Empire DV-215
#1
12-09-05, 02:28 PM
Empire DV-215
I have a new Empire 15k wall furnace w/ fan. Worked great for a while. Problem: Burner does not come on even though pilot is on. Suspected millivolt t/stat so I jumped gas valve and everything fine except t/stat would not control gas valve. Now...even jumping gas valve terminals I cannot get main burner to light. Cleaned thermopile too. Any ideas? Like I said....worked fine in the begining but seems to be slowly degrading.
#2
12-09-05, 05:57 PM
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I think you have to replace defective thermocouples/piles, as opposed to brightening them up the way you do flame sensors. There is mercury in some of these things (if it has that real thin copper line), which activates how they work. Sometimes it leaks out and you can actually see the little beads on the bottom of the furnace. First make sure the connection of the thermocouple/pile is snug in the gas valve. I have seen these come loose and lose contact.
#3
12-09-05, 08:53 PM
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How old is the thermopile?
have you take a reading to see how much volt the thermopile is putting out?
If the voltage is low, it may not be enough to have power to open the gas valve or run down the wire to the t-stat.
The pilot hitting the pile ok?
have you take a reading to see how much volt the thermopile is putting out?
If the voltage is low, it may not be enough to have power to open the gas valve or run down the wire to the t-stat.
The pilot hitting the pile ok?
#4
12-10-05, 03:27 AM
Furnace and thermopile are brand new. Have 250mv at gas valve terminals. No problem with pilot flame contacting any sensors. Maybe I should take a BFH to the gas valve. 
#5
12-10-05, 05:06 AM
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lol I don't think the hammer will help!
So if the power is good, but the gas valve won't open when you jumper it, then sounds like you need a new gas valve.
So if the power is good, but the gas valve won't open when you jumper it, then sounds like you need a new gas valve.
#6
12-10-05, 09:03 AM
UPDATE: First of all I would like to thank everyone for their responses which I read with great interest. Second: After some research I have found conflicting information with regards to thermopile voltages and having just purchased a volt meter to read Mv and to my dismay finding the provided battery was bad everything seemed to be going in the wrong direction.
Conclusion: I believe, even though new, the voltage necessary is not present at the gas valve and/or t/stat. Having witnessed the pilot flame when working properly and observing the pilot flame presently I think, for whatever reason, I have experienced a reduction in pilot pressure enough to ensure proper encompasing of the thermopile as to generate the proper voltage to the gas valve.
Kinda feel STUPID as I am a retired Journeyman Steamfitter with over 40 years experience and a Ham Radio Operator for almost 50 years. (Can't see the forest for the trees syndrome).
Will keep you all informed when fixed and THANKS again for all your replies.
Conclusion: I believe, even though new, the voltage necessary is not present at the gas valve and/or t/stat. Having witnessed the pilot flame when working properly and observing the pilot flame presently I think, for whatever reason, I have experienced a reduction in pilot pressure enough to ensure proper encompasing of the thermopile as to generate the proper voltage to the gas valve.
Kinda feel STUPID as I am a retired Journeyman Steamfitter with over 40 years experience and a Ham Radio Operator for almost 50 years. (Can't see the forest for the trees syndrome).
Will keep you all informed when fixed and THANKS again for all your replies.
#8
01-04-06, 10:46 AM
Just a follow up: Turned out to be the thermopile.(even though brand new) Took 2 weeks to get a replacement which came as a 2 wire as opposed to a cap tube. Also added a digital t/stat for efficiency at about $23.00. It's all good now. Thanks for all your help.
