Furnace issues

[dante322]

Our furnace is pretty old and seems to be having issues today...

It was running normally this morning but at some point today the BASO pilot switch tripped. I've reset it several times, but it keeps turning off.
I've turned the thermostat down and it has kicked on and off normally through 2 cycles now.
The switch doesn't trip when I operate the thermostat manually. I turn the Stat down until it clicks, when the fan stops, I turn the Stat back up, the burner fires and the fan comes on normally

I can get a new BASO switch from Amazon but it will take almost 2 weeks to get.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

["J"]

Does the pilot flame stay lit?

Make sure the thermocouple connection is snug.


Check the the adjustment of where the thermocouple and flame are, making sure it’s in there by at a min of a 1/2”

 

[dante322]

Pilot never went out. Not sure how the thermocouple could move on its own.
I almost feel like it's an over heating issue

 

[dante322]

Like I said, it was running normal this morning... this issue just came up sometime this afternoon

 

[bowhunter1023]

Not a furnace, but our gas fireplace had a very hard to find heat sensor that was malfunctioning. Stove would barely heat up and it would shut down. Once I found the sensor and replaced it, the problem stopped.

 

["J"]

Pilot never went out. Not sure how the thermocouple could move on its own.
I almost feel like it's an over heating issue

How windy was it today?

If I remember right, there’s only 2 things it could be, baso or thermocouple. Especially if it’s an older unit.

 

[dante322]

Really windy...

 

[bowhunter1023]

So windy it couldn't breathe?

 

[dante322]

Thought we were going to lose some siding a few times today

 

[dante322]

It just tripped again... its tripping while the burner is lit... I don't think it has anything to do with the pilot

 

["J"]

It just tripped again... its tripping while the burner is lit... I don't think it has anything to do with the pilot

But thermocouple could be the issue.

 

[Fletch]

Oil tank above ground??? If so is there anti freeze in the tank... Mines above ground and every time I get oil I throw a pint of anti freeze in... Just a thought...

 

[dante322]

Natural gas

 

[dante322]

So far, it seems to be running normal if the Stat is turned down.

 

["J"]

So far, it seems to be running normal if the Stat is turned down.

What temp you have too run it at?

 

[dante322]

It's at about 63 - 64 now... has run through at least 4 cycles normally so far. I'm just gonna leave it there for now, get the kerosene heater out of the shed as a backup for tonight, go get a thermocouple tomorrow. If that doesn't fix it, I'll order a new switch.

 

[Jackalope]

First thing first go test your CO detector. Do not go to sleep without checking it.

Pull the thermocouple and clean it and check the connection. Use a dollar bill and get it clean and adjusted.

If it still happens it is likely a high limit switch. Here is an article about checking them

https://www.hunker.com/13762154/furnace-limit-switch-problems-and-testing

 

[bowhunter1023]

I had to limp the furnace at our old house along with a dollar bill in weather close to this. Come to think of it, had similar symptoms.

 

[Hedgelj]

I had to limp the furnace at our old house along with a dollar bill in weather close to this. Come to think of it, had similar symptoms.

What's the dollar bill trick you speak of?

 

[bowhunter1023]

What's the dollar bill trick you speak of?

Use it like sandpaper to clean the flame sensor and/or thermocouple. Even my buddy who is a certified tech, carries a dollar bill for this purpose.