Water Heater Pilot LIght Problem

[harry-town]

I have a Rheem water heater, 50 gal, aprox 5 years old. Within last month I had to replace the thermocouple, worked fine until this week, now I notice that the pilot light is about 3 inches hight and there is flame coming from the bottom of the pilot burner from the air inlet. My gas valve is a robertshaw 66-148-308 and has no pilot light adjustment. Does that mean the pressure is too high if the flame is 3 inches high and shooting out the air intake, and should i replace the valve, or as ive heard should i just replace the water hearter due to cost of new valve.

any advice about this problem would be appreciated.

thanks Hal

[hallerb]

How are other natural gas flames in your home? if OK I would just replace the heater.

a few years ago a new valve assembly cost about 170 bucks, thats a lot to spend on a older tank.......

[Bubba]

Considering most tanks have a 6 yr parts warranty, it shouldnt be a problem. Bubba