smcjensen wrote:
I have Carrier gas furnaces in the house, one upstairs, one
downstairs. Home was built in 1990. They eat thermocouples, which
are apparently the devices that keep the pilot light lit. Three have
failed in the last few years and low and behold, the upstairs has
failed again. By failure, I mean the pilot light won't stay lit. Any
explanation or solution to the recurring problem? Looking at the part
from previous replacements, looks like a do it yourself job to
replace. I've done major automotive work so it doesn't seem too
intimidating to me, just awkward to get to.

That is a lot of thermocouples to replace in a short time. They are
easy to replace, just make sure you screw them in properly and set the
pilot flame correctly. There is no need to have a large pilot light
flame, just enough to touch the thermocouple so that it works. Perhaps
the current flame is too high or the contact for the thermocouple in the
valve is corroded?


I've also had to replace the circuit boards a number of times over the
years at $300+ per pop and other parts like ignitors and capacitors.
Since when are furnaces as reliable as a 1987 Pontiac? Needless to
say if I ever have to replace them they won't be Carriers.