Furnace Lockout May 15, 2021, 01:37:11 am When a furnace fails in someway it’s safety systems do not allow it to turn on again till the on off switch is recycled.It happens to me when the the furnace turns on and fails to light. It won’t try again till the switch is recycled. It usually then lights. I found that filing the tip of the ignitor reduces the frequency of occurrence for a while.I finally had enough and since it is a pain to remove the furnace to service it I just replaced it. (The new furnace is a touch quieter.)I don’t really think the ignitor was the cause of the problem. What can go wrong with an ignitor? Other possibilities are reduced spark voltage, defective sail switch that doesn’t always allow the propane valve to open, defective, intermittent, propane valve, and maybe something else I haven’t thought of. Rather than replace those parts I replaced them all.Does anyone have any insight to the causes of furnace lockout to save the next person from replacing the whole furnace? Not many cycles on it but so far the new one does not fail to ignite.On another point am I the only one who didn’t know that picking up on the foot pedal releases water into the bowl of the SeaLand toilet? After 15 years and new things to learn!
Re: Furnace Lockout Reply #1 – May 15, 2021, 04:33:24 am Hi Harry; Well filing the tip of the igniter would increase the distance the spark has to jump, so if you were already having a low voltage situation, that would make it more likely to not ignite. Over time the insulator builds up a film that can accumulate moisture when it is sitting. This film will conduct some electricity and the spark fades away in strength. Enough to see but not always enough to light the gas reliably. Bending the tip of the igniter closer to the ground that it jumps to, and cleaning the (usually ceramic) insulator should have helped. I have that problem sometimes with my refrigerator not lighting, so I clean it every 2-3 years with a toothbrush and alcohol. RonB
Re: Furnace Lockout Reply #2 – May 15, 2021, 10:46:08 am "On another point am I the only one who didn’t know that picking up on the foot pedal releases water into the bowl." Well, tongue in cheek, perhaps!No joke, I never use my foot to fill or flush the commode, always my hand. I believe it's easier on all moving parts. It's certainly quieter for those still sleeping and I hate the sound of letting it slam shut. Sixteen years have gone by without a failure (knock on wood).
Re: Furnace Lockout Reply #3 – May 15, 2021, 11:06:16 am Quote from: RonB - May 15, 2021, 04:33:24 amHi Harry; Well filing the tip of the igniter would increase the distance the spark has to jump, so if you were already having a low voltage situation, that would make it more likely to not ignite. Over time the insulator builds up a film that can accumulate moisture when it is sitting. I bent the ignitor but never thought to clean it, thanks.
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Topic: Furnace Lockout (Read 120 times)
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