Raypak 106a clicking not igniting

[midweststeel]

I bought a 106a from someone who’s HOA wouldn’t let him have an above ground pool. Gas company hooked it up and I rerouted the pvc to it. When I hit the on switched it sounds like it’s trying to light the pilot, but it just keeps trying over and over. I let it go for 30 mins thinking it would bleed air? Perhaps their is air in the new line? Gas co is coming back Tuesday to check. If my variable pump is on low it does nothing, so I know to boost that mIn up or adjust the pressure switch. I can’t tell where to look to see if the pilot is sparking, I feel like I hear little clicks and a big clunk. Anyone know how to bleed or clear a clog? I smell no gas

 

[mknauss]

Lots of troubleshooting ideas in RayPak Heaters - Further Reading

 

[1poolman1]

I bought a 106a from someone who’s HOA wouldn’t let him have an above ground pool. Gas company hooked it up and I rerouted the pvc to it. When I hit the on switched it sounds like it’s trying to light the pilot, but it just keeps trying over and over. I let it go for 30 mins thinking it would bleed air? Perhaps their is air in the new line? Gas co is coming back Tuesday to check. If my variable pump is on low it does nothing, so I know to boost that mIn up or adjust the pressure switch. I can’t tell where to look to see if the pilot is sparking, I feel like I hear little clicks and a big clunk. Anyone know how to bleed or clear a clog? I smell no gas

Two very easy to overlook things to look at are the gas cock on the outside of the heater, the handle must be in-line with the pipe. Might look like this:

Second, the main gas valve needs to be in the "ON" position. See the image below, valve is "ON":

I get at lease two calls a year for a heater that doesn't work, only to find one of these "OFF".
Sometimes there is a third gas cock right at the gas supply, likely at your meter if this is natural gas.

 

[midweststeel]

Lots of troubleshooting ideas in RayPak Heaters - Further Reading

Thanks, I went through the troubleshooting in the manual, too. Does anyone know if there is a gas bleed screw? I have never smelled gas and want to rule that out. The gas company hooked it up, but can’t come out until next week.

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks, I went through the troubleshooting in the manual, too. Does anyone know if there is a gas bleed screw? I have never smelled gas and want to rule that out. The gas company hooked it up, but can’t come out until next week.

You can use a 7/16" wrench to loosed the pilot-burner tube slightly until you smell gas. I you never smell gas, there is either a closed gas cock or a plugged line. Don't worry about the little bit of natural gas that escapes, it won't hurt you unless you're smoking. Bleeding a gas line is something that is very seldom ever needed. Once the main gas valve opens the pilot tube and tries to light it will just keep trying until gas flows and the pilot lights. If this is a propane heater, it will lock out after a few tries, the power will have to be removed and reset. Also, propane is poisonous, don't breath too much if you decide to open the pilot tube. DO NOT overtighten the pilot tube fitting when tightening it. The valve body is aluminum and threads can be stripped if you do.

 

[midweststeel]

Two very easy to overlook things to look at are the gas cock on the outside of the heater, the handle must be in-line with the pipe. Might look like this:

Second, the main gas valve needs to be in the "ON" position. See the image below, valve is "ON":

I get at lease two calls a year for a heater that doesn't work, only to find one of these "OFF".
Sometimes there is a third gas cock right at the gas supply, likely at your meter if this is natural gas.

Yes both are on, I have tried turning it off and on, too, just in case it was stuck. Is there a bleed screw on that valve?

You can use a 7/16" wrench to loosed the pilot-burner tube slightly until you smell gas. I you never smell gas, there is either a closed gas cock or a plugged line. Don't worry about the little bit of natural gas that escapes, it won't hurt you unless you're smoking. Bleeding a gas line is something that is very seldom ever needed. Once the main gas valve opens the pilot tube and tries to light it will just keep trying until gas flows and the pilot lights. If this is a propane heater, it will lock out after a few tries, the power will have to be removed and reset. Also, propane is poisonous, don't breath too much if you decide to open the pilot tube. DO NOT overtighten the pilot tube fitting when tightening it. The valve body is aluminum and threads can be stripped if you do.

I can’t get it to budge. Didn’t want to use force. Have never smelled gas while letting it click and flicker the pilot on and off for 30 minutes before. Gas co told me it was ready to go…

 

[ajw22]

@swamprat69 what do you think of the way this gas valve looks?

 

[1poolman1]

Yes both are on, I have tried turning it off and on, too, just in case it was stuck. Is there a bleed screw on that valve?

I can’t get it to budge. Didn’t want to use force. Have never smelled gas while letting it click and flicker the pilot on and off for 30 minutes before. Gas co told me it was ready to go…

Corroded gas valve, probably stuck shut, fortunately not open. Any heater valve in that condition should be replaced as it poses a safety hazard.