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Posted by dana on October 14, 2008 at 09:59:08:
In Reply to: lighting pilot posted by Benjamin on October 10, 2008 at 09:31:18:
: I recently purchased a new home with an 80 year old ARCO boiler in the basement. There also appears to be a BASO thermocouple safety switch wired in. The previous owner had told me it's simple to light, just turn on the gas and press the red button....I'm having trouble lighting the system. Any thoughts? I've called the local boiler experts but haven't heard back yet. It's starting to get cold here. Thanks.
You need a long match or punk to light the pilot-flame end of the thermocouple. Holding the red button down keeps the gas flowing to the pilot, but doesn't provide an ignition source to the flame.
Once the pilot has lit to a nice blue flame, keep holding the red button for a good 50-count to allow the thermocouple heat up sufficiently for the regulator to keep the gas flowing automatically.
If you can't get a blue flame to appear at the pilot, check to make sure that all gas valve up to the boiler are open (most installations have a shutoff other than the burner-regulator that controls the pilot.)
There is also a small chance that the gas capillary to the pilot has become clogged with either corrosion or spider nest material and has to be disassembled & cleared.