On Apr 4, 12:59�am, brownie wrote:
"...Didn't it come with instructions? If not call Sears and
complain...Joe"

Well, it did come with instructions, which did not address my issue.
And I did call Sears and was told they did not offer technical
assistance over the phone. � I then posted the question on their
website, and got no response. � So I'm hoping someone else will have
the answer. �It really is a very simple question, I don't know why I'm
getting such a run-around.

Bill

oddly enough i had this same question perhaps 4 years ago. my brand
new hot water tank got written up by a home inspector claiming carbon
monoxide

The tank maker sent me a new control valve, with that plastic coating.

i was required to have a registered plumber install the new valve.

but i dont remember what the plumber did, it was a very busy time.

why not remove the old valve, and see what the manufacturer did.

if the plastic is on there leave it on...............

no plastic on old valve remove it

i believe you will find no plastic but dont depend on me