Vulcan Heating & Cooling - Page 4 - Answered Questions & Fixed Issues

Check if there is contact between the terminals of the thermostat using an ohm meter when set to a higher temp, if the reading is infinite or open, you have to replace the thermostat. Also check if the thermopile is receiving enough heat from pilot flame for it will generate a little amount of electricity to energize the main valve and fire up the burner.

clean your jets

Hi joseph_dorri,

Vulcan has backup, if you ever do need a spare part for your Vulcan, it's good to know they are readily available across the country and can be serviced by most plumbers or electricians.

For contact details please click this link.

If you live in Melb, you may also try Tradelink (for the spare parts) or Thermal Products (for any electrical temperature controls etc). Both are in Thomastown.

Hope it helps.

Thank you for using FixYa.

Has the Gas Control Knob been turned from the Pilot position to the ON position? If not, it won't light the burners.

Hello Chilly - First I'd like to know if this is a new unit or one that has been working until now.

If it had previously working are these the steps you're going through to start it?

START-UP SEQUENCE 1. Press the ON / OFF button. 2. Raise the temperature to HIGH so that the heater calls for heat 3. Within 10 seconds the gas valve will open and the sparker will function. Ignition will commence on a low gas rate and move to high fire after 3- 5 seconds (if high is selected on the control) 4. Within 5 seconds the flame sensor will prove the flame. 5. The fan will not operate until the fan thermostat switch has sensed temperature rise. This may take 2 or 3 minutes. 6. The fan will then start on a low fan speed and after 3 - 5 seconds move to high speed (if High is selected on the control)

If that is or is not what you have been doing let me know and we'll go from there.

Regards,

Mikeywaf

SEt to pilot, Push knob, push pezio ignighter until pilot lights, hold for 30 seconds. if it stays lit turn to on, if it doesn't stay lit, you have a bad thermocouple

Yes I would agree with you that t-stat may be gone but have you recently put new batteries in your t-stat. If you have then you can get a new stat from hvac dealer or check with your local hardware stores. I believe that is a honeywell number so should not be hard to find replacement. When you change it just make sure you get wires back on proper terminals. Thank you and have a good new year.

Hello,

Here are the solution below to solve the problem on your on the mater of do it your self one after the other (step by step).

The first sign of trouble with your water heater's pilot light is usually a cold shower. Your heater's pilot light allows the burner to cycle on and off while maintaining the water in the tank at a constant temperature. When the pilot light goes out for any reason, the thermocouple closes the burner's gas supply valve to prevent gas escaping and filling your house.

When your pilot will not light or does not remain lit, you might be able to save the price of a service call by taking a few minutes to troubleshoot the problem.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy


INSTRUCTION

1. 1 Remove the pilot light access cover. It is located near the bottom of the tank. If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the heater. If the smell does not dissipate, replace the heater's control valve before proceeding. The control valve is the box located by the access cover. It consists of the on/off/pilot dial as well as the thermostat dial. Consult manufacturer's documentation for replacement instructions on your model.
   
2. 2 Turn the thermostat on the water heater to the lowest setting.
   
3. 3 Turn the gas control valve to the "Pilot" position.
   
4. 4 Inspect the burner area with a flashlight. Clean out any dust or debris before attempting to light the pilot.
   
5. 5 Press the gas control valve down in the "Pilot" position, and hold the flame from your match or lighter underneath the pilot light.
   
6. 6 If the pilot fails to ignite, check the gas supply to the heater. Make sure all supply valves are open.
   
7. 7 If the gas supply is good, the pilot light's orifice or gas jet might be plugged. The orifice is the small tip attached to the pilot light's gas supply tube. Use a small wrench to remove it. Inspect the tip and remove any obstruction by tapping gently against a hard surface or blowing through it. Once you are satisfied that the orifice is clear, try lighting the pilot again and proceed to the next step. If it still does not light, replace the gas control valve.
   
8. 8 Remove the flame from the pilot light as soon as it ignites. Continue to hold the gas control valve down for at least two minutes to allow the thermocouple to heat up. The thermocouple is the small metal rod located directly above the pilot light. It is designed to allow the burner to operate only when the pilot light is functioning.
   
9. 9 Release the gas control valve. If the pilot light goes out, check the fittings between the thermocouple and the gas control valve. A loose fitting to the control valve can keep the thermocouple from operating properly. If the fittings are tight and the problem persists, replace the thermocouple.
   

Thank you and thanks foe using fixya.

you have air in the gas line , the pilot being so small it would take ages to come through , you need to purge the line to get the air out , se if you can undo the pilot line to pruge it

Gas ducted central heater won't switch on all of a sudden

your intake air pipe is clogged

check the thermal couple

Hello GAVIN Change the the thermocouple anyway if you already did'nt.Check the pilot flame itself it should be stronger than a lighter.It can be turned up/down @ the gas valve.Lastly & very rare I have heard of a sticking gas meter @low pressures in standby mode starving the pilot out.Also when the main burners shut down it should be smooth with out any (snap) blowing it out.

go to www.bonaire.com.au for manual

Most common cause of pilot light problems is air movement. If your space heater exhausts gas through the roof, ensure the cap is on and level. If not, outside air movement will blow out the pilot. If you do not have an exhaust gas duct, check that the unit is positioned so that it does not blow air back onto itself from walls, furniture, etc, and ensure no other devices that move air are aimed towards the unit. The unit also needs to be placed away from central ducting, including return vents.

Hope this helps!

Two things have to occur here:

1) The ignitor has to light off the gas. A bad ignitor, or dusty burners can prevent ignition.

2) The thermocouple has to be in the flow of burning gas to prevent a safety shut-down, and has to be working.

And the obvious: you need pressure in the gas line, and the gas valve needs to be open.

Hope this helps you locate the problem!

Yes. Vulcan heater company is still making heaters. Here is the link. http://www.vulcanelectric.com/

Grainger is a direct seller of Vulcan heaters, so you chould be able to give them a call, explain what you need or giver them a part number and they will be able to get what you need.

Hi Rob, The number you have listed AUW230A may be the model number. You say its a central heat so, If it is a package unit, the model, serial, and all of the ratings would be on the unit near the elect box on a package unit.I do know by the # you gave me it is a Vulcan 3000 watt thermostatically controlled Immersion heater. Here is a link I can give you, they deal with this heater for parts Ect. that maybe of help to you, it is www.grainger.com. There are many model # and I believe this is it, AUW230A. I hope this helps Rob, Sincerely,
Shastalaker7

You probably need to replace the thermocouple before you will be able to get it lit.

I, with the help of a neighbour, took the whole unit out and gave it to another of my neighbours who as the identical heater but finds it hard to get spare parts. My problem is now should I use logs, which I can get plenty of for free, or install a gas fire. Right now we are using the reverse cycle air conditioner and it is doing a great job so matbe the answer is to make a nice wooden screen and sit and read my books.
Thank again, John Porter