I have a lennox furnace with a honeywell gas valve (GSV8204H1006). The valve will make a chattering sound while its open. It goes away if I give the inlet pipe a slight rap with a wrench. The problem is intermittent in that it does not happen each time the furnace comes on. It seems to be getting worse. Would simply replacing the valve cure this problem? Is there another component that is causing the valve to make the noise.

The furnace is 10 years old. A new gas meter was installed 4 years ago. What is the process for accurately trouble shooting this noise?
Thanks,
Chris

I would say replace it. A gas valve isn't much different from a relay, and once they start to chatter, they are on their way out. It could choose a nice, cold Friday night to die. Perhaps your Lenox dealer could give a more reliable answer about whether changing it is a DIY project, or if he needs to send a technician with his equipment to carefully adjust it.

Low yoltage can also cause this problem. Sometimes the 24 volt transformer will become weak and the gas valve will not pull in correctly. If you do not know what you are doing call for service. Gas can and will go BOOM.

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Originally Posted by valsigplym

I have a lennox furnace with a honeywell gas valve (GSV8204H1006). The valve will make a chattering sound while its open. It goes away if I give the inlet pipe a slight rap with a wrench. The problem is intermittent in that it does not happen each time the furnace comes on. It seems to be getting worse. Would simply replacing the valve cure this problem? Is there another component that is causing the valve to make the noise.

The furnace is 10 years old. A new gas meter was installed 4 years ago. What is the process for accurately trouble shooting this noise?
Thanks,
Chris

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I would say replace the valve. As for additional causes, gas valves have a low pressure cut-out. If the inlet pressure is to low, the screen on the inlet to the valve or drip leg is full of gunk, the pressure drops off just enough when the valve opens to cause this internal safety to trip, with the valve closed for a millisecond the inlet pressure rises above the specified cut out and it opens again, causing this chatter. You will notice a defined flicker in the flame as it burns. I hope this helps. Leak check all gas connections if you try to fix this yourself, you can never be to safe.
Hope this helps.