Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Flame Sensor wire issue...

AlwaysLearningMore
AlwaysLearningMore Member Posts: 1
in Gas Heating

I just delved into my gas heater to clean the flame sensor. The wires leading to the ceramic part are crumbling to dust, ( see pic please) is there anyway I can reinsulate these or do I have to replace the whole flame sensor? Advice on this is much appreciated.

17347420199125769893213932980681.jpg

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,793
    edited December 2024

    probably could cut solder and put some heat shrink over it but it would have to be high temp heat shrink. or just replace it. Well, the solder would be good for about 500 deg. Hihg temp heat shrink is about 275.

    Replacing it is probably easier.

  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,136

    easy just to replace.

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,445

    Is that the Flame Sensor or the Igniter/Rectifier?

    Order another one. Check all Grounds.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 1,891

    Hello AlwaysLearningMore,

    Can't see the whole thing, but I bet it is a hot surface Igniter and may also be used to detect the presence of the flame. I'd replace it, the wire is starting to look tired. If these seem to be a consumable, get a spare also.

    Maybe inspect the operation to figure out why the insulation dilapidated.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • Bob Harper
    Bob Harper Member Posts: 1,095
    edited December 2024

    Those wires are corroded. Since you're trying to sense MICROamperes of current, you cannot tolerate ANY corrosion, which is quite evident here. Replace. Scrub you grounding contacts bright. Clip off any solderless terminals and crimp on new. Use high quality terminals such as original Thos. & Betts. Don't use terminals from home cheapo. Wear clean gloves. Look closely at HSI elements for small cracks. If the slightest, replace. Check resistance to frame and inspect ceramic for cracks.

    EdTheHeaterManhot_rod
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 6,950

    Replace

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,309

    That looks to be a hot surface ignitor that could also double as a flame sensor.

    Quite fragile…..I would certainly replace it. Moving the wires may crack the porcelain insulation.

    Look for a flame sensor, might have one. It would be just a simple rod in the flame. It must be clean to work properly. Also any ground connections are just as important.

Categories