Suburban Water Heater Gas Valve 161306

The Suburban 161306 Water Heater Gas Valve is an OEM replacement propane gas valve used on later-production Suburban SW Series direct spark ignition (DSI) RV water heaters. The valve controls propane flow to the burner during the ignition cycle and shuts off gas when the water heater is not calling for heat.

Suburban 161306 replaces/supersedes 161255 and is used on newer SW Series water heaters. Because Suburban changed gas valves during SW Series production, model and serial number should be verified before ordering.

Suburban Part Number: 161306
Replaces / Supersedes: 161255

Application: Suburban SW Series DSI Water Heaters

Fits Suburban SW Series Water Heaters

The 161306 gas valve is used on later-production models within the Suburban SW family, including:

4-Gallon Models

• SW4D / SW4DE / SW4DEL
  • Serial number 164810696 and above — Suburban 161306 is the correct gas valve
  • Serial number 164810695 and below — use Suburban 161109 / 525042

6-Gallon Models

• SW6D / SW6DE / SW6DEL
  • Serial number 164513433 and above — Suburban 161306 is the correct gas valve
  • Serial number 164513432 and below — use Suburban 161109 / 525042

10-Gallon Models

• SW10D / SW10DE / SW10DEL
  • Serial number 164015531 and above — Suburban 161306 is the correct gas valve
  • Serial number 164015530 and below — use Suburban 161109 / 525042

12-Gallon Models

• SW12D / SW12DE / SW12DEL
  • Serial number 164513463 and above — Suburban 161306 is the correct gas valve
  • Serial number 164513462 and below — use Suburban 161109 / 525042

16-Gallon Models

• SW16D / SW16DE / SW16DEL
  • Serial number 165012121 and above — Suburban 161306 is the correct gas valve
  • Serial number 165012120 and below — use Suburban 161109 / 525042

Important: Fitment depends on the production date and serial number of the water heater. For example, published Suburban parts references identify SW6D units above serial number 164513432 as using the later 161306/161255-style gas valve. Earlier SW Series water heaters may use a different gas valve, including 161109 / 525042.

Signs of a Bad Suburban Water Heater Gas Valve

Common symptoms include:

• Burner does not receive propane

• Water heater sparks but will not ignite

• Gas valve does not open during the ignition sequence

• Intermittent burner operation

• Burner shuts down unexpectedly

• Valve fails electrical testing despite proper voltage from the control board

Estimated Installation Time

20–40 minutes

Tools Required

• Adjustable wrench

• Open-end wrenches

• Screwdriver

• Multimeter for troubleshooting

• Approved gas leak detection solution

Potential Issues

Before replacing the gas valve, verify the propane supply, 12V power, control board output, thermostat/ECO circuit, igniter, ground connections, burner assembly, and wiring. A water heater that sparks but does not ignite does not automatically indicate a failed gas valve.

After installation, all propane connections should be checked carefully for leaks before operating the water heater.

Suburban 161306 replaces 161255 and is designed for later-production Suburban SW Series DSI RV water heaters. Always verify the water heater model and serial number before ordering.