Fire pit won’t stay lit fix - bypass thermocouple - Part 2

[@scottnewbanks5111]

Finally, I’ve watched countless other videos on KZbin to try and fix the problem that you’ve so eloquently explained. Unfortunately, I wasted a lot of time, I wish I would’ve found yours first. I did just what you explained, cut the spring out, and it works like a champ! Thank you thank you thank you😊

[@nateice1]

Awesome

[@BillFromPA14]

Thanks! The thermocouple, was my issue, tried several things first and was about to give up or pay for a repair or replacement, Wifey found this video so she deserves some credit.

[@scottyshipbuilder]

Our table had the same problem. Would only stay lit suddenly today if you held the knob in. My wife rushed to start shopping for a new one while I hit the KZbin search and thankfully came across your solution. Only took me a few minutes using some CA glue to hold the plunger back after removing the spring and it works great now, and saved me $800 in the process. Thanks! 👍🏼

[@tomweyer]

I concur with all the favorable comments. Thought mine was an altitude problem (Colorado), thought it was that loose copper tube so many “experts” suggested. Thought about throwing “the damn thing” away. Tonight, after kneeling and pressing that damn button for 8-minutes (‼️) I watched your video. I used my iPhone light and a metric wrench … removed the thermocouple … cut the spring out in the garage with a diagonal cutters … reinstalled … FIRED UP IMMEDIATELY AND PERMANENTLY. We are always in attendance when in the fire pit is in use, so we have no safety concerns with this modification. You made the last two hours of flame enjoyable … and I’ll never need to kneel for 8-minutes (‼️) AGAIN. Thanks!

[@AZ-toofast]

Did you add glue or silicone to it? Are you supposed to press the plunger in and silicone it?

[@debbiecox7553]

I was about to give away my fire pit. This video fixed my problem. Now that it’s getting cool I can enjoy my fire pit. Your diagram really made it click in my brain. Thank you so much!

[@scotts9821]

DUDE!!! I've had this problem for months and this video fixed it in both my firepits! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Love your drawing too.

[@nateice1]

Awesome!

[@lehmannadventures3439]

Dude! You are a gentleman and a scholar! Our patio fire place finally after 100s… yes 100s of times we’ve had to light and relight and relight and relight - finally now lights once and stays lit!

[@lehmannadventures3439]

Again- thank you thank you thank you!

[@nateice1]

Awesome!

[@ericw7381]

I bought 4 small tabletop fire pits from Home Depot that were nearly being given away. I figured there may be something wrong with them or they weren’t in style, but I got them for $25 each and the thermocouples were the only issue. Thanks! Fixed and working perfectly!!

[@melanidiaz7108]

We’ve had the exact firepit for a couple of months now and wasn’t able to figure out why it was turning on but I had to hold it down for it to stay lit, we were going to forget about and maybe throw it away. I was looking at many other videos and non of them worked until I saw yours, we cut little by little of the spring until it finally worked. We are so happy we finally got it to work, we are incredibly amazed and thank you so much it was a great help!!!

[@nateice1]

Awesome!

[@danalvarez7027]

You are the man!!!! Been trying to figure out, self diagnose, Google and had no luck. Finally stumbled upon your video and this was the exact fix!!! Seriously thank you so much! My family gets a lot of joy out of this and we are happy to have it back!!

[@rgillcrist]

Oh my gosh, THANK YOU! I have been struggling to fix our firepit for months and was about to cave and buy a new one. I cut the spring out and works like a charm, you are the best. Also loved the drawing and mechanics walkthrough, very helpful.

[@mikekastanek4711]

Echoing many other comments. This worked! Thanks very much! I actually just snipped the spring, but left most of it in, and then compressed it and glued it with super glue. I had seen another video that noted tightening the thermocouple was key, but that did not work. It was snug and had not loosened up even though the fire pit is 4 years old. I even went to home depot to see if they sell thermocouples, but they don't. Was in touch with Hampton Bay but had to wait for a more experienced tech to call back, but have not heard back. It does seem like a design flaw. I wonder how many people either buy a whole new thermocouple or a whole new fire pit!

[@jonathanshrum7944]

Dude I was so pissed my fire pit stopped working and thanks to your video I'm happy again! Thanks for showing this easy ass fix man.

[@nateice1]

I was right there with you for a while

[@tomn3610]

OMG..... thanks a million for your video. I was just about ready to take my entire gas fire pit unit to the dump. Well, actually I was planning on selling it, and then when it was not staying lit, then I was going to take it to the dump. But, thank God, and You ... that I found your video. I removed the spring of that piece, and pushed it in and super glued it, and it is working perfectly. I just need to make sure to tell the buyer to ALWAYS turn the gas off on the tank. Thanks again for your video!

[@nateice1]

Nice!

[@briankaske1490]

Amazing- bought a new fire table from Walmart and couldn’t get it to light. I was ready to give up and return it. This fix worked immediately! I cut the spring and wrapped the thermocouple in in yellow gas line Teflon tape to keep the end from moving. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@michaelgraves6622]

Same with me excellent video

[@alienxyt]

Great 2 videos. Like a ton of other people I have a Hampton Bay pit that shuts off at random times. Did all the customer service thermocouple swap-outs and adjustments. But after your videos I learned how it works and now I know I had it backwards. I thought the thermocouple was getting too hot and shutting the fire. It's actually not getting hot enough to keep the fire burning. That also explains why my test kept the pit burning when I used a high gas setting but would go out on a low gas setting. Thanks for the education. Off to adjust the thermocouple one more time before bypassing it.

[@davidchavis1249]

It does work! Thank you. It is as clear and easy to follow as possible. Drawing really helped. The only thing I'd add is to have a really good nail clipper or something to Cut the spring. I also yanked it off using a needle nose pliers and just pulled the spring off and that used silicone caulking to hold it in place. JUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO LEAVE IT UNATTENDED FOR LONG IN CASE IT BLOWS OUT. IT IS UNLIKELY BUT POSSIBLE. Save money on parts, which I didn't do and spend too much time trying to replace those parts. Amazon instructions make it sound easy. it's not! All the other how-to's show new firepits that are easy to disassemble. It's not so easy with a used partially rusted one full of glass or lava stones. This worked and took 10 minutes.

[@nateice1]

Nice

[@soho71]

Thank you! I’m here because we bought one used and the fire kept going out even after the 45 seconds…. I just plumed the tank right to the the burner and turn the tank off and on to regulate the flame. I will “fix” this tomorrow with this new information.

[@Jimmy-zo7xv]

Nate u rule! Me&the Misses bought a used fire table online knowing it had running issues I bought a new valve replaced it same issues ugh I checked out you’re video now it runs and I’m the hero, thanks to you. Much respect!

[@nateice1]

That’s great!

[@janetmcdonald6697]

Thank you! Great diagram. Took a couple of minutes. Hardest part was uncoiling the spring. Works great!

[@daramariepr70]

Dude! Thx to this video, I just fixed my FREE "left on the side of the road as trash" fire pit! Still hv to light it with a lighter though. About to hv a cup of cocoa! Thank you!!! 😉

[@brandoncagley1137]

Excellent video! Very descriptive and great explanation and insights. I wish every KZbin video was like this.

[@nateice1]

Thanks!

[@headholio]

Thanks for the video; I learned something. But for accuracy, what you call the thermocouple is not the thermocouple, it is a solenoid valve. The thermocouple is the part at the end of the wire that gets heated in the fire. A thermocouple is 2 dissimilar metals connected together that create an electric current proportional to their temperature. The fire causes an electric current in the thermocouple that generates a magnetic field in the solenoid valve. The valve his held open by this magnetic force as long as the thermocouple is hot.

[@nateice1]

Correct, saying the valve is pulled back is incorrect it’s held in place.

[@russwenzinger1029]

Thanks. I just popped my spring off and I’m back in business. Well done.

[@vicpass724]

Just finished... and it works GREAT! FINALLY I can ENJOY my fire pit. I DID ONE BETTER... I simply CUT the plunger off with my wire cutters. THANK YOU!!!

[@craigblock138]

Excellent video… now it is fixed and I can enjoy my bourbon and cigars all winter…you da man!!!

[@nateice1]

That sounds like a good time

[@richardbishop6860]

It works!!! after fighting with this thing for over a year. Thanks for the fix

[@kaseyrea03]

My dad and I saw your video and it was a HUGE help! Thank you so much!!

[@thomaswenthen5305]

Unreal.....works better than new now without that damn spring. I was going to toss the whole firepit and get a new one. Best simple fix video yet, THANK YOU!!

[@tjosal]

Nice, thanks. Not sure about the need to glue or tape the solenoid - should it slide out of position (unlikely), just push the button and your back in business.Other solutions (cleaning around the thermocouple, etc) will have to be repeated every so often - this is a permanent fix. As others have noted, safety is not a big concern for an outdoor table, and we don't ever leave it on without being near...

[@minnerarena4253]

YOU FREAKING ROCK!!!!!! I was ready to throw mine away. Took me less than 5 minutes and it works perfect now!!!

[@duengineer]

I had to adjust (cut) my spring 3 times but I finally got it to stay lit. Thanks!!!

[@nateice1]

Nice! Never tried that but figured it would work!

[@bobr419]

Very helpful, our family can enjoy the fire place again ,thank you!

[@markstone2138]

Thanks. I see no need for a thermocouple on an outdoor device. There is no way for gas to build up outside if the fire goes out. Disabling it also makes a fire pit much easier to light.

[@kphelps9583]

I have this same problem but cannot get the nut off to get to the thermocouple….erg! I was so excited to find this video too!

[@nateice1]

Which the small one closest to the copper wire or the larger cap? I suggest using two wrenches. Put one on the larger cap to hold it in place then another on the small nut to break it loose. Righty tighty lefty loosey.

[@kphelps9583]

The larger silver one where the solenoid resides. I’ll try your suggestion of two wrenches. -- except that I don’t know where to use the second wrench for the larger silver one. I already got the copper wire nut loose - it is just the larger silver one that is so stuck. Thank you so much for the ridiculously quick response! 😁

[@kphelps9583]

Can’t do it

[@nateice1]

@@kphelps9583 the two wrenches was for removing the small copper wire nut. The silver cap should break loose fairly easily. You have a wrench on it and it won’t budge or are you afraid to push too hard? Push hard or hit the wrench with a hammer while it’s on the cap to try and break it loose. Or spray with Wd-40 to try and loosen it up a little. Only options I can think of.

[@kendraphelps7113]

@@nateice1 thank you. Unfortunately, I’ve tried both; still not moving. I am going to try it again today as I thought maybe the WD-40 could sink in a little bit better overnight and I’ll try it again. Or I may try to go find a socket to fit a torque wrench or something. It’s not budging. I’ve also read that I could heat it slightly with a blow torch and let it cool a bit, and that might help as well.

[@andynordine6388]

Holy Cow! The manufacturer (Sunbeam) had already sent us 2 replacement tables. The 3rd one a year ago and then all of the sudden same issue, wouldn't stay lit unless you held it in. 150 Articles and KZbin Videos with no fix, here we are!

[@timothygonzales7611]

Thought I bought a lemon but so happy I found this video. Thank you, good sir!

[@danielgreene4270]

I tried this fix and couldn`t get the burner to fire up at all. Was able to get the burner going in the pilot setting before but had to hold the knob. Through some reading I see there is a millivolt charge created by the thermocouple- an extra safety feature the unit requires maybe? Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you

[@nateice1]

Sounds like the regulator on your gas supply line is bad. It’s the round metal thing near the propane tank connection. You would have to buy a new hose.

[@nateice1]

Also try using a lighter to light it to verify it’s not your igniter having problems.

[@richardcearley5078]

Such a perfectly simple explanation. Thank you

[@Oneklickmedia]

Thanks man. Search few videos and finally you took time to explain it! Got free fire pit table but won’t stay lit. Hint free lol. I’m going to try your suggestion tomorrow and give it a go!

[@nateice1]

Did it work?

[@tonyvanpypen4172]

You're a rock star working great now

[@rdcondos]

If the thermocouple spring is removed. Will you be able to extinguish the fire by turning the knob or will it need to be shut off at the propane tank?

[@nateice1]

Knob works still

[@jojaninc01]

Thanks Bubba, removed the spring and it worked like a charm. 👍

[@skipperpetetravel]

Dude, you did great thank you so much. I fixed it and pit is back to working. Thank you again!

[@williamathompsonpa4840]

This was the exact issue…fixed in 10 mins! TY

[@JamieLauzon]

Worked like a charm, thanks for the great video! Saved me from buying a new fire table.

[@nateice1]

Awesome!

[@TimJones-b8i]

Great video. My exact problem! The diagram was really helpful to understand how this works. Thank you!

[@kodykrikorian1395]

Thank you!! I was about to take mine to the dumps. Now it works like brand new!!!

[@taylorlan3754]

Yes this fixed my issue, thanks so much! Just had to trim the spring down some

[@nancylilie1]

Great tutorial. Do you have any tips on how to trim the spring? Do you just cut it with a scissor?

[@billycoulter]

Thanks for this info. Worked like a champ on my Bond Manufacturing model 67504 fire pit.

[@lloydcunningham5784]

Can I just remove the thermocouple, if the valve still seals, and operate it that way?

[@nateice1]

I don’t think it will seal since the copper wire pushes against the end of it.

[@Jubralter]

Thus worked thank you for the recommendation, just nibbled off a little bit of the spring and all is well with the firepit

[@teebeeferris]

Thanks so much great advice

[@dand3168]

Amazing hack thank you so much for doing this video. You saved me hundreds of dollars from buying a new one.

[@FixedMediaHouse]

this one worked. tried a few others but no luck untill now

[@ajthescot]

Thanks bro ripped that spring out. Happy days.

[@wbklausmeyer]

This was really helpful! Why do you leave the metal cage uncovered at this point?

[@nateice1]

@@wbklausmeyer helps with lighting

[@marklamantia9579]

I have no idea how to do this evening after watching us. How do you take the spring out?

[@reganreed1]

Help please - I just did this, mine is older so it’s made differently. The spring was on the dial side so I had to take the whole thing apart. The only problem I have is that it only goes to the first level of heat. I can’t turn the dial any more. Should I do what some of the others have said and clip par of the spring vs. removing the whole thing? I’m so happy I found this video!!

[@nateice1]

Sorry, i haven’t worked on that kind of firepit.

[@reganreed1]

Thanks, my pit looks exactly like yours. Same blue rock, from Lowe’s, everything looks the same except the mechanism.

[@nateice1]

@@reganreed1 hmmm maybe they updated it. Gotta be something keeping it from turning as you described.

[@reganreed1]

Hey Nate, I ended up trimming the spring a couple times and finally got it. It was one of the comments so I tried it. Thanks again for the video!

[@christinejones9466]

THANK YOU!! Great instruction and explanation. Keep them coming!

[@mikekohler4794]

Just did this to mine. Works great. Great video and explanation!

[@okentukrieger652]

Where can I find a replacement of that exact thermocouple?

[@nateice1]

I’ve never found it. Maybe the fire pit manufacturer has it available.

[@Strikerage]

Can't I just cut the plunger off, thus removing that part, and the spring, and put the coupler back in?

[@nateice1]

You could

[@DeVincey]

Mine went out randomly and wouldn’t lite. It turned out to simply be that the battery in the button that produces the spark was old and going out. Replaced battery and good as new.

[@nateice1]

Yep. Battery is for starting. If it goes out that’s a separate problem.

[@peggybromberg250]

Yes it worked you’re incredible geez I love KZbin!

[@jonrod9482]

Is this a solution for natural gas fire pits as well?

[@nateice1]

If it uses this same setup ya

[@jeffmartin5711]

Thanks for the video. I tried this and it works like a charm.

[@JJ-se5cn]

Great video! Fixed mine. THANK YOU!!

[@davidturrell7576]

Great video, was about to shit can the fire pit which hasn't worked in months... and its working again! Does that part with the spring have a specific name? I would love to get a replacement. Thank you!

[@nateice1]

I really don’t know. I have never been able to find it, only the wire. It might only be available from the manufacturer.

[@codyreber8370]

Dude actually said safety first by turning off propane. The thermocouples job is to only let the fire run when theres fire. Gas leaks are bad. On a day with low temperature and no wind, it will pool and become explosive

[@nateice1]

Explain how it will pool?

[@codyreber8370]

@@nateice1 propane is heavier than air, and in no wind conditions it mixes with the air at ground level and expands outward. Do that in a fenced in area and you could blow off all the hair in your body if there is a source of ignition. The thermocouple is a safety device.

[@nateice1]

How is the propane leaking in your scenario on a no wind day?

[@codyreber8370]

@@nateice1 well let's say that someone decided to turn off the propane to do an idiot mod, then turned it on without realizing they left the valve open when they turn the propane on, then they go to the bathroom, come back and poof.

[@nateice1]

@@codyreber8370 sounds like an idiot scenario

[@alienfriedchicken6476]

This was a perfect video. Great work. Thank you so much.

[@IanStringer]

Does the knob still turn off the gas or do you have to close the tank?

[@nateice1]

Yes, knob still turns off the gas but always a good idea to close tank after every use.

[@adamdolch9053]

You're the man! Thank you so much for the diagram and explanation! Worked perfectly!

[@nateice1]

Sweet

[@tiffstoe]

Help! absolutely cannot get that silver cap off. It won’t budge. Since my husband passed Ive fixed so many things by myself via wonderful KZbin videos such as yours. And now I’m so close to getting this addressed but that valve simply won’t come off. I’m using crescent wrench from my husband’s tool chest

[@nateice1]

Not much you can do. Maybe try some wd-40 behind the cap on the threads to try to loosen it up. Or use an angled pipe wrench to hold the other side while you crank on the cap with a wrench. Last resort would be a torch or maybe even a lighter to heat up the cap to expand it and loosen it up. Good luck!

[@tiffstoe]

Thank you, I wrenched on it so hard that the rest of the firepit crumbled at the base and the casters came off. It was completely rusted out underneath. I’m ordering a new set and will remove the springs as soon as I unbox them. Appreciate the helpful tips.

[@nateice1]

@@tiffstoe lol

[@reganreed1]

If yours is like mine, the spring is on the dial side. Little more work because you have to take the whole thing apart.

[@lindalou447]

I took the copper wire out but there was no thermocoupler?

[@RandyFarwell]

THIS WORKS. THANKS FOR THE HELP

[@krisandnancyboucher1277]

Is it possible to buy a new thermocouple?

[@nateice1]

You can try contacting the fire pit manufacturer. In the past they were back ordered and it will likely work the same with a new thermocouple.

[@krisandnancyboucher1277]

Thank you! It looks a few different kits are available from Amazon. I got the fire pit for free, so a new knob/thermocoupler kit for about $20 makes sense.

[@ricardotunzato2118]

@@nateice1 Hell-o, we have done what you have showed with NO LUCK. We smell no gas getting out and can not light it even with a lighter. Any Other suggestions? Rich [e-mail]

[@nateice1]

@@ricardotunzato2118 have to troubleshoot it. Can only be three things. Regulator that’s on the gas line by the propane tank. The valve that is controlled by the knob. Or the thermocouple valve that I showed is closed and blocking the passage. Remove thermocouple valve and listen for gas when you open the tank. If no gas then work backwards.

[@skipkelley6782]

I bought the same fire pit on Marketplace. Do you know the manufacturer and model of that pie?

[@nateice1]

Bond Bond Signature 36.6-in W 50000-BTU Brown Composite Propane Gas Fire Pit Table Item #472966 Model #67385

[@jazhunt21]

How about checking the copper wire or replace and reroute the wire. There's a reason the wire is not getting hot enough to keep the safety working.

[@nateice1]

Yes, I mention that in the description

[@riq.martinez]

Worked like a charm. Thanks Nate!

[@kelliesadventures]

Did the same thing! Perfect!

[@calmrelaxationtosleep5725]

This is awesome. Life saver! Removed the spring and working like a charm! My question is - I just removed the spring but didn’t put anything there like a silicon or glue. Do you think it be okay? Or should I put something there? Pls advise.

[@nateice1]

Probably will be okay

[@calmrelaxationtosleep5725]

@@nateice1 thanks Nate. Would you pls elaborate why you advised to put silicon or glue there? Thanks again!!

[@nateice1]

@@calmrelaxationtosleep5725 to keep the plunger pushed in so it works properly. If the plunger slid back out it would cut off the gas flow and the fire pit would not work. It may stay pushed in, but the silicone or glue just make sure it won’t move in the future.

[@peggybromberg250]

I use my hot glue gun because it was the only thing I had available and it worked like a charm

[@markstone2138]

@@nateice1 Would not the pressure of the gas flow keep the plunger from blocking the gas?

[@ericolson3657]

Worked like a charm - thanks so much!!

[@MM-sq5pf]

Tried this, didn't work. My fire table emits no propane from the outlets, clear ports. No noise, no ignition whatsoever. Full tank. Will a bad battery compartment due to old battery leaking cause it to stop flow of propane? TIA

[@nateice1]

Battery only used for igniter (spark) for lighting. Has nothing to do with gas flow. Try using a handheld lighter to light it.

[@Moejoe69]

Bad Idea!!! What happens when the wind blows out the flame. Gas will continue to flow. Could be explosive.

[@nateice1]

This is mentioned clearly in the description. Thanks!

[@louisfernandes3486]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!! you way better than any teacher Ive ever had :-) my problem solved

[@bcinko716]

Thank you so much! Worked like a charm!

[@danielwalton6763]

Thanks! Works great. I put a little Gorilla glue to keep it open.

[@debbiemurtha4407]

Thank you so much! It worked! The drawing helped a lot too!

[@phatwcinfrcr]

When you turn the knob on the front off, does the gas actually turn off still? Or do you have to kill it at the tank?

[@nateice1]

The knob turns the gas off still.

[@garythornam336]

Can you just eliminate the thermocouple instead of modifying it?

[@allielee104]

thank you! this fixed my problem :)

[@johnsaunders702]

Thanks for the fix!!

[@samuelpartee6768]

Could you just tape it to keep it open?

[@nateice1]

After you remove the spring that should work.

[@samuelpartee6768]

@@nateice1 Thanks! I tried it and it worked, just to confirm for everyone else

[@seandicken7620]

The "thermocouple" is the copper wire. The thing you modified is a "magnetic solenoid safety valve."

[@lucasjohnson5419]

Can't we just remove thermocouple and cap the open end? Seems easier if no electronics involved.

[@nateice1]

Yes, if you can find a cap that fits. The silver cap that comes standard has a hole for the copper wire and I believe the copper wire would slide in and not seal if the thermocouple is removed.

[@thruhim1164]

The only that worked for me! Thank you!

[@thomasantonucci777]

That worked awesome! Thanks!

[@worm777]

Couldn't you just remove the thermocouple and just cap the fitting it was placed in?

[@nateice1]

You could replace the silver cap with a hole with a cap, yes.

[@gilchevy]

this worked for me too thank you