I have a carrier furnance and the pilot light is too low it does not reach the thermo coupler it looks like some one has been adjusting factory set screws. does the valve need to be replaced?

hvac1000

To replace the valve is a possibility but actuall I think you pilot lite orifice is partially restricted. You could try to clean the orifice first before replacing the valve. NOTE if you do not know what you are doing I would leave it to a professional. The funny thing about gas is that it can make a big boom and hurt someone.

labman

I think the flame should be about an inch or 2 long, blue, and directly on the thermocouple. Where are the screws, and why do you think somebody adjusted them? I think some gas controls have an adjustment for the pilot light. It is where the gas line goes in the furnace. The pilot light adjustment may be under a disk that screws out.

clshadid

thanks for reply guys. I have cleaned the orifice. this unit is one of ten we have in the church. The screws I am talking about have cap screws over them or should have anyways one of them is missing. The pilot is only about half inch high not even close to were it should be I was just wondering if their is somthing I can check or do I just need to get new valve? I do a/c mostly not to up on the heat units.

labman

Sounds like somebody may have cranked the adjustment in to save gas or something. If there is a screw near where the line to the pilot comes out, I would try backing it out a little and see if it makes the pilot bigger. Usually the valves last the life of the appliance.

If you know a little about A/C, stick around. I know a little about it, but not near enough to give the help people here need. Of course DIY can't go too far beyond maybe changing the relay for the compressor.