thanks Al, that's exactly what i was thinking so i held the button down on pilot for a long time and still no luck. i can't hear or smell anything coming into the heater. i know the feed /supply line is good because the heater gas line is split off my main where the other end goes to our gas stove which works fine. i don't know what or how to check for the gas, if this is the problem. most problems with pilot lights are keeping them lit once they are lit. i can't even get to this point. regards Randy