11
Photo #4
Gaining access in order to remove and re-install any of these items with a screwdriver in this
cramped area may be difficult. Stubby screwdrivers are of little use because they generally have
big, fat handles that prevent them from being in the correct alignment with the screw to be
removed. Perhaps a ratcheting right-angle screwdriver might work, but I was able to use one of
those Phillips tipped screwdriver bits with a hex shank that is normally designed to be inserted
into the end of a screwdriver shank or other similar holding tool. Without using any such holding
tool, I merely held the screwdriver bit in place with a finger or two of one hand, while a 1/4"
open end wrench was used to turn the hex portion of the bit with the other hand. It takes a while
because you can only get about a 1/4 turn with each movement of the wrench.
You may also find that the gas line connectors tend to get in the way while trying to remove the
screws, so you may wish to disconnect the gas fittings in order to gain some needed work space.
Note that photo #4 above shows the gas line fittings are the last item to be re-installed. This
makes for a little more maneuvering room when trying to re-install the screw to any of the
hardware items.
Cleaning the Tip of the Thermocouple:
The thermocouple probe will probably have to be removed just to gain access to the screws that
hold in the igniter and the burner orifice so start by removing the thermocouple and it holding
bracket. It is all held in place with one small Phillips head screw. Once the screw is removed, the
entire holding bracket and thermocouple can be removed from the burner box. Try not to disturb
the position of the thermocouple relative to its holding bracket. There is no need to remove or
reroute the remainder of the copper line of the thermocouple that leads up to the control panel
because there should be enough slack to examine and clean the tip of the thermocouple in place.
Photo #5 below shows the thermocouple and its holding bracket removed from the burner box.
