David Combs wrote:
Several years now, the thermocouple on the boiler has
crapped out on only the COLDEST day (thus far) of the year.

Again this year too -- this morning, pilot was out,
and it wouldn't relight. And temp outside was 17(F)!

(Window in boiler-room is open a few inches, due to
air-flow problem -- we have a fan in the pipe that goes
up the chimney.)

Now, in the past, replacing the thermocouple (plumber did the work)
would fix it.


-----

Question: just wondering -- any substance to this
apparent correlation between
super-cold temperature and crap-out of thermouple?

question: would placing electric heater near the boiler
possibly help?

Thanks!

David


1) Coldest day of the year will cause highest draw on main gas lines.
Street pressure will possibly be slightly lower than otherwise. You
may have a marginal pilot flame. The pilot flame adjustment is a
needle valve licated UNDER a cap screw. It is turned counter-clockwise
to increase pilot flame size. The main burner has a different/separate
adjustment. It is turned clockwise to increase pressure. Pilot
adjustment uses a teeny-weeny pocket screwdriver to adjust it. Main
burner uses a bigger screwdriver for adjustment.

2) The air from the open window may be blowing the pilot out if it is
windy outside.

3) Have tech or gas company check to see if your gas pressure is
adequate coming into your house.

4) Have tech use better quality thermocouple. They make good ones and
cheap ones. Try a heavy duty model.

Stretch