Armstrong/ HSI/ Gasvalve question

Tom_5

I has to replace a HSI assembly on an armstrong residential. One of the wires that goes from the assembly that plugs into the gas valve had broken out. The homeowner had tried for weeks just shoving the wire back in the connector to make it work. When I picked up the assembly I was told by the supplier that it has been his experiences that whenever he has replaced the pilot assembly like I am, he has also had to replace the gasvalve also. (Honeywell). When I installed the new HSI assembly and plugged it in, it still wouldn't fire up. I am sending 24 v. to the valve. I thought about what he told me and was just wondering if this is true. Has anyone else ran into this problem where they've had to replace the gas valve after replacing the pilot assembly?
Thank You

John Mills_3

Model #?

Some of the older furnaces, the SX models, used the 1st generation SmartValve (aka DumbValve). Of course those were notorious for having poor connections where that molex plug plugged into the valve. Chances are this connection is bad, especially if the HO was constantly playing with it.

Unknown

Smart Valve Generation I or II

Does the valve have a knob on top or a switch? If it has a knob it is the older Generation I, if a switch it is Generation II. The plug problem was solved on later versions of GEN I and has not been a problem to the best of my knowledge on Gen II.

Some things to check, you say you have 24 volts, that is good but you must have it also after the thermostat calls as Smart Valve has 24 uninteruppted when the power switch is on and then breaks through the controls to actually energize the system. Remove the pilot plug in from the Smart Valve and locate the two connection that match up with the blue wires on the pilot assembly going to the igniter portion of the pilot harness. Gently place your meter test leads on those two terminals you should have 24 volts if you do not and the thermostat is calling then the valve is bad. If you have 24 volts then the igniter should glow, pilot should then light, prove microamps back to the valve and the burner should come on.

Hope this helps, if you need a complete guide to troubleshooting Smart Valve get in touch with me by e-mail and we will price one out to you.

Tom_5

Thank you
It is a generation 1 with the knob. I will try your advise.

GEO_3

It should be a Notso Smart Valve

Brian_24

Guess that is why armstrong dumped it eh?