Gas Pilot Light: How To Light, Adjust and Clean

Racheal Ashley — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:22:33 +0000

Lighting a Gas Pilot: Before you try and relight a pilot light make sure to read the instructions, usually found on the front of the boiler or furnace.

Step One: Use the manual control handle on the automatic gas valve to turn off the gas to the main burner and pilot. Allow at least 5 minutes for built up gas to disperse before proceeding. Use extreme caution and take more time if your fuel is bottled gas; it doesn’t dissipate as quickly.

Step Two: Once the gas has dissipated, set the thermostat well below room temperature. Turn the manual control handle to PILOT and light the pilot, holding the handle there for a minute. Then release the handle and turn it to ON.

Adjusting the Pilot Flame: The Pilot flame should be blue and should cover the thermocouple. Before adjusting the flame turn the thermostat down and turn off the power to the system. Then reset the thermostat when done.

Cleaning the Pilot Orifice: One cause of trouble lighting the pilot light, is the orifice may be plugged. To clean the orifice, you will need to shut off the gas supply.

Step One: Turn the gas inlet handle to a right angle with the pipe.

Step Two: Disconnect the thermocouple tube and the pilot gas line form the automatic gas valve.

Step Three: Remove the bracket holding the pilot and the thermocouple.

Step Four: Use a stiff wire brush to clean out the orifice and reattach the bracket, pilot gas line, and the thermocouple tube.

Step Five: Turn on the gas and relight the pilot light.

Quick Fixes For Common Oven Range Problems

Jim Adams — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:54:06 +0000

Quick fixes and tips for repairing common gas or electric oven / range problems.

Problem: The gas range surface burner doesn’t light

Cause:

Pilot light is out or gas isn’t on

Solution:

Follow the instructions for relighting the pilot
on your particular range

Problem: The pilot light doesn’t remain lit

Cause:

Pilot port is clogged

Range is in a drafty place

Solution:

Use a small wire to clean the port

Try to prevent drafts near the range

Problem: The electric range is not working at all

Cause:

No power is reaching the range

Solution:

Check the fuse box / circuit breaker. If you don’t find a problem, call a professional electrician.

Problem: The electric range has a top element that doesn’t heat

Cause:

Defective element, wiring, terminal block or switch

Solution:

Check each part for continuity and replace it if necessary

Home Owner Care » ovens ranges

Gas Pilot Light: How To Light, Adjust and Clean

Quick Fixes For Common Oven Range Problems