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sean1970ss · Feb 13, 2011, 05:24 PM

Replaced the valve, replaced the thermocouple!! Right when I let go of the pilot light switch the flame goes out. I blew out the or-phis hole as well on the line. Has blue flame just dopes not stay lit. Any ideas??

cdad · Feb 13, 2011, 05:50 PM

How long are you holding the pilot light switch? It can take a minute or more sometimes before everything kicks in.

Fr_Chuck · Feb 13, 2011, 06:34 PM

And check the position of the therocouple

sean1970ss · Feb 13, 2011, 07:31 PM

Held it for several minutes over and over just stumped.. Decided to walk away and get my wheels on correct and take another look. Every time I let go of the button it just goes out.

cdad · Feb 13, 2011, 07:36 PM

Did you measure voltage at the thermocouple? It should produce voltage and keep the valve open. Also you need to turn the unit to "on".

T-Top · Feb 13, 2011, 07:51 PM

Some of the older furnaces used a roll out limit switch. 2 wires that went under the thermocouple connection at the gas valve. Does yours?

NMRK1 · Feb 25, 2011, 12:20 PM

Does anyone know whether new safety standards were enacted by the Government? I replaced a thermocouple--pilot went out. Replaced water heater--pilot went out. New thermocouple--pilot went out. Had new unit removed and replaced with a different brand. Pilot light went out.

Checked internet and it seems that for the last few years, many people and brands have the same problem.

SO, because my old water heaters work--I have several homes--why am I having problems? I think that the gas flow has been reduced so either when the burner goes on or maybe off, it creates a draft which extinguished the pilot light.

I am 73, female and getting sick of lighting the pilot light so my guests can shower in the guest suite.

massplumber2008 · Feb 26, 2011, 06:41 AM

Hi guys...

Newer water heaters have CLOSED COMBUSTION CHAMBERS and require more "make-up air" than the older units, so the first thing to check and clean is the plastic air filters present at the bottom front of most new water heaters. You also need to be sure there is adequate air circulation in the room the heater is in... ;)

If the make-up air is adequate and the air filters are not clogged then you could be having an issue with the new flammable vapor sensor (FVS). These sensors will automatically lock out the gas valve if they sense flammable vapors from natural or LP gas, gasoline, paint thinnner/paint fumes, and even some household cleaners, including bleach. If the FVS has locked you out then of these can be reset but each is manufacturer specific so you would need to contact the manufacturer of the water heater for help on this, OK?

Finally, there are so many changes that have been made to water heaters that when I hear about them here online I recommend that you always call the manufacturer as some of these guys are also installing batteries in the new thermocouple lines, they have honeycomb filters in the combustion chamber that clog up and all combustion doors that are removed MUST now have a new gasket installed to maintain the integrity of the "closed combustion chamber door"... *WHEW*

Anyway, there's some info. On the newer heaters. I could continue on with other changes that have been made, but it won't help... contact your water heater manufacturer technical department for specifics, OK?

Good luck all...

Mark