Posted by barry riem on January 02, 2000 at 19:31:06:
In Reply to: Re: American Standard Residential Gas Boiler Series 78MHJ11 posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on December 14, 2000 at 21:29:44:
: Ancient boilers sometimes used a pilot safety valve separate from the gas regulator control. If there was a problem with the pilot valve thermocouple sensing the flame, it would drop out (in this case switch the valve to off) closing the gas off to the main burner. If this is as old as I imagine it is, the device has been working for over 30 years. It still holds in to do its job, but the thermocouple may be getting old and releasing on its own if the pilot flame did not stray from the end of the sensor. Replacements were still listed by White-Rodgers for these valves a few years ago and may still be available; but when it does go, it is good to replace the entirety - safety valve and regulator - with a modern gas control. Or more economically, a new 100% more efficient boiler.
fix what breaks and maintain it well good luck!