Another Catalytic heater question

[Ken J]

My catalytic heater will not light on "pilot". I can however get it to light if I just turn it on "on". It will heat up an work fine, then when I turn it back to pilot, it just shuts off.

Could this be another thermocouple problem? I thought if the thermocouple was bad it would not light at all.

Anybody know why this is happening? Thanks

[davidz71]

Ken,
On most of the catalytic heaters I have seen, you have to push the knob in on the Start or Pilot position or turn the knob past this position. If yours does neither then I am not sure what the problem is.

[Ken J]

That is what mine does. I push the knob in and the pilot light does not light. But, if I turn it to on I can light the heater. I can see the pezo spark at the pilot light, but it does not light.

I've lit all kinds of heaters, never had one act like this.

[uwe]

Ken,
My catalytic heater does not seem to have a pilot at all. I have to turn the knob past "on" and hold it there, then light the gauze in the lower portion of the heater. The flame spreads over the gauze, in a blueish color, then after a short while ( it says 90 sec. in the manual) I let go of the knob, turn the temp knob wherever we need it and voila', - heat. The flame goes out and the catalytic process starts.
The thermocouple is for the main gas valve, I guess, on this model of heater.
You should try to find an owner's manual for your heater, or contact the manufacturer to make sure it is safe to operate

[Ken J]

Thanks for the help..... Mine does have a "pilot" setting on the knob - but I can do as you describe.

Yea, when all else fails, call the manufacturer - forget what mine is - gotta go look.