Expert: Lynn bellay Date: 7/19/2008 Subject: Heater won't fire
Question QUESTION: I have a minimax 200 pool/spa heater. The burners won't light. The first serviceman told me the flow valve was bad. While I am waiting for that part to arrive, I jumped the valve. The burners lit for two times (we never let it run for more than a couple of hours, always with the pump on). Now it won't light again. It doesn't sound like the flow valve to me now. What is next? I really don't want to pay for another service call. Thanks, Jeff
ANSWER: Are you sure its not the thermacouple.Is the pilot lighting?Lynn
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QUESTION: Dear Lynn, the pilot is always on (no electronic ignition). I have cleaned the thermocouple. Can I safely jump that too as a diagnostic? Or is that a "throw a part at it" repair? Thanks, Jeff
ANSWER: I'm not clear, is the pilot lighting alright and staying lit?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Lynn, yes, the pilot is always on (standing pilot), and never goes (blows) out. It's the burners that won't light. I have cleaned the burners (inside and out), and used a stiff toothbrush to clean the outside of the gas "orifices" too. Thanks again, Jeff
Answer I have no doubt its the thermostat,connections or possibly the flow valve.I would check all wire connections ,since your dealing with millivolts they need to be good connections.The flow valve senses water flow before burners will light to prevent overheating.Lynn
