Troubleshooting the Gas Control System
Problem
Possible Causes
Corrective Action
Defective or misaligned
electrode at pilot.
Check for spark at electrode and pilot: if no spark and electrode wire is
properly connected, replace igniter.
Spark igniter will not light.
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 should be 1/8" to
1/4" to have a strong spark.
Defective thermocouple
(flame switch where
applicable).
Check pilot flame. Must impinge on generator and thermocouple. Clean
and/or adjust pilot for maximum flame impingement on generator and
thermocouple. Replace thermocouple if pilot will not hold. (Hand tight 1/8 turn
on replacement)
Pilot will not stay lit after
carefully following lighting
instructions.
Defective valve magnet.
Replace valve, if pilot won't hold after the thermocouple is replaced.
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 wires, 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.
Pilot burning, no gas to
burner, valve knob “ON”,
and wall switch “ON”.
Defective automatic valve
operator.
Remove wall switch wires from gas valve. Install jumper wires from top bottom
terminals of gas valve. Turn valve on "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
and thermocouple.
Flame lifts off burner and
goes out in less than 30
seconds.
The inner liner has come off
flue or termination, flame is
starving for oxygen.
Attach the inner liner to flue or termination using screws, silicone and clamps
as stated in manual.
Flame lifts off burner on
one side while the rest of
the flame remains lit.
Improper installation of
firebrick. Firebrick is likely
leaning.
Be sure to position firebrick against firebox walls and be sure to use brick clips
attached to the inner side of firebox.
WARNING
BEFORE DOING ANY GAS CONTROL SERVICE WORK, REMOVE THE GLASS FRONT. Before troubleshooting the
gas control system, be sure external gas shut off is in the "On" position.
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