Flame-trap-inspection-325.jpg

Post question on pro water heater forum.
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

Add a comment with type of gas control valve, for possible troubleshoot.
Copy following link to read service manual by type of gas control valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

If I understand correctly, the pilot light is not staying lit.
You light the pilot and water in the tank reaches temperature.
Once hot water is gone, then pilot light has to be lit again.

Gas pressure is good, and gas is flowing.
Thermostat is working at high end because it cuts off heating.
Vent is working because tank heats up.
Air intake is working.

Gas control thermostat might not be reading low temperature. Replace gas control valve.
Pilot tube might be dirty. Clean burner parts and combustion chamber, and air intake, and vent.
Backdraft might be blowing out pilot. Check for constant updraft by running water heater 5 minutes, and then light match under vent hood and see if smoke goes up.
Very hot air can put out pilot, especially when water heater located in attic. Add ventilation.
Improper vent might have water dripping back down into combustion chamber and putting out pilot light and rusting out the parts. Inspect for rusted parts and water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html#troubleshoot
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Pilot-light-will-not-stay-lit.pdf

A leaking water heater cannot be repaired, assuming it's the tank leaking and not nearby water pipe.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-leaking.html

First thing is to protect your property from catastrophic tank failure where tank ruptures and water runs until it is shut off:
Tanks are under pressure when they are hot.
Close cold water shut-off located above tank.
Turn control knob to 'pilot' so pilot is lit but burner will not turn on.
Open hot side on tub for few moments to relieve tank pressure.

Now your property is safe.
You need a new water heater.
In mean time, gas water heater makes 41 gallons hot water per hour.
Shower used 5-9 gallons hot water.
Bath uses 10-15 gallons hot water.
You can turn on water heater for short stretches and limp by until you get a new heater.

Steps for installing gas water heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

your damper is stuck open and caulsing a down draft blowing the pilot out, make sure its working properly!!

If this heater was manufactured after 2003 it has a FVIR filter. It is usually located on the bottom of the heater and this is where it draws air into the combustion chamber. Check to see if it is clogged with dust or lint.
because the heater probably has a sensor, it is not getting enough air and shutting off. hope this helped.

if water heater will heat a tank of water before the pilot light goes out you need to replce the gas thermostat

change the thermcouple

change your thermo couple if the pilot light will not stay lit


Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/sean_54c3a3dc48a7773c

Probably a bad solenoid in the gas valve. Higher voltage of a new thermocouple keeps it open longer but it still fails over a period of time. Look into a new gas valve for the water heater.