Outdoor Burners - Troubleshooting the Gas Control System
NOTE: Before troubleshooting the gas control system, be sure external gas shut off is in the “ON” position.
Problem
Possible Causes
Corrective Action
Spark igniter will not
light
Defective or misaligned electrode
at pilot.
Check for spark at electrode and pilot: if no spark and
electrode wire is properly connected, replace igniter.
Defective igniter
(push-button)
Using a match, light pilot, If pilot lights, turn off pilot and
push the red button again. If pilot will not light, check gap
at electrode and pilot- gap should be 1/8” to 1/4” to have
a strong spark.
Pilot will not light
Safety Switch is Depressed.
Clear any obstructions and make sure Lever Arm is not
bent or damaged.
Pilot will not stay lit
after carefully
following lighting
instructions.
Defective Valve Magnet
Turn valve knob “ON”, place wall switch “ON”. Millivolt
meter should read greater than 100mv. If the reading is
okay and the burner does not come on, replace the gas
valve.
Pilot burning, no gas
to burner, Valve
knob “ON”, Wall
Switch “ON”
Wall Switch or wires defective
Check wall switch and wires for proper connections.
Jumper wire across terminals at wall switch. If burner
comes on, replace defective wall switch. If okay, jumper
wire across wall switch wires at valve. If burner comes
on, wires are faulty or connections are bad.
Generator may not be generating
sufficient voltage
Check generator with millivolt meter. Take reading at
generator terminals of gas valve. Should read 325
millivolts minimum while holding valve knob depressed in
pilot position and wall switch “OFF”. Replace faulty
generator if reading is below specified minimum.
Plugged burner orifice
Check burner orifice for stoppage and remove.
Defective automatic valve
operator
Remove all switch wires from gas valve. Install jumper
wires from TPTH and TH terminals of gas valve. Turn
valve “ON”. If main burner does not light, replace valve.
Frequent Pilot
outage problem
Pilot flame may be too low or
blowing (high) causing the pilot
safety to drop out
Clean and/or adjust pilot flame for maximum flame
impingement on generator.
Windy Conditions
-Move appliance to a less windy area if possible
-Use when conditions are less windy
-Install a wind guard
Burners burn with
yellow flame,
accompanied by the
smell of gas.
Possible spider web or other
debris.
Thoroughly clean burner venturi.
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