Pool heater problem

[gonjah]

My 3 y/o Raypak 207A isn't sparking up. The long model# is P-M207A-EN-C

The display says "SPK" and I can hear the pilot trying to light but I can't actually see the pilot.

I guess it's the LoNOx model but I don't know why since I live in TX.

It has the Honeywell gas valve.

I tried turning the power off and resetting the valve (off/on) but that didn't work. I'm not getting any display errors. It just keeps trying to spark.

My guess is the valve is malfunctioning. If it was an electronic issue I'd think the display would give me an error.

I'll have a tech come out and service it I'd still like advice. A new valve is about $200.

Thanks

[gonjah]

Oh yeah. It's the Honeywell "Electronic Ignition System" gas valve (VR 8300)

[SteveF]

So, is it possible to see the pilot assembly? Take something apart so that you may see the assembly?

Verify that the pilot is(not) coming on. "No flame". Verify that there is spark at the pilot assembly. If so, then the pilot solenoid is not openning or there might be a clog in the pilot supply line/pilot.

Oh, verify that the gas is turned on, first.

Have a tech look at it and watch what is done. Sometimes simple things cause the largest problems. Other than checking all connections and making sure that the gas is on, there is not much else to do than experiment. Messing with a gas valve and not knowing what you are doing is hazardous if you do not pay attention.

[gonjah]

Thanks! That is helpful. I'm going to take out the pilot assembly today and see if it's dirty (page 42). From looking at the owners manual it looks like a pretty simple procedure.

[trader4]

That's a good idea.

If it were me, and it's a gas valve that takes the usual 24V, to open, I'd disconnect it and apply 24V for just a couple seconds and see if you hear it open, gas flow, etc. I'd make sure I did that with some long jumpers, where you can make the final connection away from the unit, not near where any gas could be and you only want to do it for a couple seconds. Also, if it's trying to ignite, but it's an ignition problem, I would think you'd smell gas exiting the top of the heater after it tries to start. Gas has to flow for a few seconds at least, before it figures out it hasn't lit, right?

Also, have you verified there is gas getting to the heater, by opening a line, etc?

[gonjah]

Thanks. I'll follow up after the tech looks at it. I decided against doing anything because it's probably in need of a service call anyway. I'm guessing it's been 4 years since it was installed and probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have a good going over.

One good thing that happened was I found the plug for winterizing in case I can't run the pump on nights that freeze. Very rare in these parts.

I'll let you guys know what happens. Should be interesting. :)