Boiler Pilot won't light / Replacing the thermocouple if the pilot won’t stay lit

[@daP.A]

Thank you all for the great positive comments. I really hope this video helps as many people as possible. Link to thermocouple amzn.to/2VmVV9Q If this video helped you I would love to hear about it in the comments. Please consider checking out and/or subscribing to my channel and supporting me by signing up for an Amazon 30 day FREE Trial - amzn.to/2ItA9Ar

[@TheMechas56]

Da P.A Hi there !! i’m hoping you can help me on this one; i’m trying to repair my friend boiler, his furnace just stopped working, is dead, pilot is off and doesn’t light up, so far i checked the power coming into the furnace, i have 120 volts in, and 120 out at the on/off switch, i have 24 volts coming into gas valve, but for some reason there is no gas flowing because pilot doesn’t light up at all, i checked ohms on the gas valve and i got 5 to 7 M-Ohms, i checked continuity on the gas valve terminals and i got OL (open line) i also checked the vent damper and it’s on the open position, the gas pipe is open as well,the boiler is Weil Mclain Model # CGa-5 SPD, and the gas valve is a honeywell VR8200A2116, i need help desperately, what can i do ??? replace the gas valve??? the thermocouple??? do more troubleshooting, please any help is greatly appreciated.Cheers.🙏🙏

[@WillieMeetsWorld]

Thank you for saving me money and it’s good to know to keep one of these casually on hand as they go about every 2 years or so. My boiler is 87 years old and works like a charm.

[@huntzjr]

My 80 year old Mother called me this morning, heats not coming up. I checked and saw the pilot light was out, it wouldn’t stay lit after a few tries to light. I found your video and it was only a $15.00 fix. Thanks for posting this very helpful video.

[@t.r.1442]

2024 in NYC and it is coooold out there tonight. Thank God I came across your video even though it has been like 6 years since you posted. You made it so simple you saved me so much money having toncall someone to fix it. Thanks for making the video the way you did it gave me the courage to do it myself. Thanks again.

[@Squarekn0t]

Great demo- My son just called me from Corning, NY this morning , he woke up with no heat in his antique house . 7 degrees outside, down to 45 in the house. I live in Delaware near the coast, only 21 here with a 17' wind chill. Thanks to I-phones I was able to talk him through it and I know his local ACE hardware has a good stock of them. I suggested he watch this video first. When I worked HVAC (1964 to 2000) I carried 6 thermocouples on my truck. Once on a cold weekend I ran out of them and had a customer (Panama Embasy) in Philadelphia, I went upstairs and asked now freezing lady-- do you want heat or do you want hot water? I stole the thermocouple out of the hot water heater and put it in the boiler. Went back the next day and replaced the thermo in the water heater, she was not a grateful person who thought the whole world was her oyster, little did she know they are no good without the sauce!

[@daP.A]

great story/comment!!

[@jeanporter2406]

You are awesome

[@drakeremoray2278]

Thanks for a great video. My pilot light wouldn't stay lit and I was 90% sure it was the thermocouple. The boiler service company, who are 10 minutes away, wanted $222 just to diagnose the pilot light and wouldn't tell me the cost to replace the thermocouple. It took a trip to the hardware store, $15, and about 20 minutes with a wrench and flashlight to get my heat working again. Those heating companies are just robbing people!

[@daP.A]

Glad it worked out for you. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@davidlaziness]

They’re not robbing people. They’re charging for their expertise. Years and years of knowledge. Good for you for learning how to do it yourself though. A lot of these things are easy but people are afraid to touch them.

[@Thinks-First]

Yep, just went though the same bullcrap. They wanted a $205 "diagnosis fee" on top of $357 to replace the thermocouple. I told them to drop the fee or just leave my house. They dropped the fee and did the job. After watching this video I can now change the thermocouple myself. So from now on that heating company will never get money from me again. All because of arrogant greed.

[@yoya4766]

@@davidlaziness You've contradicted yourself. ''These things are easy'' so the expertise and years and years of knowledge you also speak of is just bullshit. These so called engineers are generally the thicko's of life, who think their jobs are rocket science, in reality they're conboys.

[@PerryWong2009]

Thank you so much for your clear instructions and guidance. Bought the part for $10 dollars at Home Depot and 10 minutes to install. The plumber I requested quote for was $750.00

[@daP.A]

Wow 750...glad it worked out for you. Please consider subscribing

[@Thinks-First]

Mine was $562. From now on, however, they get nothing from me.

[@yonyvladimirovichaguilarov1680]

​@@daP.A the pilot flame doesn't stay lit, so I changed the thermocouple, but no luck...should I buy the gas valve? Or could it be fix...?

[@beckynealon1477]

This is exactly what I needed to know to fix my furnace. You are a great teacher. Thank you very much. You have been a tremendous help. All the best.

[@carlrabe4384]

You saved me a ton just now! I'm staying at a friend's cabin out in the sticks and I'm by myself. The pilot light kept going out, and eventually wouldn't stay lit. She has the exact same furnace/gas pump that you do. Luckily I remember seeing 2 thermocouples in packages in the garage. My repair went exactly as yours did. I was afraid of the aluminium gas piping for the pilot light, but was very careful and checked connections w/ soapy water after. Worked like a charm! Thanks again!!

[@daP.A]

Glad you where able to handle what could if been a bad situation and stay warm. Btw good thing your friend had a spare thermocouple, always a great idea.

[@stiamfook]

Awesome video. Thank you. Had a pilot that wouldn’t stay lit in my rental apartment. It took me longer to go buy the thermocouple, than to replace this part. You saved me a bunch of money and headache. Thank you!

[@daP.A]

glad to hear

[@w.patterson4413]

Thanks for the video. My wife agrees with you that we should change the thermocouple every two years so it's on our calendar to do it each spring when we extinguish the pilot light for the summer. The thermocouple end required a 1/2" wrench but I couldn't get it to seat. Channel locks it was so the swap out took me longer than it should have.

[@dannyfinance]

$11.99 for the replacement from Home Depot and it worked like a charm. Thank you for posting this video. Have a great weekend. 😊

[@LayZeeDawg]

Thanks for this video. I have never replaced the thermocoupler in my Weil McLain , it's 27 years old. I now have to add this to my spare parts cache.

[@daP.A]

yes I always have a couple

[@DTartist4336]

Great video. Easy trouble shooting. Easy to replace. Furnace repaired for $11.99. Thank you

[@daP.A]

I'm glad this helped you and you're all set please consider subscribing thank you

[@tonycat1217]

Very informative....I had to replace a thermocouple about 20 years ago on a hot water heater in a rental property, so this was a refresher course to replace one on the boiler we have in current home. Used all the same tools (plus a nut driver), just wish I had the 47 year old and not the 67 year old body. 🙂

[@daP.A]

Thanks for to comment.

[@yonyvladimirovichaguilarov1680]

​@@daP.A Are all thermocouple same fitting size?

[@michaelnowakowski3632]

Thank you for the great video. I was able to get my boiler working again and the house is warming back up as I type. Feels great to learn something new and save some money too

[@daP.A]

I'm happy for you, thanks for leaving a comment

[@AlchemyMusicConcept]

Great instructional video. Clear, concise and educational. Also make sure the flex gas line is tight and sealed. Mine had a leak. Thanks for sharing.

[@daP.A]

very good point, safety 1st!

[@schradog01]

No light

[@JA-vy1gp]

Great video man appreciate the knowledge coming from someone learning about boilers

[@nicksavoia7368]

Dude, thank you so much pal I was so hesitant to change it until I watched this! Thank you pal!

[@daP.A]

Glad it helped. Please consider subscribing.

[@keyzone72]

What a great video! My pilot wouldn’t stay lit, and I was stumped. After watching this video, I removed the worn out thermocouple, went to Home Depot to buy a new one, and had full heat on again within an hour! Thank you so much!

[@daP.A]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Please subscribe for more videos.

[@MaTaTaTaTaN21]

This video was very helpful. I was able to get my boiler back on, thanks!

[@ynoel32]

Most informative video I've seen. Thank you

[@branthughes847]

Really appreciate this video. I knew i had a thermocouple issue, but decided to call a professional heating company anyways because the nut looked striped and I didn't have time to pull the whole assembly out. Well the heating company said that the assembly needed to be replaced, it wouldn't be here for 5 days, and the total will come to around $460, plus a $120 assessment service fee. After they came out I decided it can't be that crazy expensive to replace this little part. Found the part quickly at Supply House, shipped to me next day with 15 hours, watched your video (same boiler), and voila, replaced with 25 minutes, total cost $48,.......and the $125 the crooks charged me. Anyway, thanks for the help.

[@daP.A]

Glad you found this video and saved money. This is one of the reasons I put this on KZbin. Things are expensive and not everyone can afford those expensive fees, hopefully this video keeps on helping people. Thanks for your great comment and stay warm.

[@KrushKrills]

Thanks man, i just replaced mine after watching your vid.. nothing like having your heat go out at 8pm when its snowing. Bought an extra to keep on hand for the future too. Cheap insurance for $10

[@daP.A]

Indeed

[@user-iu2ww8kw8i]

U made my holiday weekend so much better.. thank you so much & GOD bless you

[@daP.A]

@@user-iu2ww8kw8i thank you, glad it helped you

[@ManuelVelasquez42]

Very nice video explains and shows for the average person, very clearly what and how to do step by step. Really really nice, Thank you

[@daP.A]

Please consider subscribing

[@kevinthompson338]

Excellent video I was able to change mine with no issues!!! Video was 100% accurate and 100% helpful.. THANK YOU!!!

[@daP.A]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Please consider subscribing for more videos.

[@Soothsayer-rs5nb]

Great video... thanks ...saved my elderly mother from a cold house.

[@highplainsdrifter8518]

Sure am thankful for how to videos on youtube. I am currently replacing my thermocouple, after realizing the pilot wouldn't stay lit. My furnace stopped working yesterday morning (4/20/18). I don't have much knowledge when it come to furnace troubleshooting, but I know a few troubleshooting tips. Had to plug in some space heaters over night, lol. This morning (4/21/18) got on KZbin and began the search for this kind of info. Good job showing the video and explaining as video continues on. Not many videos on youtube do this, lol. A BIG thumbs up for you sir. Peace.

[@daP.A]

I'm glad it helped you

[@mikeg.9238]

Excellent video , best one on boob tube , i did this several years ago but needed a quick refresher crash course. Thanks brother!

[@sheitzerlafontant1274]

Thank you for this video. you save me 400 dollars. more power to you

[@daP.A]

thanks for your comment, subscribe for more videos

[@johnhouse5277]

This video was really helpful! Just purchased this home in September and woke up today to a cold house on our Burnham boiler. After an initial lighting of the pilot light that didn't stay on I continued searching KZbin and found your video. Made a trip to the hardware store and picked up a new thermocoupler and installed it and we're back up and running! I did find that the portion where the thermocoupler is mounted to was so corroded that my new one doesn't stay put. I tried to wind the copper wire around the gas portion (similar to how your video shows) to keep it in place and not falling back out due to gravity. I don't have high hopes that it will stay for a long time -- but I at least know what the cause and needed fix will be! The other end of the thermocoupler appears to show the copper having split apart right at the top of the nut that is screwed in. I am not sure if this will become an issue at some point or not. For now though, we have HEAT! Thank you for this video, very helpful and informative. I've still yet to hear back from the HVAC company I called 6 hours ago. I ordered a backup thermocoupler from your link above too!

[@daP.A]

Thanks for sharing this, BTW a reason I made this video is most HAVAC companies will not bother to come and fix something like this, its too small of a job for them. Glad your up and running, please subscribe for more videos.

[@marls6553]

Very helpful, thank you! I just replaced my first thermocouple

[@Kevmack124]

This was a step by step easy fix for me..Thank you very much for this very informative video

[@daP.A]

Subscribe for more videos

[@TO-zq9zl]

Thank you for your help and video! I just replaced my thermocouple by myself a few days ago. Saved me a hundred bucks!!

[@daP.A]

glad it helped you :)

[@desmindw]

Thanks for a very clear and precise demo.

[@MichaelJames629]

This worked, saved me some money, thank you

[@detroitdawg81]

Thank you Da P.A you are doing a great service for people, May God reward you! this saved me a few hundred bucks the heating guy wouldve charged.

[@daP.A]

Thank you for the kind words, may he bless you also.

[@jesussjavier8219]

Hello Da P.A. I would recommend you to lower the flame of your pilot, looks too high and that will damage your thermocouple,.You see it’s glowing red, adjusted lower it and will last longer. Thanks for the info and the video!

[@daP.A]

yes i ended up doing this afterwards but adjusting the valve that i mentioned. Its a good point!

[@rickashley9708]

Good stuff...ibwas about to pay a plummer $200 for this.thus.. thank you saved me 😊

[@daP.A]

No problem my man, please consider subscribing for more videos

[@calex2892]

Saved me at least $150 from calling a plumber. I didn't have to remove the burner though just reached under and unscrew the thermocouple and pull it out. Installing the new one could have been easier but the design of the locking knob is just ridiculous.

[@tnguyen1421]

Thank you so much! Very informative video. I was able to replace my furnace's thermocouple because of your video.

[@daP.A]

Consider subscribing for more videos

[@mrsirhotness1212]

replaced mine. get like a wood burning smell after. do u think i need to tighten the thermalcouple more? i snugged it. and i was real careful w the flex aluminum tube not to move it too much. just pull out main burning replace couple and put back.

[@davonyrentals8995]

Great video. I own multiple apartment buildings. I went to turn the heat on and suspect I have a thermocouple issue in 2 buildings. Going to attempt this first thing in the morning. Thank you!

[@daP.A]

Good luck

[@besi1538]

Great video. Thanks for sharing this. You mentioned a way to check that the gas pipe was sealed-how would you go about checking there is no leak on the pipe? Thx again.

[@daP.A]

Soapy water around pipe, if it bubbles there's a leak

[@LivingProofFilmz]

Thank you so much. I was really hoping this would work after finishing. If not I would have had to call a company to come take care of it and who knows how much that would cost. But your direction worked!

[@daP.A]

Awesome, thanks for leaving a comment

[@emilykaminski1409]

What brand of thermocouple is best to buy? Are they universal or do I need a specific one depending on my boiler? Thanks

[@stephenbushway901]

Good job and great helpful information. I'm curious: when you removed the old thermocouple you removed an aluminum sleeve around it and didn't replace it when you replaced the t-couple. I assume the replacement didn't need it? Thanks.

[@daP.A]

Didn't need it, although sometimes it does, depends on the thickness and manufacturer. The one I get is a little thicker and lasts longer.

[@lpad9651]

If your thermocouple keep seeming to fail, probably the gas valve. There is a solenoid in the valve. It's a magnetic piece that is powered by the thermocouple. When it won't stick magnetically anymore it needs to be replaced. $160.00 for a new gas valve. Useful to try replacing thermocouple at $8 first. My Weil McLain has a tight fit for the valve, but it is DIY if you are careful. Thermocouple lit quickly after valve replaced.

[@hamidsabbahi2432]

That was very helpful. Clean and clean information. Long story short. Thank you very much.

[@daP.A]

your welcome

[@pr1nyc1]

Much appreciated. It helped having the same boiler as you.

[@RoastBeef5523]

This is an awesome tutorial thanks so much

[@bennettwayne9871]

From Brooklyn New York: Your video on replacing a thermocouple (Burnham Boiler) is well illustrated(thanks you), yet I find the video is very dark from poor lighting. The poor light makes it very hard to see instructions. Thanks again

[@daP.A]

thanks for your comment, hopefully it helped you.

[@billdesimas316]

This is a great Video - Just changed my Thermocouple using his direction - Perfect!

[@daP.A]

So glad it helped you

[@carlosemmanuelgarciabrito791]

Hey sup buddy my question is if the pilot stays lit all the time even though I don't need heat in the house or when I need it go down to the boiler remove the cover lit it and go

[@daP.A]

stays it all the time, its normal.

[@johnnysmithy1783]

Your video is great, I have the exact Burnham . Is it possible to unscrew and replace the sensor from the bottom, without taking off the main tube ??

[@daP.A]

It's possible but harder to do

[@johnnysmithy1783]

@@daP.A Thanks for the reply. Happy New Year. I cleaned the sensor, and the furnace has steady flame. the thermostat sent the signal but furnace just don't fire up. I think might be the transformer issue.

[@lancer717]

Thanks bro. My pilot doesn’t even light at all. I’ll try to change the thermocoupler

[@Amir-ih8zq]

Great video, My thermocouple and gas valve was changed , however the pilot keeps going out after several hours , Any idea what can be wrong ?

[@daP.A]

Wind draft, thermocouple to far from gas line. Thermocouple not install right amount from gas valve. Also make sure thermocouple is screw in tight at the power side.

[@Amir-ih8zq]

@@daP.A thank you

[@sheikhrizwan339]

Thanks for easy to follow steps, I've saved approx $230/- after watching this video, last year my neighbor had same problem with pilot and he called a technician home to fix that he charged $250 for 15 minutes work, when my pilot didn't lit after many tries, I put in search at you tube, found this video and follow it's easy step by step instruction, only thing I bought from local hardware store was thermocouple and install it by myself and wallah pilot stayed lit and heat was up in few minutes, Thanks Da P.A

[@daP.A]

Am glad this helped you my friend!!

[@daP.A]

im glad it helped you out and you have heat again!!

[@kirbygu]

Thank you! My furnace was fixed!!

[@daP.A]

Ghb lad it helped you

[@frankd9015]

Great info video. My question is can you use a thermocouple thats meant for water heater in a boiler?

[@daP.A]

i just go to the local hardware store and by a standard thermocouple. You probably can use the one from the water heater without any issues but i would just buy a new one from you local hardware store, they aren't too expensive.

[@arnieselectric007]

Hey Da P.A did this a couple of times over the years, found your video, could not remember what it was called, so googled it, saw your video, well done too by the way...29 degrees out and furnace won't kick on, that stinks, need to go get one this morning at Fager Plumbing supply in York, PA...Thx and Happy New Year...

[@daP.A]

Good luck, fyi I found if you lower your pilot light the thermocouple lasts longer.

[@arnieselectric007]

@@daP.A Roger that, went well, and yes, I will tweek the flame...

[@israelsoto8764]

Thank you very well done really felt like I learned something 😀 😊

[@mikeg.9238]

Yeah this is definitely the best one , i needed a quick refresher. I did this several years ago but needed a crash course because i really don't feel like blowing myself up today!

[@604roger]

What is part number for gas valve?

[@krislopresto]

Great video. My thermocoupler nut is on there so very tight. It doesn’t move at all. Any tips?

[@daP.A]

Maybe lubricate it and let it sit. Make sure pilot, falme is completely off

[@maurinedavis1061]

Very good lesson! Thanks

[@jgonz3542]

Nicely done. Thanks a lot!!

[@Nixon023able]

Thank you so much! It would have cost so much to call the repair man.

[@daP.A]

Thank you, glad helped

[@drumbug57]

Simple into the point great job definitely subscribe

[@daP.A]

thank you for the comment, and thank you for your subscription.

[@jenniferwolfe7542]

Very thorough explanation! thank you

[@daP.A]

Your welcome

[@spaghettimeatballs6795]

Gonna try this after work. Water circulates but isn't being heated. Couldn't get the pilot to stay lit

[@allhomevideos.286]

Hi,after Changing thermocouple pilot still not staying on any idea whats the problem thanks.

[@daP.A]

It could be the valve itself, but make sure thermocouple is in the same position as the old one near the main burner. If you can't figure it out call a plumber, dont do anything you are not sure about.

[@allhomevideos.286]

​@@daP.Athank you very much

[@streetfit909]

This video saved my ass. Thanks!

[@daP.A]

glad it helped you. please consider subscribing.

[@UnKnownn2520]

What if the only way it lights is with a fire. It stays on for random hours at a time before shutting off again

[@noelbijerez744]

Nice video. Good instruction

[@daP.A]

Thank you

[@wallydesouza1]

My burner runs for about 30 min shuts off. Then pilot gets lower lower and shuts off. Could that be the problem?

[@Theduckygang26]

Thank you was able to fix mine very helpful.

[@CasinoEmployeee]

THANK YOU

[@daP.A]

your welcome, please consider subscribing for more videos.

[@adaml3809]

life saver!! awesome video.

[@daP.A]

Thank you and thanks for leaving a comment

[@ryanmarciano]

Nice job. Thanks

[@daP.A]

Thank you for leaving a comment

[@sdanville]

You didnt mention that they only fail on Sundays or in my case Monday January 1st a holiday.

[@daP.A]

That's when it usually happens:)

[@IdleDrummer]

It is ok to move the whole burner with that gas line connected? Do you have to loosen anything?

[@daP.A]

its ok but make sure you gas is off on the pilot, the emergency switch off. then make sure you check the gas line for any loose connections.

[@kfh599]

very useful, thanks.

[@daP.A]

thanks for your comment, please subscribe for more videos.

[@raymond72993]

Hi, so our thermocouple needed replacement and we have replaced it with the following steps. We were able to also light the pilot, however we were unable to have our thermostat go on. We tried to put the heat shield on, switch the emergency switch to on, and turn the knob from pilot to on and the flames will not ignite (refer to the end of this video). Any help or suggestions will be great.

[@daP.A]

If the pilot is now lighting but turning from pilot ot on has no flame this could mean your thermostat is not calling for heat,make sure it's on. You can also have a bad gas valve. If your not sure call a professional

[@enzoamore9173]

What causes thermocouple to slightly stay light at all times when I go to a no heat call it just seems it just burns at the tip only?

[@smokeshow973]

I knew this voice was familiar nice video cous

[@daP.A]

Lol I hope it helped you.

[@benjaminantone9962]

that part with the adjustable wrench hurt offended me. You hurt my heart. If you don’t have a line break wrench, then use an open end 7 sixteenths wrench. It’s just so much sexier. At least you didn’t use pliers.

[@daP.A]

Sorry it was easier not thinking about the size. Thanks for watching.

[@AmirKhanAnadil]

Dear i changed thermocouple as same way it works now but now my burner not getting auto switch off after heating water to extent level... wht may be the problem??

[@elbis1987]

Great video.

[@charliek6393]

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

[@chairde]

Thank You for this.

[@daP.A]

Thanks for the comment

[@kaykiekid]

Just got done with my furnace. It took me a little longer because of the thermocouple locking clip. Overall, we have heat!!!! Thanks to your step by step how to video. Saved me a ton of money if I were calling a professional. 🙂❤️🔧🪛🔥

[@daP.A]

Happy to hear you made out.

[@kaykiekid]

@daP.A Thanks! Happy New Year!

[@imjy215]

Smh I replaced two thermocouples at different homes yesterday & for the first time, both of their previous thermocouple old nuts broke off inside the pilot assembly

[@SolarizeYourLife]

What if you have the th tr connection?

[@tonyjones9766]

Hello I am dealing with this problem now and I replace three thermocouples and nothing is working

[@daP.A]

Could be you dont have gas, or the gas valve itself. Did you figure it out ?

[@tonyjones9766]

@@daP.A yeah I have a gas furnace and hopefully I can get it fixed tomorrow. I have a new gas valve but I going to wait for a professional to install it

[@ottogarcia3714]

Big help. Appreciate it

[@GuppyEgg]

So my flame is on but the gas doesn't flow when I turn from pilot to on. Help

[@molecule36]

Help me a lot thanks.

[@daP.A]

Thanks, and thanks for the comment

[@Mackandal-]

Thank you 💯

[@daP.A]

Np, please consider subscribing for more videos

[@Mackandal-]

@@daP.A I already did so 💯

[@SynKronos]

Electricity? Most gas appliances including stoves have no need for electricity. The heat causes expansion of the fluid or gas in the thermocouple which then operates a valve. Often a simple short term fix is to tighten the nut.