Pilot light won't stay lit

[balkreiley]

I have a Heil furnace, about 12 years old with a standing pilot light. It went out so I tried to relight it to no avail. I have since changed the thermocouple to a new one, but it still won't stay lit. I light the pilot with the red button pushed down and hold it for 2-3 minutes (longer than the 1 min. recommended), but as soon as I let go of the red button the flame automatically shuts off like it is not getting any gas anymore. Any ideas? Any idea what it will cost? Thanks so much!

[a46geo]

The thermocouple uses heat from the pilot to generate millivoltage which in turn holds a valve open to allow gas to flow.

Sounds like the millivolt coil in the gas valve has failed. If you have the gas line for the pilot light comming from the same "box" that also feeds the main burners, you have a combination gas valve, and it needs to be replaced.

[Ellicat]

balkriley,

Were you ever able to fix the problem? If so, can you describe how was it fixed? Our furnace has recently done the same thing so we're looking for ideas.

Anyone have additional advice?

Thanks

quote:Originally posted by balkreiley

I have a Heil furnace, about 12 years old with a standing pilot light. It went out so I tried to relight it to no avail. I have since changed the thermocouple to a new one, but it still won't stay lit. I light the pilot with the red button pushed down and hold it for 2-3 minutes (longer than the 1 min. recommended), but as soon as I let go of the red button the flame automatically shuts off like it is not getting any gas anymore. Any ideas? Any idea what it will cost? Thanks so much!