Can you bypass a thermocouple on a propane heater?

By bypassing the thermocouple you can start the propane heater almost immediately. Without the thermocouple, in place, you may lose your tank of propane into the atmosphere if the pilot flame goes out. Remember, the thermocouple is the device that would auto shut off the gas flow it the pilot fire is switch off.

How do you fix a thermocouple on a propane heater?

The thermocouple could also be worn out, in which case it needs to be replaced. Get a new one, unclip the bulb, unscrew the wire from the gas valve, remove the old one, and place the new one in the same spot. Always turn off the gas as a precaution.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a propane heater?

Here is the procedure for cleaning thermocouples:

Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater.
Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the thermocouple.
Remove it from the pilot assembly.
Gently rub it with your steel wool or the rougher side of your sponge.
Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface.

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How do you fix a propane heater that won’t stay lit?

If the thermocouple is too far from the flame, this can cause the pilot to go out and shut down the propane heater; you can fix this easily by moving the thermocouple closer to the flame. The thermocouple could also be worn out, in which case it needs to be replaced.

Why does my pilot light keep going out on my propane heater?

If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, it’s likely you have a broken thermocouple in your gas furnace. The thermocouple is a rod that comes into physical contact with the flame in your system. When this component is not able to detect the flame, it will close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak in your home.

What makes a thermocouple go bad?

Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.

Can a thermocouple work intermittently?

a safety device that has started to go bad, or has failed permanently. In this client’s case, the thermocouple was initially working intermittently, and then finally failed. This allowed the gas to flow long enough to heat up the thermocouple and generate some electrical current flowing back to the gas valve.

Why is my propane heater not working?

When one isn’t working properly, the cause is most often related to the igniter, which is usually a standing pilot light. It’s rare for a heater to malfunction if the pilot is working properly, but it happens. That’s usually related to a malfunction of the thermostat.

Why does propane heater not stay lit?

Another reason that your patio heater won’t stay lit also has to do with the thermocouple. Sometimes the thermocouple gets coated with carbon from the propane. Sometimes using a small tooth file and lightly sanding the thermocouple will help to remove the carbon build up.

How do you change a thermocouple in a hot water heater?

How to Replace a Hot Water Heater Thermocouple Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Your Water Heater Step 2: Access the Thermocouple Step 3: Release the Thermocouple Step 4: Install Replacement Thermocouple Step 5: Re-insert Burner Unit Step 6: Test Water Heater and Finish

Do all water heaters have a thermocouple?

Not all gas water heaters have a thermocouple. Some newer models have an advanced temperature control system. Essentially, it is a microprocessor that constantly monitors and controls burner operation and maintains consistent and accurate water temperature levels.

Can you bypass a thermocouple on a propane heater? By bypassing the thermocouple you can start the propane heater almost immediately. Without the thermocouple, in place, you may lose your tank of propane into the atmosphere if the pilot flame goes out. Remember, the thermocouple is the device that would auto shut off the gas…