Kitchen Gas Appliances - Furnace Pilot Light

I have an older gas boiler with a standing pilot light. The pilot light has gone out several times. I have replaced the thermocouple, cleaned the pilot orific, and cleaned the flue/chimney of all debris. The controller is about year old. When I cleaned the pilot orific, the flame increased slightly. I did not adjust it back as the flame did not look excessive. I was a bit concerned that the thermocouple looked red hot. Not sure if this is common or acceptable.

Can anyone comment on parameters for adjusting the pilot flame? (Should the thermocouple be red hot?)

Is there any way to check the controller besides waiting for the pilot to go out again?

Also, I adjusted the air intake for the burners until the first burner flames just touched the cast iron housing. This put the intakes about 50-7-% open. The flame appeared blue with tails just forming no matter where I opened the intake. What is the best method to adjust the individual air intakes for the burners?

Any input I can get would be appreciated.

Hello: smirtes. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic.

The thermocouple {TC} is most likely a pilot generator. A pilot generator {PG} has a larger element end and two wires extending from it. A TC does not.

Regardless of which part it is, the pilot flame is suppose to be heating the tip of a TC or the top 1/3 of a PG. Both are suppose to be red in color, glowing red hot.

The problem may just be the solenoid in the part into which the TC connects or the part the PG is connected to. Either of these two parts may be the culprit. Taking the part into a heating dealers store or the local appliance parts store for testing.

Best air shutter adjustment is usually just enough to remove any yellow tips in the flames. Each burners air opening will vary slightly depending on several factors not important here.

Simply adjust each air shutter to remove any yellow flame tips. Opening an air shutter too much can create a lean air to fuel mixture and may produce some type of noise.

For additional information etc. read the recent postings, within the heating and cooling forum on the questions pertaining to boilers etc. The questions already asked in the other forum describe like or similarly related problem descriptions as your question.

Prior postings and any or all the replies offered within them contain almost all the required information needed pertaining to the many potential and or possible problems with the heating unit like your describing.

Retail heating parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts.

Dealers can perform tests and carry replacement parts for all appliances. Parts dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances. Heating Agents stores carry replacement parts for almost every heater brand. The locations for the dealers, agents and retail part stores are listed in the phone book.

Resident heating professionals replying within this forum, may have alternate solutions, suggestions, opinions and or test and repair methods. Check back several times for additional replies.

If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or ask additional questions after attempting any correctional method or methods offered.

Happy Holidays.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Multiple Topic Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultant & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.