Sticking gas valve?

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49er

Member
Jan 10, 2011
124
Los Gatos, CA
We have a Williams wall furnace, last year I noticed that every now and then there was a slight delay between the thermostat turning off and the burner actually shutting down. The last couple of days it has gotten much worse and it doesn't seem like the burner is ever going to shut down. I've tried lifting the thermostat wire at the valve and the burner stays on. The only way to turn the burner off it seems is to lightly tap the valve with a screwdriver.

Am I correct in assuming at this point that the valve needs to be replaced or is there something else that should be checked before ordering a new valve?

Thanks,
Randy
 
You're saying you can disconnect the tstat wire from the valve and the burner stays lit? They usually fail the other way, the burner will not light.
 
Yes that's right. When the tstat calls for heat, the burner fires right up and runs fine but when the room comes up to temp and the tstat is satisfied the burner stays lit.
I disconnected one of the tstat wires right at the valve and the burner stayed lit. Only when I tapped on the valve did the burner turn off.
 
Thanks, it certainly seems that is most likely. I am going to order a new valve.

On another note, does anyone know of a good source for propane valves?
 
Thanks, it certainly seems that is most likely. I am going to order a new valve.

On another note, does anyone know of a good source for propane valves?
Lol... Well, I get them at a plumbing and heating wholesale. They require a state license before they sell gas components, though. From here, I'd recommend calling a service technician. It's worthwhile to pay for this repair to have it done safely.
 
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