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Photo #5
The tip of the thermocouple will be discolored due to heat from the flame and this is normal.
However, the tip should be uniform in shape, not distorted, and without any particles or debris
clinging to the end. Use the fine emery cloth or green scratch pad to thoroughly clean and
smooth the tip. I used one of those green "scratch pads" generally found in the sandpaper section
of a hardware store. These scratch pads are similar to, but the not the same as the pads sold for
cleaning and washing pots and pans. They have no sponge and no embedded detergent.
Normally you should not have to re-position the thermocouple in relation to where it sits with the
flame. However, repair attempts by others may have left the thermocouple holding bracket either
distorted or bent. The final position of the thermocouple tip is not absolutely critical but at least
1/4" of the tip must be fully immersed in the blue flame. Photo #6 below shows the
thermocouple and igniter both in the midst of the deep blue flame. A much lighter colored blue
flame extends slightly over these items but it is barely discernable in the photo. Also note the
holding bracket for the thermocouple and how it is slightly bent to achieve the proper position.
