Furnace Dudes

The thermocouple was replaced last spring. But I just changed it again on the advice of Google or Youtube or something…

The pilot light lights and stays lit until the thermostat calls for heat, the burners light…then sometime after that the pilot light goes out.

The furnace never starts twice as the pilot light always goes out after the first run.

I’m thinking gas valve or the controller but I wanted to use the phone a friend option.

Any help folks?

Does it have a fresh air intake? My pulse has a fresh air intake and if the air intake is compromised it acts like what your describing. My usually does this when snow gets sucked in the air intake. I usually check by pulling the fresh air intake of the furnace and if it runs I know the intake is compromised.

Dirty flame sensor?

I think a little more info is needed. Model# would be good.

My first thought was the same as Geerdes but if you have not changed any windows or changed the envelope of your home a dirty sensor could be it. Could the Thermocouple have not put in correctly? The pilot will stay lit until the furnace fires up?

You could also have a furnace tuneup and have them problem shoot it. A tuneup is about $150 typically.

Put the old thermo couple back in. If its not broke dont touch it. Guess its to late for that. Watch the pilot as the furnace lights and see what the flame is doing. Last time I changed mine the pilot assembly was turned just a tad and would intermittently go out.

Did you get the thermo couple pushed all the way in. Some times they can be a bugger to get in all the way.

Nothing has been changed in the house except the furnace filter.

I’m not sure when the pilot goes out. Sometime after it fires up and before it should fire the second time. Guess I’m just going to have to site there and watch it.

There isn’t an outside fresh air intake.

I thought the thermo couple acted as the flame sensor?? <scratching head>

Once I light the pilot, it will stay light for hours until the burners kick in…then as described above, it goes out.

Seems when the fan is running the flame flickers on the thrermo couple. Once the fan shuts down the flame covers it well.

Looks like I’m getting a little breeze in the chamber and that doesn’t sound cheap!

Thanks guys. I’ll take another look tomorrow.

Thanks guys. I’ll take another look tomorrow.

Double check you got the themro couple all the way in place.

Dudes?

if the flame flickers with the fan blowing I would have the heat exchanger checked.
Stan

When I would go down to Everett’s a few years ago when that crazy Jim guy was working he would have me look/work on those furnaces in the cabins and then he would borrow my cell phone to call his girlfriend / hooker. Man that guy was nuts. Anyway this just made me think of him. Hope u get er going bk

How old is your furnace?

It’s from the ’70’s khl.

Hey Matt! Can I borrow your cell phone? She won’t answer unless she thinks it’s a new customer!!

KirtH wrote:

How old is your furnace?

Thats what I was wondering if you have to manually light the pilot.

Yes Sir, no electronic ignition.

I’d start rubbing 2 sticks together BK!!!!!!!!!!

we had that happen to the cabin furnace that thermo coupler is a finiky bugger, like mike said needs to be adjust just so. sounds as though there my be other issues as well………..make sure its a UNION guy scopin it out!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!

^^ That drinks Budwieser.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

It’s from the ’70’s.

Seriously? And it’s still kicking??? That’s impressive. I say it’s time to upgrade, but that’s easy to say when my wallet isn’t the one taking the hit.

No kidding Ryan!

I’m going to have to cut back on the Spam and Buds.

My bride wanted our 20 year old furnace replaced two years ago. Nearly 5k later it was done. You might need to tack $20 to each guy trip……think of it as a “keep the favorite wife happy” fee you can pass on.

BK do you have a CO detector near in your bedrooom and at least one on every level?

Sure do Aaron…along with 12 smoke detectors.

(I have women that liked to burn candles…until I can cut the wicks out of them.)

rust in the pilot orifice. clean it out and make it a little larger.

Clean the pilot tube and also make sure the flame is long enough to hit the thermocoupler down part way. Works better if the flame isn’t just hitting the tip of the thermocoupler. You might have to bend something a little bit. Also have the pilot lit and tap it with a rod or screwdriver tip to knock rust/dirt off of it. Good luck and keep the Spam grease off your fingers.

Hey BK u get it fixed or looked at yet? If not I will call u, I have a few ideas/questions. Not too much I haven’t seen in 28 years of battling hvac equipment.

Bk
If u need a furnace I replace 10 a week and have a few good ones that I am getting rid of this week to the scrap yard if u want one.