[wingnut60]

Yes, the rod is ok to reuse. But you need to work on cleaning up the threads on both it and the tank...or you may find a real problem when you next want to remove it.
There is a pair of reset buttons behind the blank rubber square housing above straight above the gas assembly. It is soft rubber and has to spots to push in on--I would remove that rubber cover and check the reset buttons and be sure you push them in.
If you have the time and inclination, the entire heater area needs a good cleaning with a rust remover, being careful not to let it run down on the paint below. Keeping these appliances clean will go a long way towards them living a long life.