Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - lighting pilot
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tinaa
10-19-02, 06:33 PM
I just moved into this house and had the gas turned on Friday. The only thing ran by gas is a Bryant wall furnace model 396GAD036075. I thought the pilot would light by itself. It doesn't and I can't figure out where the pilot is so that I can light it. I found the button to push and hold, (I've done this before on water tanks). I can't figure out where to put the match! Please help, I'm freezing!
Sharp Advice
10-19-02, 07:47 PM
Hello tinaa. Welcome to our Heating and Cooling forum and the Do-It-Yourself Web Site.
The correct procedure is to always use EXTREME caution at all times. For personal safety, turn the selector knob to the "OFF" position and wait 5 minutes. Be sure any thermostat used to operate the heater is turned to the OFF postion.
The position selector knobs, on the common wall heater, almost all types of other gas appliances that have a constant burning pilot flame, will have 2 or 3 positions marked on it.
The likely comon 3 positions are OFF, PILOT and ON. On the 2 position control selector control knobs, any combination of the above may be found depending on the type of gas appliance the control is used on.
The pilot assembly will be at the end of the aluminum pilot tube exiting the gas control valve. The correct place to light the pilot, will be at the very top of the assembly up inside the firebox.
After the pilot lights, continue to hold that reset button down for about 45 to 60 seconds or so, then release it. The pilot flame should remain "ON." If the pilot flame remains on, stand back at arms length. Rotate the selector knob to the "ON" position.
It is always possible there are other reasons for pilot outages. The thermocouple could simply be worn out or burned out. The magneto head, installed into the gas control valve can be defective.
The heater may have venting problems, air flow restrictions, lack of adequate combustion air, gas pressure problems, smothering flames, defective thermostat and or several other unseen and or unsafe pre-existing conditions, etc.
Bare in mind, pilots that tend to go out for reasons other then a thermocouple burning out, may not be caused by the thermocouple itself. A thermocouple is just one part in a complete safety devices system.
There are several conditions which may cause the appliance to operate in a condition which could be hazardous. Some of those conditions are designed to extinguish the pilot. In do so, all gas flow through the gas control valve is shut off automatically for safety.
If there are any doubts regarding the physical, operational or safety aspects of the heater or any gas appliances operating conditions, especially heaters, that exhibit repeated pilot outages, smells and or odors, etc. associated with the gas appliance, may indicate a hazardous condition exists.
For personal safety, possible property damages, etc. do not hesitate to contact qualified professional help. Also bare in mind many gas utilities offer in home appliance services. Contact the utility directly for information, services offered and applicable fees.
Disclaimer:
The information above is offered to provide basic information and instructional procedures only. Always read your owners manual and closely follow the advice and procedures given in the manufacturers booklet or on the labels attached to the appliance. Always follow all safety warnings!
Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. The info will help to determine the possible problem causes.
Several other resident heating professionals replying within this forum, could have additional helpful information, suggestions, advice. Check back on your question several times for additional replies.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or questions. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultants & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technicians.
The correct procedure is to always use EXTREME caution at all times. For personal safety, turn the selector knob to the "OFF" position and wait 5 minutes. Be sure any thermostat used to operate the heater is turned to the OFF postion.
The position selector knobs, on the common wall heater, almost all types of other gas appliances that have a constant burning pilot flame, will have 2 or 3 positions marked on it.
The likely comon 3 positions are OFF, PILOT and ON. On the 2 position control selector control knobs, any combination of the above may be found depending on the type of gas appliance the control is used on.
The pilot assembly will be at the end of the aluminum pilot tube exiting the gas control valve. The correct place to light the pilot, will be at the very top of the assembly up inside the firebox.
After the pilot lights, continue to hold that reset button down for about 45 to 60 seconds or so, then release it. The pilot flame should remain "ON." If the pilot flame remains on, stand back at arms length. Rotate the selector knob to the "ON" position.
It is always possible there are other reasons for pilot outages. The thermocouple could simply be worn out or burned out. The magneto head, installed into the gas control valve can be defective.
The heater may have venting problems, air flow restrictions, lack of adequate combustion air, gas pressure problems, smothering flames, defective thermostat and or several other unseen and or unsafe pre-existing conditions, etc.
Bare in mind, pilots that tend to go out for reasons other then a thermocouple burning out, may not be caused by the thermocouple itself. A thermocouple is just one part in a complete safety devices system.
There are several conditions which may cause the appliance to operate in a condition which could be hazardous. Some of those conditions are designed to extinguish the pilot. In do so, all gas flow through the gas control valve is shut off automatically for safety.
If there are any doubts regarding the physical, operational or safety aspects of the heater or any gas appliances operating conditions, especially heaters, that exhibit repeated pilot outages, smells and or odors, etc. associated with the gas appliance, may indicate a hazardous condition exists.
For personal safety, possible property damages, etc. do not hesitate to contact qualified professional help. Also bare in mind many gas utilities offer in home appliance services. Contact the utility directly for information, services offered and applicable fees.
Disclaimer:
The information above is offered to provide basic information and instructional procedures only. Always read your owners manual and closely follow the advice and procedures given in the manufacturers booklet or on the labels attached to the appliance. Always follow all safety warnings!
Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. The info will help to determine the possible problem causes.
Several other resident heating professionals replying within this forum, could have additional helpful information, suggestions, advice. Check back on your question several times for additional replies.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or questions. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultants & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technicians.