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Burnham Furnace - Pilot ignites (completely new pilot assembly) - burners do not

Eric_K
Eric_K Member Posts: 1
in Strictly Steam

Of course this would happen on the coldest day of the year so far.

The pilot on my furnace ignites and the thermocouple is clean (brand new pilot assembly, just replaced it). The burners do not ignite.

I'm looking for ideas on what else it could be. I'm thinking (but hoping I'm wrong) that its' the gas control valve.

Hoping someone has some ideas.

Comments

  • Long Beach Ed
    Long Beach Ed Member Posts: 1,330
    edited December 21

    Check any emergency service switch. Reset any circuit breaker.

    Make certain the thermostat is calling for heat. If it is, make sure the call is getting to the gas valve. This would normally be done by checking the terminals at the valve for the proper voltage/call.

    If the valve is not receiving that call, check that the other safety and limit controls are satisfied and working. Is there enough water in the boiler? Are any spill/overheat and roll-out switches okay? Is any transformer providing power to the valve as it should?

    By checking for voltage signal at the valve you'll know that these circuits and switches are properly closed.

    In the unlikely event the valve is receiving the proper voltage to open and is not opening, you would replace the valve.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,526
    edited December 21

    I would like to know if you have a standing pilot gas valve? Does you pilot stay lit all the time? You mentioned Thermocouple that is why I am asking about a standing pilot.

    Assuming you have a Standing pilot (not an electronic ignition pilot) and it is staying lit without holding down the lighting button on he gas valve, then you have a good signal from the thermocouple to the valve.

    The next thing the gas valve needs is 24 VAC applied to the TH and the TR terminals on the valve. In order to have that happen, there must be a good 24 VAC transformer. You can check that with a multi meter.

    From the good working transformer 24 volts will be sent from R terminal on the transformer to the TH on the gas valve by way of several relay contacts and safety switches. Then there will be a return path from TR on the gas valve to the transformer C terminal. If your valve also has a terminal labeled TH-TR that is just a connector for other wires. That terminal has no connection inside the gas valve.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,295

    If you have a true standing pilot with thermocouple then it should remain on if you shut off the power to the unit.

    With standing pilot gas valves there are 3 settings on them: Off….On…..pilot (with spring loaded lever/button to hold while lighting).

    Is the valve in the "On" position??

    Sorry to ask, common oversight.

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