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A spark ignitor fix
Most of us have stoves that use a piezo spark generator or ignitor to light the stove burners.  Some years ago, I was having problems with one of my burners not lighting.  I replaced the ignitor and all was then fine.  Recently, I began again having problems lighting the left rear burner, though the other two lit easily.  With the gas off, my head over the stove top, looking closely, I could see that the spark generated at the left rear burner was significantly, visually, weaker than on the two other burners.

The issues I thought of included a damaged or fouled electrode on the burner, a problem with the wire leading to the burner, or a problem with the piezo spark generator.  I could see nothing on or around the ignitor that looked problematic, nor could I see any problems with the wire. 

I was planning to order a new ignitor, but on an impulse, I pulled off two of the wires on the piezo spark generator and reversed them.  If the problem was the ignitor, the poor spark would then move from the left rear burner to the front center burner.

When I then clicked the ignitor, I was quite surprised to see a strong spark at BOTH of the burners.  They now light with the first click of the ignitor.  My best guess is that corrosion or dirt had formed at the attachment of the wire to the ignitor, and pulling and moving the wires eliminated the problem.

So, if you are having a problem with one or more of your burners not lighting well, try pulling and re-seating the wires on the back of the piezo ignitor.  Just make sure that when you pull the wires off, you pull on the solid section next to the ignitor, not on the wire.  Re-seat the wire fully and see if it helps.

Ken F in WY


'08 MB
Re: A spark ignitor fix
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
Most of us have stoves that use a piezo spark generator or ignitor to light the stove burners.  Some years ago, I was having problems with one of my burners not lighting.  I replaced the ignitor and all was then fine.  Recently, I began again having problems lighting the left rear burner, though the other two lit easily.  With the gas off, my head over the stove top, looking closely, I could see that the spark generated at the left rear burner was significantly, visually, weaker than on the two other burners.

The issues I thought of included a damaged or fouled electrode on the burner, a problem with the wire leading to the burner, or a problem with the piezo spark generator.  I could see nothing on or around the ignitor that looked problematic, nor could I see any problems with the wire. 

I was planning to order a new ignitor, but on an impulse, I pulled off two of the wires on the piezo spark generator and reversed them.  If the problem was the ignitor, the poor spark would then move from the left rear burner to the front center burner.

When I then clicked the ignitor, I was quite surprised to see a strong spark at BOTH of the burners.  They now light with the first click of the ignitor.  My best guess is that corrosion or dirt had formed at the attachment of the wire to the ignitor, and pulling and moving the wires eliminated the problem.

So, if you are having a problem with one or more of your burners not lighting well, try pulling and re-seating the wires on the back of the piezo ignitor.  Just make sure that when you pull the wires off, you pull on the solid section next to the ignitor, not on the wire.  Re-seat the wire fully and see if it helps.

Ken F in WY



Thanks for this tip, Ken. One more to add to Bookmarks.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: A spark ignitor fix
Reply #2 –
Quote
CLEARED WHILE TESTING
Sounds like the problem I had with a data line in an 'older' building. Periodically the line would fail and when the telco tested it it started to work again.  An aging and experienced Pac Bell technician explained:  the old lines would begin to oxidize and the corrosion would gradually increase the resistance to the point the line failed for data.   Line tested included putting a higher voltage pulse over the wire.  The added power did a sort of 'spot welding' to reduce the corrosion back to a usable level.... for a time.  
Reseating the wiring may have a similar effect.
Thanks for the tip an memory, Ken

Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: A spark ignitor fix
Reply #3 –
"the old lines would begin to oxidize and the corrosion would gradually increase the resistance to the point the line failed for data."
----
Hmmm, sometimes I think that my "data line" is corroded; maybe a high-voltage pulse might clear it?  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: A spark ignitor fix
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
"the old lines would begin to oxidize and the corrosion would gradually increase the resistance to the point the line failed for data."
----
Hmmm, sometimes I think that my "data line" is corroded; maybe a high-voltage pulse might clear it?  ;)
Electroconvulsive therapy ECT is still used,  but I don't think you qualify Joan.... ;)
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: A spark ignitor fix
Reply #5 –

A shot of DeoxIT before reassembling would help prevent corrosion from recurring. Whenever I take apart an old electrical connection, I routinely apply a little DeoxIT.

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Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: A spark ignitor fix
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Hmmm, sometimes I think that my "data line" is corroded; maybe a high-voltage pulse might clear it?  ;)
In my experience red wine seems to be doing the same trick. At least I notice that I start to talk much more than usual with the right amount of this stuff in my lines.
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath