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How to Replace a Thermocouple Choose the new thermocouple based on the size and mounting style of the old one. Detach the old thermocouple as described above. Remove the new thermocouple from the packaging and uncoil it to the appropriate shape. Attach the new thermocouple to the pilot assembly and the gas valve.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.
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.
What happens if you have a bad thermocouple?
The thermocouple can do this because, in its probe, it contains two different metals, and a voltage is generated when one of them is heated. This is the result of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won’t stay lit and your appliance won’t work.
How do you clean a gas thermocouple?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
A worn out thermocouple is one of the most common gas water heater problems. When thermocouples wear out, the pilot light goes out, the burner won’t light, and you will have no hot water.
Can you clean a hot water heater thermocouple?
Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.
Is a flame sensor and thermocouple the same thing?
People tend to use the terms “flame sensor” and “thermocouple” interchangeably. In truth, while they basically perform the same job, they’re not the same thing. If your furnace uses an electronic controller, it’s got a flame sensor. Thermocouples are used on standing pilot furnaces that have pilot lights.
How do you jump a thermocouple?
To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Remove the valve using your pliers. Put your thermocouple back into position.
Why do thermocouples fail?
METAL FATIGUE Like everything, thermocouples can’t stay new forever. Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break.
Does gas go through a thermocouple?
A thermocouple is a safety device that’s used to detect whether or not your furnace’s pilot light is lit. This rod is connected to your furnace’s gas valve. When your pilot light is lit, the heat from the flame sends a voltage through the thermocouple that keeps the gas line open.
Will a pilot light stay lit with a bad thermocouple?
A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner so the pilot light won’t stay lit.
How do you diagnose a bad thermocouple?
To test if the problem is with the thermocouple, try to relight the pilot. If it goes out when you release the button, then the component has worn out. It is not necessary to remove the burner assembly in order to replace the thermocouple.
Why will my gas logs not stay lit?
The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isn’t, then there’s probably a problem with your thermopile.
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 do you clean a thermocouple pilot light?
How to Clean a Pilot Light Cut off the gas to your furnace. Remove the pilot light and thermocouple assembly. Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components.
