Famous brand igniter is a problem

Man made

Unfortunately, like anything man made, stuff happens. Overall, electronic ignitors have had a good run. Compared to the fluctuating output voltage of a transformer based on input voltage, solid state ignitors provide a constant voltage regardless of input voltage. Unfortunately, we had for many years espoused the theory that they either were good or bad and now know that is not correct. Whether due to component or manufacturing defect we now realize that an intermittent failure is possible. I think the problems in most cases probably result where the unit is used in a "constant" vs interrupted ignition arrangement. With the unit operating as long as the burner is firing, heat buildup maybe an issue in component failure. Though rated for "constant" duty it would be more beneficial to turn the ignition off after the burner has fired a procedure we used for many years with the standard transformers which prolonged their life span. Unfortunately, there is no reliable method of testing these units at present for the intermittent problem that you describe. For your information, Carlin has a three(3) year warranty on their units. I would stay with the solid stae ignitor and check to see if you are running interupted ignition.

Igniter failure

Constant ignition? The terms are not clear, but my controller keeps the igniter powered for the full burner cycle. I was concerned about the ambient operating termperature so I added a heat shield to protect the unit from the radiant heat effects of the exposed boiler cast iron. The igniter is otherwise open to the basement air. I am a professional with electronic equipment design, so I understand that things do happen to electronics. The 3 year warrantee is appreciated.