Old propane space heater not starting up fully after pilot is on

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GG_Mass

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Hi,
I have an older "Empire" propane space heater, connecter to an outdoor LP propane tank.
The tank was checked last year and was okay.
I'm able to start the pilot light going, but, when setting the thermostat afterwards, nothing pretty much happens, the pilot light stays on, but - the heater itself does not get engaged.
I'm not sure as where to look first, - is there a problem with the heater itself, or just the thermostat not sending the "signal" to the heater ?
Any help is most welcome.
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FullySprinklered

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Here's something to try. I've only done it once and it worked, so statistics are in our favor. Turn on the gas, light the pilot, turn the button to the on position and turn the thermostat all the way up. Then take your magic channel-lock pliers and give the gas valve a sharp rap.
 

DonL

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If you measure the voltage at the 2 wires in the thermostat;

It should measure 400-450 millivolts DC with the thermostat OFF and pilot lit. That tells you that the thermopile and wiring is Good.

And it should be 0 volts when the thermostat is ON. That tells you the Thermostat is good.

If that checks out and it still don't work, then most likely the Gas valve is stuck or bad.

http://www.propaneproducts.com/pdf/empire/manuals/DV-210-215-Manual.pdf


Good Luck on your project.
 

GG_Mass

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Here's something to try. I've only done it once and it worked, so statistics are in our favor. Turn on the gas, light the pilot, turn the button to the on position and turn the thermostat all the way up. Then take your magic channel-lock pliers and give the gas valve a sharp rap.
Is the Gas valve right behind the knob ? or on the right side of the valve ?
 

GG_Mass

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If you measure the voltage at the 2 wires in the thermostat;

It should measure 400-450 millivolts DC with the thermostat OFF and pilot lit. That tells you that the thermopile and wiring is Good.

And it should be 0 volts when the thermostat is ON. That tells you the Thermostat is good.

If that checks out and it still don't work, then most likely the Gas valve is stuck or bad.

http://www.propaneproducts.com/pdf/empire/manuals/DV-210-215-Manual.pdf


Good Luck on your project.

Thank you, I will give this a try.
 

GG_Mass

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Well, a sharp rap on the valve did the trick, (well, a few of them). Sadly, it has to be done each time that the thermostat is switched from "off" to any temperature.
I can only assume that it's a bad valve, or is there still a chance it's something with the millivolts?
I hadn't the chance to get and a volt meter yet, but will if it can still be a thermostat issue.
 

DonL

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It could be that the thermopile is not making enough voltage, a volt meter would tell you for sure.

You could try cleaning the thermopile, and position it in the pilot flame better.


Good Luck.
 

Tom Sawyer

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If you have to beat the gas valve to make it run, the valve needs replacing and it's dangerous. Shut it down now.
 

DonL

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If you have to beat the gas valve to make it run, the valve needs replacing and it's dangerous. Shut it down now.

I agree it is not safe, The way it is.

Beating on the valve could be making the T-Stat connections connect, and the valve may not be the problem, But a voltmeter measuring at the thermostat would tell you if the wiring is intact.

I would not run it like it is, because the valve could Stick ON, if the Valve is bad.

It is most likely a bad valve, But it could be a number of things.


BlowPain is nothing to play with.
 

LPGarbage

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Uh hi did you ever figure out specifically what the problem is? i have the same and no one seems to have a clue really. fix this test that but nothing has worked to indicate what is wrong. IMO these heaters are trash and for 800$ certainly it's overpriced garbage. thanks for the help.
 

LPGarbage

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Uh hi did you ever figure out specifically what the problem is? i have the same and no one seems to have a clue really. fix this test that but nothing has worked to indicate what is wrong. IMO these heaters are trash and for 800$ certainly it's overpriced garbage. thanks for the help.

nevermind thanks to whoever suggested tapping it with a wrench. woulda never got that much out of the monkeys who call themselves repair men. that simple test tells me its the faulty gas valve, which im sure has been faulty forever and was designed as a faulty POS since ive had problems with this heater ever since installation. garbage, and empire makes the worst quality crap ive ever seen.
 
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