Gas Valve-Problem?

 
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Old 02-15-2008, 09:54 AM   #1
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Gas Valve-Problem?


I have a small residential gas boiler. Problem is that the flame is very minimal. The boiler will fire but the flame looks like s match flame (no preassure or sound to it) What do you think the problem might be. I do have normal pressure at the gas line before the valve. If I disconnect the valve I hear it clicking normally (on and off as I connect and disconnect) but the flame is very minimal. HELP PLEASE

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Old 02-15-2008, 07:02 PM   #2
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Check to pilot orafice and see if it may be starting to stop up...
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Old 02-15-2008, 07:17 PM   #3
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Pilot seems fine, I took it out I even replaced the thermocouple, but the flames just do not fire up. Thanks
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Old 02-15-2008, 07:36 PM   #4
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Quote:
Originally Posted by A.D. Const View Post
I do have normal pressure at the gas line before the valve.
What manometer reading did you get?

You clearly have a pressure problem. If the input pressure is good (you really need to check), then you may well have a gas valve issue. Audible clicking is not the only check of a gas valve.
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Old 02-15-2008, 09:06 PM   #5
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


A poor, weak flame is a sign of incomplete combustion which always means high carbon monoxide levels. If you don't own the necessary tools of the trade and do not have the knowledge, call in a pro, soon.
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Old 02-16-2008, 08:32 AM   #6
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Come on guys lets be serious, Manometer? "sign of incomplete combustion which always means high carbon monoxide levels"?

Do you mean under the boiler it self everything else is fine.

Now being serious, The reason I like this site is because a pro can ask pertinent question when he or she needs the input of others, that is what I was trying to do. Is hard to believe someone knows what I have or don't have in my truck or even start questioning my qualifications to do the job.

Pressure is 1-2 Lbs which is normal in a residential application.
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Old 02-16-2008, 11:21 AM   #7
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


I for one was being serious. I'm not sure what you were getting at with your last response. A weak flame is usually always accompanied by high CO levels in my experience. 1-2 lbs pressure is NOT normal for a residential boiler. 3.5 " WC is at the manifold is normal. You have to do the basic checks in order to diagnose the problem. What is your input pressure?
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Old 06-22-2008, 08:21 AM   #8
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


I forgot to post outcome, I replaced the gas valve and problem solved. Thank you again for your input.
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Old 06-22-2008, 02:08 PM   #9
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Now that the valve has been replaced has the burner manifold pressure been rechecked for correct setting? Was a combustion test for O2, CO2 and carbon monoxide levels? Have seen many new valves that are not set at the correct pressure.
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Old 06-22-2008, 02:48 PM   #10
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


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Originally Posted by MechAcc View Post
Now that the valve has been replaced has the burner manifold pressure been rechecked for correct setting? Was a combustion test for O2, CO2 and carbon monoxide levels? Have seen many new valves that are not set at the correct pressure.
Scary stuff isn't it?
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Old 06-22-2008, 03:04 PM   #11
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Wish I knew where this guy is.
Have a feeling sooner or later
he's gonna be in the newspapers.
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Old 06-22-2008, 03:06 PM   #12
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


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Wish I knew where this guy is.
Have a feeling sooner or later
he's gonna be in the newspapers.
Eh, probably not, but not doing something as simple as a manometer check is just plain dumb. The fella acted like a manometer was some sort of tool from Mars, but every furnace tech probably carries one in the toolkit he initially carries in to start to work on any furnace. I'm just an electrician, but I have one on my truck. Generators, you know. A manometer is to a gasman what a volt meter is to an electrician. Without one, all you can do is guess. It's not even an expensive tool.
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Old 06-22-2008, 03:12 PM   #13
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


That and the part about incomplete
combustion and CO not being such a
big deal...
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Old 06-24-2008, 07:03 PM   #14
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Correction, How do you get pressure without using a manometer? I never said that I did not used a a Manometer, nor did I said incomplete combustion and CO wasn't a big deal. If that was the case I wouldn't need to post any questions would I? I've been in the trade for 25years, and I though someome might have some insight or reccomendation with out being judgemental. I do not claim to know it all, but we have to treat each others with due dignity.
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Old 06-28-2008, 01:47 PM   #15
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


For being "just an electrician", you know quite a bit about hvac. Just wanted to acknowlege your smarts
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Old 06-28-2008, 03:06 PM   #16
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Quote:
Originally Posted by flashheatingand View Post
For being "just an electrician", you know quite a bit about hvac. Just wanted to acknowlege your smarts
Who you talking to?

MDShunk? If so, that's because he is just an all around smart guy. Serious.
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Old 06-28-2008, 03:14 PM   #17
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


If I'm not mistaken, he also has
his HVAC ticket.
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Old 06-30-2008, 03:47 PM   #18
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Yes I will add that on my opinion Mr. Mdshunk, is one of the most knowledgeable and respected individuals in this forum.
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Old 06-30-2008, 08:01 PM   #19
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Re: Gas Valve-Problem?


Quote:
Originally Posted by A.D. Const View Post
Yes I will add that on my opinion Mr. Mdshunk, is one of the most knowledgeable and respected individuals in this forum.
Knowlegeable and respected yes, but I am not too sure about his taste in hats
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