HSI Resistance Conflict?
#41
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughneck77
Gas valve is absolutely not serviceable. But what’s wrong with yours? Is it delivering proper output pressure when energized?
It doesn’t sound like a board issue either.
It doesn’t sound like a board issue either.


#42
Member
If it’s not lighting with a manual lighter it’s something with the burner. What manometer are you using to measure pressure?
#43
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughneck77
If it’s not lighting with a manual lighter it’s something with the burner. What manometer are you using to measure pressure?
But I'm not so sure about that. A decent manometer is btw $100 and $150 bucks and I'll never use it again, ever -- and can't find anyone to borrow one from. I'll make one from the link that @fastback provided but I just haven't had the time.
I think it's the board and/or the valve because the start-up sequencing is not consistent and the timing for the gas and the HSI seems to be off.

#44
Member
It still sounds like a burner issue. I doubt there’s an issue with the valve or board. You need to confirm gas pressure.
#45
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughneck77
It still sounds like a burner issue. I doubt there’s an issue with the valve or board. You need to confirm gas pressure.
Plus, I've had the burners off the unit just this week to clean and inspect. Post #23 in this thread contains pictures of them, have a look-see - they're beyond perfect. Not a speck of dirt or debris in them OR the jets, which were also removed and inspected. Again, perfect.
I'm pretty convinced it's the valve. I looked at some details about this valve and I think there are 2 solenoids on it and the one that is supposed to fire first to start the unit, is the one having the issue.
And the fact that it struggles to start way more when it has been off for a long period of time, to me, screams valve. A corroded/faulty valve that is constantly opening and closing, struggles less than one that has been sitting.
I value your opinion, does that sound reasonable to you?

#46
Member
No it doesn’t. If the valve is faulty there will be coil voltage but no output pressure. If there’s no output pressure the input needs checked as well, as it could be a supply issue.
Beyond that there’s really no usable data in this thread to present a diagnosis.
To add, if you replace the valve, you’ll have to use a manometer to set gas pressure. You you’ll be buying a manometer either way there.
You may be better off getting a service call done to assist with diagnosis. And then go from there for repairs.
Beyond that there’s really no usable data in this thread to present a diagnosis.
To add, if you replace the valve, you’ll have to use a manometer to set gas pressure. You you’ll be buying a manometer either way there.
You may be better off getting a service call done to assist with diagnosis. And then go from there for repairs.
#47
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughneck77
No it doesn’t. If the valve is faulty there will be coil voltage but no output pressure. If there’s no output pressure the input needs checked as well, as it could be a supply issue.
Beyond that there’s really no usable data in this thread to present a diagnosis.
To add, if you replace the valve, you’ll have to use a manometer to set gas pressure. You you’ll be buying a manometer either way there.
You may be better off getting a service call done to assist with diagnosis. And then go from there for repairs.
Beyond that there’s really no usable data in this thread to present a diagnosis.
To add, if you replace the valve, you’ll have to use a manometer to set gas pressure. You you’ll be buying a manometer either way there.
You may be better off getting a service call done to assist with diagnosis. And then go from there for repairs.
For the next 4, the reading was between 47 and 54 - then on the 15th try at 47 volts the furnace lit -- then the voltage dropped to 25.0 and remained there while the burners were flaming.
What does this tell you?

#48
Member
That would be impossible. The valve is 24V AC.
Those readings would mean the entire furnace control system was having major issues.
Those readings would mean the entire furnace control system was having major issues.
#49
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughneck77
That would be impossible. The valve is 24V AC.
Those readings would mean the entire furnace control system was having major issues.
Those readings would mean the entire furnace control system was having major issues.

#50
Member
No, supplying that kind of voltage would cause damage to just about every low voltage part in the system.
I think you have meter issues.
I think you have meter issues.
#51
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughtneck77
No, supplying that kind of voltage would cause damage to just about every low voltage part in the system.
I think you have meter issues.
I think you have meter issues.
Well, it's not the best unit but i don't think that's the issue - it's consistently accurate for every other task I ask of it. Even here, once the furnace starts, it's shows an accurate (within reason) depiction (24.4 to 25.0 Volts) of the proper voltage.
I was testing some more this morning and my probe was shorting the open blade in bay No. 2 with the brown wire connector on the next blade. The HSI glowed white, then meter showed 24.3 volts and immediately the furnace ignited. And this was after the furnace was allowed to get completely cold. So, I think/hope we might be narrowing this down.
If it's not the circuit board, I'm thinking the only other possibility is some sort of wiring short caused by a break or some corrosion. When I find the time, I'll clean al of the contacts and connections going from the board to the valve and see if I can't get 'er going.
Your take?

#52
Member
That still doesn’t really give any usable data to determine the issue. The voltages you posted, don’t even exist in any of the circuits in the furnace. So none of that makes any sense.
What is the amp draw of the HSI? And what is the voltage to it?
We also really need supply and manifold gas pressure.
What is the amp draw of the HSI? And what is the voltage to it?
We also really need supply and manifold gas pressure.
Ratdude
voted this post useful.
#53
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by roughneck77
That still doesn’t really give any usable data to determine the issue. The voltages you posted, don’t even exist in any of the circuits in the furnace. So none of that makes any sense.
What is the amp draw of the HSI? And what is the voltage to it?
We also really need supply and manifold gas pressure.
What is the amp draw of the HSI? And what is the voltage to it?
We also really need supply and manifold gas pressure.
I haven't checked in a while but last I looked, this board was selling for around $175 - maybe it has come down in price but I'm thinking that would probably be too much to spend on this old furnace.

#54
Member
No, absolutely don’t spend a dime on parts until you have the issue diagnosed. You’ll likely be out the money and still have a broken furnace.
#55
Member
Thread Starter
RESOLVED: Circuit Board
I was able to get my hands on a used circuit board, screwed it in, moved all the wires over and the furnace now works perfectly.
Only thing is, reading up on 30-year-old furnaces and the transfer of deadly gasses into the ductwork thru hairline cracks in the heat ex-changer, I've decided to replace the furnace new anyway. No conclusive connection and I'm probably over-reacting here, but there have been a few headaches in the house lately and it got me a little worried - and I'm not really a worrier. I have CO alarms all over and none have indicated anything, but still.
So, the new furnace will be installed this week.
This was a learning experience - thank you @Pjmax, @user10 -- and @roughneck77 for hanging in there with me throughout. I really appreciate your help.

I was able to get my hands on a used circuit board, screwed it in, moved all the wires over and the furnace now works perfectly.
Only thing is, reading up on 30-year-old furnaces and the transfer of deadly gasses into the ductwork thru hairline cracks in the heat ex-changer, I've decided to replace the furnace new anyway. No conclusive connection and I'm probably over-reacting here, but there have been a few headaches in the house lately and it got me a little worried - and I'm not really a worrier. I have CO alarms all over and none have indicated anything, but still.
So, the new furnace will be installed this week.
This was a learning experience - thank you @Pjmax, @user10 -- and @roughneck77 for hanging in there with me throughout. I really appreciate your help.
