help!! could it just be the pilot

joetab24 · 01-31-2010, 09:43 PM

Just noticed the heat is out.

When the thermostat calls for heat, the valves open (as idicated by the lights on the control box in the basement). In the past when I've had issues, there have been issues w/ the valves. Could the pilot light be out? I should be able to handle a pilot light issue, but I haven't had any issues with it up to this point. Is the pilot light always on on a heater like mine?

here are some pics of my heater....thanks!
2 zone heating

**beenthere** · 01-31-2010, 09:56 PM

Could be. Did you look to see if its lite.

joetab24 · 01-31-2010, 10:04 PM

it's not lit. i guess this is a stupid question. on a heater like mine (i linked to pics) does the pilot stay lit all year round?

**beenthere** · 01-31-2010, 10:07 PM

Probably.
But can't tell from the pic.

Many boilers are available in standing pilot or spark ignition. With no change in the jacket.

joetab24 · 01-31-2010, 10:13 PM

so if it's a spark ignition, i guess lighting the pilot is not a fix...or is it?

spark plug · 01-31-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joetab24

so if it's a spark ignition, i guess lighting the pilot is not a fix...or is it?

But it could be the THERMOCOUPLE. A safety device that prevents the gas from leaking when the pilot does not stay lit (That itself could fail and prevent the pilot from staying lit, as well as other causes).

joetab24 · 01-31-2010, 11:39 PM

We got the pilot light on, all of the electrical connections are working, valves are opening but the furnace won't fire up. My father-in-law thinks its the thermocouple but we are having a hard time getting access to it. Should I leave the pilot on?

kennzz05 · 01-31-2010, 11:56 PM

did you remember to turn the control knob back to on after lighting the pilot

thermo is good pilot woulnt stay lit otherwise

joetab24 · 02-01-2010, 12:02 AM

I held it for a minute, then switched it to on. just checked and the pilot is still on. so you say the thermo is ok...what could be wrong? all of the sensors are lit. in the past i've had issues with the valves, not this time...if i can trust the lights on the control box.

**beenthere** · 02-01-2010, 01:06 AM

Is the circulator running.

joetab24 · 02-01-2010, 09:49 AM

re circulator? i don't think it is.....what should i be looking for? don't hear anything....btw- i did make a service call to a company that has treated me fairly in the past. i am trying to learn more about my heater though..so any help is appreciated greatly

**beenthere** · 02-01-2010, 09:59 AM

The device that moves the water through your system is called a circulator.

joetab24 · 02-01-2010, 12:52 PM

still waiting for the repairman.......everything seems to be working fine except a minute or two after the valve opens and the boiler usually fires up, nothing. what normally happens during this step?

the pilot has remained lit, for 12 hrs. now. is it a coincidence that the pilot was out yesterday, or is this a clue about what might be wrong?

the pressure gauge is low between 4 and 6.

**beenthere** · 02-01-2010, 01:00 PM

The aquastat or circ relay is signaled to run the circ. And the aquastat(depending on type) is signaled to increase boiler temp/run the burner.

It could be coincidence the pilot was out.
Or. The thermocouple is too weak to open the main valve. or the gas valve is bad. Or a limit tripped and is not resetting.

Plus a few other things.

joetab24 · 02-01-2010, 01:04 PM

thanks beenthere for all of your replies!

01-31-2010, 09:43 PM	#1
joetab24 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 433	help!! could it just be the pilot Just noticed the heat is out. When the thermostat calls for heat, the valves open (as idicated by the lights on the control box in the basement). In the past when I've had issues, there have been issues w/ the valves. Could the pilot light be out? I should be able to handle a pilot light issue, but I haven't had any issues with it up to this point. Is the pilot light always on on a heater like mine? here are some pics of my heater....thanks! 2 zone heating

01-31-2010, 09:56 PM	#2
beenthere An old Tradesmen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PA Posts: 19,045	help!! could it just be the pilot Could be. Did you look to see if its lite.

01-31-2010, 10:04 PM	#3
joetab24 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 433	help!! could it just be the pilot it's not lit. i guess this is a stupid question. on a heater like mine (i linked to pics) does the pilot stay lit all year round?

01-31-2010, 10:07 PM	#4
beenthere An old Tradesmen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PA Posts: 19,045	help!! could it just be the pilot Probably. But can't tell from the pic. Many boilers are available in standing pilot or spark ignition. With no change in the jacket.

01-31-2010, 10:13 PM	#5
joetab24 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 433	help!! could it just be the pilot so if it's a spark ignition, i guess lighting the pilot is not a fix...or is it?

help!! could it just be the pilot