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soot deposit on thermocouple shuts down pilot

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:19 pm
by digital-des
Hi hope someone can help with this intermittent problem !!

On a Thorn Apollo 30/50 , we have recently had gas valve replaced.

However , after about a week the pilot light now leaves a soot deposit on the end of the thermocouple which I assume restricts the heat getting to it , and therefore shuts down the pilot flame. When the soot is cleaned off it relights and stays on , usually for about a week at a time.

I have removed the pilot tube & blown out any dirt & also renewed the pilot injector .

We have had Corgi tradesmen to date but its still not reliable.
Is there any other cause & solution of this problem I can try please?

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:56 am
by Steve the gas
Hi,

Could be the thermo starting to break down.
Soot in a small amount should not do this,but, if its a lot of soot then thats a worry-- get an RGI

soot on thermocouple

Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:09 am
by digital-des
Thanks steve. The T/c is fairly recent , but for the avoidance of doubt in case its a faulty one I'll try renewing it & see if this works. Failing that
I'll go to the experts.

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:19 am
by TheDoctor5
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Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:24 pm
by Dan2071
Could you try turning down the pilot flame on the gas valve? or another sugestion is to double check to see if the thermocouple is positioned correctly?

Dan

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:38 pm
by AdamsHeating
Is the flame yellow? if so get in an expert and do not use the fire until then.