Wall Heater Thermocouple Conundrum
#1
11-24-13, 03:49 PM
Wall Heater Thermocouple Conundrum
Hi -
We have a two-sided Williams 50GY-C wall heater which will not work. Pilot light will not stay lit.
I figured it might be the thermocouple, but when I opened up the panel, it does not seem to be the hardware I expected. Rather than the oft-described copper pipe unit which attaches via a nut at both ends, this is a narrow, metal housing which terminates in two wires that attach to the thermostat controls. Everything else seems to function as a thermocouple - the other end of the until is in-line with the pilot light. But, the thermocouples available at my small local hardware store look nothing like this.
Am I looking for a similar but different part? Cannot find resources for this particular heater online, and it could easily be the original equipment (15+ years old - probably older) in this house.
Any help appreciated!
We have a two-sided Williams 50GY-C wall heater which will not work. Pilot light will not stay lit.
I figured it might be the thermocouple, but when I opened up the panel, it does not seem to be the hardware I expected. Rather than the oft-described copper pipe unit which attaches via a nut at both ends, this is a narrow, metal housing which terminates in two wires that attach to the thermostat controls. Everything else seems to function as a thermocouple - the other end of the until is in-line with the pilot light. But, the thermocouples available at my small local hardware store look nothing like this.
Am I looking for a similar but different part? Cannot find resources for this particular heater online, and it could easily be the original equipment (15+ years old - probably older) in this house.
Any help appreciated!
#2
11-24-13, 08:09 PM
Pilot light will not stay lit. - Does the pilot flame engulf the thermocouple? If the flame is weak maybe it needs to be cleaned. If it van be disassembled you can use a very thin wire to clean the orifice. I use a single strand from a bicycle brake cable, others suggest a bristle from a wire brush. If you supplement the pilot with the flame from a butane lighter does the furnace function?
#3
11-24-13, 11:42 PM
Ok... got to a better hardware store.
1 - the part was a Thermopile Generator. It serves a similar function to a thermocouple, but connects differently. It terminates in the two bladed wires as described.
Thanks for your answer geo8rge, the pilot light flame is strong and covers the tip of the Thermopile unit.
After I installed the new part, the pilot now stays lit until the unit tries to turn on. Then everything goes out. I suspect that it's a deeper and more complicated problem. Will try again, but I think it's time to call in the professionals.
1 - the part was a Thermopile Generator. It serves a similar function to a thermocouple, but connects differently. It terminates in the two bladed wires as described.
Thanks for your answer geo8rge, the pilot light flame is strong and covers the tip of the Thermopile unit.
After I installed the new part, the pilot now stays lit until the unit tries to turn on. Then everything goes out. I suspect that it's a deeper and more complicated problem. Will try again, but I think it's time to call in the professionals.
#4
11-25-13, 10:10 AM
Where in Ca do you live. If in PG&E area call them. Make sure tech uses a meter to check system. Millivolts systems can be tricky if you aren't familiar with troubleshooting them.
