Propane pressure ran low when propane tank was empty and it burned like Schidt causing the soot. Clean the soot out of the bottom of the water heater as well as the tube going up through the middle of the water heater tank, you will need to remove the venting on top and remove the baffle in the tube.
After you get all the soot out you can take apart the pilot assembly to check the pilot orifice. Reinstall all parts and relight pilot and test. You can use RTV high temp silicone if you can’t find a gasket but it will be a bitch to get apart next time.
It might be easier to replace the water heater.
Last edited by bubbajay; 02/13/20.
