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Honeywell S8610U Ignition Module

My Burnham steam boiler stopped working. Checked and found the problem to be a broken wire to the connector for the vent/damper on the Honeywell S8610M ignition module. When pushing against the vent/damper connector on the module the boiler would fire. I replaced the Honeywell S8610M ignition module with the new S8610U module attaching lead to lead in the same sequence. The ignition spark ignitor would activate for a few seconds and then would shut down. I could not get the replacement to function so I went to the electronics store and soldered a new connector to the vent/damper on the old S8610M control module. Boiler works fine now. Why won't the new module function?

Comments

  • delta T
    delta T Member Posts: 884
    Does your pilot assembly have a separate spark rod and flame rod? or is there just a single spark rod? The s8610u can do both, but if you have a separate flame sense and spark element, you have to cut a jumper wire and wire the sensor back to the 'sense' terminal. otherwise the spark wire acts as the flame rectifier. Were there any error codes on the new s8610u? there is an led that can give flash codes for specific errors.
  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,948
    dip switches set correctly? Which S8610M?
  • josephbrooks4
    josephbrooks4 Member Posts: 3
    There is a single spark rod. No error codes. I read that the new Honeywell pilot assemblies utilize a fixed silicone type flame sensor/ignitor wire versus the older orange wire with boot. The original wire in place is orange and has a boot. I purchased a replacement ignition wire at the supply house but it is also orange with a boot. Is there a different ignition wire that may correct the problem?

    The dip switches call for both to be off (factory preset). The igniton module is the S8610M1029 Continuous Re-try, 100 percent shutoff, 90 sec trial for ignition spark.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    On the S8610U was it the 3009 modified version with the ability to read microamps right on the module? Did the PV terminal have 24 volts and if so did the pilot light at all? Are you sure the new module was not used somewhere else. The reason I ask is that there should be nothing plugged into the vent damper connection other than a vent damper. If someone inadvertently plugged in a dummy plug and powered up the module it is gone.
    Tinman
  • josephbrooks4
    josephbrooks4 Member Posts: 3
    When I called the local supply house to check stock for the S8610U3009 they told me they were unloading a truck delivery that should have two of the 3009 modules on it and to call them back in an hour to see if they were in the delivery. I had to call them back to see if they had the module delivered and then picked it up forthwith. I doubt it was a used module. When I hooked up the new module the pilot never lit as far as I could tell for the ignitor would spark and then shut right down. Yes, the new 3009 module is the one that has the ability to read microamps but according to the instruction manual the flame has to be lit to take a reading. Like I said before I repaired the old module and everything is working fine. The PV connection on the old module to the gas valve is 24 volts. Do I need to take a reading off of it to see if I have the correct voltage being that it is working? It is just mindboggling that you go to swap out an ignition module then replace lead for lead, follow the instructions with dip switch settings, and it doesn't work.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    It can happen that right out of the box brand new something will not work. After 50 years doing this I have seen it all.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    This is why any heating pro worthy of the name will have several of this type of item in stock.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    SWEIKoan