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View Full Version : What can cause the pilot light to keep going out?


kenpoops
Dec 6, 2011, 04:47 PM
When the pilot light comes on it doesn't stay on, it will keep going out and trying to relight. I can hear the blower still running.

Can you tell me what you think it could be?

Thanks.
kenpoops

mygirlsdad77
Dec 6, 2011, 06:04 PM
Plugged pilot orifice, or bad pilot flame senser. What furnace do you have? I have seen the older heil/tempstars do this many times, and the best bet is to replace the complete pilot assembly, sparker and all.

kenpoops
Dec 6, 2011, 06:31 PM
I have a Heil sp80

mygirlsdad77
Dec 6, 2011, 06:46 PM
Okay. There are a few things that can cause this, but honestly, I have found that replacing the complete pilot assembly has fixed the issue in most cases. Can you post a pic of your pilot area, and some pics of the controls of your furnace? I have replaced two of these just his year (after cleaning the pilot orifice, checking gas pressures etc) and it has cured the problem.

Here's a quick test. When the sparker is sparking, blow fairly hard in the direction of the spark. If the pilot lights, and furnace works as it should, then you really need to replace the pilot assembly. I have found that over many years of flame, the piece of metal that directs the gas/flame onto the flame senser gets warped, and trying to readjust it is pointless.

Keep in mind, that this is just one thing I have found in my years of working with heil/tempstar units. It may not be the fix for your unit. But it is sure worth a shot. Without being able to put my hands and testing equiptment on your furnace, its really just a crap shoot. Pics will help clarify. Good luck.