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Remove the pilot tube from the gas valve and spray compressed air to clear it. When working properly in most gas appliances, the pilot flame should hit the upper 1/2 to 3/8 of the thermocouple. If the pilot has a weak, orange-yellow flame or barely reaches the thermocouple, it’s too low.
Should thermocouple be in pilot flame?
The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot.
How much should a pilot flame cover a thermocouple?
The flame should strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. If the flame is too strong and not adjusted correctly, it will be blue and may make a hissing sound as the flame crosses the thermocouple.
How close does the thermocouple need to be?
The pilot light should be replaced if it does not stay lit. Look at the pilot light’s color if it’s burning. A pilot flame with a yellow tip should be strong enough to cover 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip.
Where should thermocouple sit?
Typically the thermocouple sensor is mounted right in the flame of the pilot light on gas fired heating equipment.
Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.
Why is my pilot light orange?
If your pilot light’s flame is orange or yellow, it is burning inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen. The thermocouple should sense when this happens because the heat from the flame will not be as hot as it should be.
Can you adjust pilot light flame?
On some fireplaces, there will be a “Lo-Hi” button that allows you to adjust the flame upward or downward. On others, there will be a screw that you can easily adjust with a screwdriver. Turning the screw clockwise will lower the flame, while a counterclockwise motion will turn it up.
Can a pilot light be too big?
If the pilot flame is too long it will not reach the sensors and they could not ignite the system. Also, the bright orange light does not provide the temperature needed for the thermocouple to work. It probably would not cause any damage to the system, but it may have issues with the ignition.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter. The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off, saving you money on gas.
How big should the pilot light be on a gas fireplace?
A pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip and strong enough to cover 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. If the flame is too strong and adjusted wrong, it will be noisy and cause improper furnace operation.
Is a thermocouple supposed to be red?
A thermocouple is a device used to satisfy pilot safety on many 24-volt gas systems. The thermocouple is a device made up of two dissimilar metals. The flame has to envelop the upper 1/2″ to 3/8″ of the thermocouple and the tip should glow a “dull red”.
Can you bypass thermocouple on furnace?
Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver.
How tight should a thermocouple connection be?
Proper tightness should be finger tight plus ¼ turn. Inspect thermocouple to ensure that it is fully engaged into pilot bracket. Adjust tip of thermocouple to be fully engulfed by pilot flame.
How many MV should a thermocouple produce?
A single thermocouple (C Type) is used for a standing pilot system and generally produces around 30 millivolts. This voltage is used by the gas valve to keep the pilot valve solenoid internal to the main gas valve open.
What should a thermocouple read?
The reading should be between 25 and 30. Anything under or hovering around the 20 millivolts mark means the thermocouple needs to be replaced. Discretion should be used if the reading is between 21 and 25.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
A pilot light should be a crisp blue colour. A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
How do you fix a yellow pilot light?
If you notice that you pilot light is burning yellow instead of blue, contact Jerry Kelly. The issue can typically be fixed by cleaning out the air intake valve to the pilot light, which should only be done by a professional who knows how to access and repair the part.
How do you fix a orange flame on a gas heater?
Fixing Orange Flame On Your Gas Stove. Tips And Recommendations Double-check that all the burners on the stove are cleaned and placed correctly. Make sure that the burners of your stove have proper orifices. Check whether there is anything that clogs the orifices, and if you find it, remove the clog.
