Author Topic: repairing a gravity furnace  (Read 1358 times)

CptCool

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repairing a gravity furnace
« on: September 17, 2014, 12:11:17 PM »
Does anyone here own a home with a gravity furnace?

I shut off the gas main while I was switching out various gas-consuming appliances during a renovation. When I turned the main back on, I realized that the gravity furnace wasn't starting. I cranked up the thermostat to 90 degrees, but it wasn't kicking in.

I can't seem to figure out how to get the pilot lit, which I think is the problem. It doesn't have the usual pilot contraption with the button, etc. I do see electrical hookups, but haven't messed around with them, as I'm not sure which breaker (if any) shuts them off.

Not surprisingly, there's not much info on repairing these old-style furnaces; pretty much everyone just says to replace them. I'd prefer to call out a repairman as a last resort, but the renovations are going to be finished in a week or 2 and I definitely need the furnace running before getting a tenant here in MN. Any ideas on what could be wrong and how to get the pilot started?