Oven Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

[Frank&Mike]

My search isn't yielding any results on here. I'm sure someone has experienced the same situation where the oven pilot light won't stay lit. Any ideas?

[Piggy Bank]

I assume you have used the oven before this and it has worked OK?

For review of the lighting procedure, here is what I do.

Of course make sure the propane is on at the tanks, and I usually check that it is working at the oven by checking a burner first.

When lighting the oven I use a long fireplace match, first light the match, then turn on the gas to the oven, light the pilot light. It's at the way back center. You can see it once the pilot light is lit. Then keep the oven knob pushed in at the pilot light position for 15 -20 seconds.

After the 15-20 seconds, then release up on the knob and turn it to the desired temperature.

How far are you able to get on this procedure?

[Frank&Mike]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

I assume you have used the oven before this and it has worked OK?

After the 15-20 seconds, then release up on the knob and turn it to the desired temperature.

How far are you able to get on this procedure?

Correct, we've been able to light the oven and use it for about 2 years now. It has always worked, following the steps you describe. Today I sat there for well over 1 minute holding the knob in place and observing the fire burning. As soon as I release the know to move it into the desired burning temperature the flame disappears. This failure recently has repeated itself time and time again.

[J-Dog]

Check the Thermocoupler (Item 35 in your manual) located in the oven see page 5, drawing 1.
Make sure it has not been dislodged. It must be heated by the pilot light flame in order to allow the Oven temp Control Valve (item 16) to work.

If that looks fine inspect the other end of the Thermocouple located at the Oven Control valve, make sure it is hooked up and hasn't come loose.

If that all looks fine I would first buy a new Thermocouple, if that doesn't fix it, then it is the Oven Control Valve.

I don't know how to positively trouble shoot it beyond what I have typed perhaps someone else can give more detail.

[TG Twinkie]

I would check the location relative to the flame. If OK.
Disconnect the end at the gas valve.
Clean the contact end and the contact point in the valve.
Reassemble, pushing the end into the valve while tightening the nut. DO NOT overtighten.

[ITSNO60]

Before taking things apart first take a small scrap of fine sandpaper (the mesh cloth used for drywall or copper plumbing works best) or a piece of green Scotch Brite pad and gently polish the end of the thermocouple that sits in the pilot flame. Clean it all the way around. Then make sure the TC is situated in the flame and has not moved away from it. I can't tell you how many thermocouples/thermopiles I have done this to and extended their life many times over. Its easy, and it works.

edit: if that fails to work the pilot orfice probably needs cleaning. If you try this on your own do not stick anything into the orfice. OK to clean the surface with the Scotch Brite but nothing goes into the orfice except the proper size gas orfice drill. When cleaning the surface push the gas valve in like you are going to light it, this helps push any debris away from the orfice.

[Wayne&Sam]

A classic thermocouple symptom. Just replace it.

[Frank&Mike]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

A classic thermocouple symptom. Just replace it.

You are indeed correct. I decided to take some closeup pictures with my phone and it’s very clear that the tip (where the gas flows from) of the thermocoupler is missing (photos attached). I watched a video on YouTube and it looks like a simple repair so I’ll make that repair while camping this week.

[Foiled Again]

Put masking tape over your eyebrows.

When you test light the pilot with your head in the oven... that's why! Good way to clean up unruly nose hair though.

Seriously, the simple repairs are the ones that always seem to leave me bloodied or singed around the edges.

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by Frank&Mike

You are indeed correct. .

That's why Im a Rivet Master.

[carl2591]

I hope by now you have figures out he thermocouple has slid down or to the right in the picture .. just push it back to the left till it bottom out.. good to go..

Originally Posted by Frank&Mike

You are indeed correct. I decided to take some closeup pictures with my phone and it’s very clear that the tip (where the gas flows from) of the thermocoupler is missing (photos attached)Attachment 328216Attachment 328217Attachment 328218. I watched a video on YouTube and it looks like a simple repair so I’ll make that repair while camping this week.

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

make sure the TC is situated in the flame and has not moved away from it.

from my post back in October......