[bradderubba]

The valve worked great for 5 or maybe 10 years and then toward the last couple months of last years heating season I had to replace the thermocouple 4 times.

[Grady White]

The pilot may be burning too hot or the thermocouple may be positioned wrong. Does the pilot sound like a miniature propane torch with a blowing sound? The pilot flame should be a soft flame not one with a sharp point.