[ab0527]

I can't get my pilot light on my furnace to light. I lit it about a week ago, stayed lit for a couple days before it went out and now I haven't been able to light it for the past few days.

[tickle]

The last time that happened to us, we found that we needed a new ignitor.

Tick

[drtom4444]

It sounds like you need a new thermocouple. These come in a kit that you use to replace the old one. It is the little rod sticking in the flame and the flame should be only on the 1/2" of the tip. Look at the one you have because there are two types: one with two wires and one that screws into the gas valve. The thermocouple produces electricity in millivolts to keep the valve open to keep pilot light on and some even send power through a t-stat and open the main gas valve, like in a floor furnace. Replace it and adjust it carefully so the flame hits just the 1/2" on tip and no more. This will fix it. They wear out every few years. DrTom4444

[ballengerb1]

I agree with drtom. An ignitor is different than a pilot light, they both light the flame but the pilot actually carries a standing flame 24/7. ignitor just sparks when a flame is needed

[diy_gal]

I am having the same problem. Thing is, we had a new thermocouple, pilot tube fitting, and orifice put on about 2 weeks ago when it would light but not stay lit. Now we have no light at all...

[tickle]

Where I live in Ontario, we don't play around with a gas furnace if something is not right. We have a new gas furnace now and have regular maintenance to avoid these problems.

I will never go through another winter again with an old furnace and a senior in the home, and the furnace going off and frigging around with it to save money. Never again.

Tick

[diy_gal]

It was a bad regulator. Furnace is 20 years old, what is the average life span?

[ballengerb1]

At 20 years you are well past its life expectancy.

[diy_gal]

Wow... my dad's is like 50 years old...