We can get it lit but after a minute or so it clicks and then turns off. What's wrong?
2007-01-12 17:57:40 · 12 answers · asked by elizabeth32132 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Need to change the thermocouple.
2007-01-12 18:00:56 · answer #1 · answered by RalphK 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
More than likely a bad thermocouple.
It is a small sensor that measures the heat given off by the pilot light. It protects you because if the pilot were to blow out, it shuts off the gas so your furnace area does not fill up with natural gas, causing risk for explosion.
But when the sensor goes bad, it fails to register that the pilot is lit, and shuts off the gas valve.
Thermocouple is a fairly standard service item. Call plumbers/Heating techs and ask you to quote a price for a thermocouple replacement. Give the make and model of the heater if you can. It will be a lot cheaper for you to do it that way, then just to call a tech and have him come out on an open ticket. Of course, if the problem is something else, the thermocouple quote won't apply.
2007-01-12 20:13:26 · answer #2 · answered by H_A_V_0_C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wall Mount Gas Heater
2016-12-11 16:27:39 · answer #3 · answered by cavallo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Natural Gas Wall Heater
2016-10-04 00:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by pantano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The unvented heater pilots are very susceptible to dust. If the pilot has a yellow flame & or it is weak then you need to remove the front panel of the heater to access the pilot. There are air intake holes that will need to be blown out. It doesn't take much dust to cause a problem. Worst case is the pilot assembly will need to be taken out for better access. You can tell if the pilot is working properly by a strong flame just touching the tip of the thermocouple.
2007-01-13 11:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by audioworm31 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your pilot light is going off. There is a safety feature in gas heaters that when the pilot flame goes off, it shuts off the main gas valve for the heater flame so you won't die from natural gas poisoning. Make sure that the heat expansion gas bulb is close to the pilot flame. It looks like a sealed small cylinder with tiny tube attached to it that connects to the gas valve assembly. If it's near the flame, then I'm afraid you'll need to replace the gas valve/regulator assembly. To make sure, after the heater is on and running put a lighter flame right on the heat expansion bulb and see if the heater stays on.
2007-01-12 18:38:43 · answer #6 · answered by lightpulse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely your problem is a dirty pilot burner it has a very small orifice in it & can become partially blocked not producing big enough flame to keep the thermocouple hot. The thermocouple is the part that provides the millivolt circuit in your gas valve to keep it operating. If it don,t get as hot as it should then it won,t provide enough current to keep the gas valve working. A defective thermocouple will give you the same problem. Best to have it serviced by qualified gas people.
2007-01-13 02:45:20 · answer #7 · answered by ED D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've just answered another question that's very similar to this one. This too, is a strong indication of a bad thermocouple. It's cheaper to go out and get a new one than to call a serviceman! Measure the length of the thermo's copper tubing, so you get the right length. After you replace it, if the thing still dies on you, then start worrying! But bad thermocouples are the number one problem when a gas furnace or heater quits.
2007-01-12 18:20:49 · answer #8 · answered by BuddyL 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
9 times out of 10 I would agree with the guys that say the thermocouple. However since it is natural gas, I would recommend calling your local gas company to check out the unit. It beats calling a plumber. At least in my area the Gas Co. does free house-calls.
"Service Appointments (No Fee):
Repairs. Our Field Representative will come to your home and make limited repairs to your inoperative gas appliances. If we are unable to repair your appliance, a general referral will be provided describing your appliance's condition. It is then your responsibility to contact a licensed contractor to repair the appliance or you may need to replace the appliance"
2007-01-12 19:43:26 · answer #9 · answered by fidel410 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The thermocouple may just need adjusted closer to the gas source. We had the same problem w/ ours and I just had to keep adjusting it closer to the pilot assembly.
2007-01-12 22:29:22 · answer #10 · answered by Fair Price Furnace 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps your gas supply is lacking or has air bubbles. If it keeps acting up, check with your gas co. to make sure your supply and plumbing is putting out the correct PSI.
2007-01-12 18:01:06 · answer #11 · answered by Sammy Da Bull 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋