I just did my flame sensors and I use the Sandpaper and boy did it do the job My heater is working again !!! . Thank you for your video You just save me and other people a lot of money . The sandpaper cost me 4.02 Wow a big pocket save God bless you Oh ! I’m a female I did it my self to
I sprayed some Brake Cleaner onto a cheap paper towel and worked it back and forth and that cleaned it just fine. Also , this method clearly does not scratch the surface of the sensor. And no it was not "soaked". Spray onto paper towel and work back and forth. Now furnace is singing beautifully and respectfully.
Thanks for the video. I suspected my flame sensor was the culprit of intermittent problems with my furnace. One fellow told me that one should use nothing more than paper to clean it. You and a few other sources mentioned steel wool, It worked like a hot dandy. Thanks.
You can use 400 grit sand paper,im an hvac certified technician and i use sand paper all the time,when your done sanding the rod,just wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Thank you for the informative film. I cleaned our Flame Sensor previous year w/ 0000 Steel Wool ( a small piece, very gently and accurately). I think now to try Carb Cleaner on shop towel. It is soot we need to remove, and probably it might be even more gentle cleaning of the surface. But not sure if the Cleaner won't react somehow w/the film which is on the surface of the Flame Sensor. I would appreciate any opinions on this matter.
yep, I tend to like a the finer steel wool idea or as I do I use a small steel brush until shiney. I do make sure that any burrs are removed. I do this when ever I have the burner out. I also use the steel brush on the spade terminal. Some times if it really bad I use one of my wifes finger nail files on the spade connector for a smooth flat surface. I cut down a metal finger nail file to fit my female spade connectors, a couple of swipes and it cleans them right up.
Thanks for such a straightforward video. I just got my LPG fired water heater working again by pulling out the flame sensor and filing away the deposits on it unit I got shiny metal. I guess that's a fourth way to do it...use a file.
Sandpaper works well. Never replace the flame sensor. It's a solid stainless steel rod and will last forever. It just needs to be cleaned periodically.
We have been here for 6 years and I never had to touch the flame sensor. 3 months ago the furnace was having trouble staying lit and I had to clean the flame sensor, then all was good. Now after 3 months, it's acting up again, so I ordered a spare. That way, when it begins to act up, I can swap it out with no downtime. Then I can clean the one I removed while the furnace is on. Also, at some point, if (when) the flame sensor totally fails, I already have a replacement on hand.
You should always use "0000" steel wool or at least 1,000 grit sandpaper then wipe with a soft cloth, this will not damage the sensor but anything rougher than those can and will shorten the life of the sensor.
You can also tear a thin strip from a grill cleaning screen and move it back and forth with the sensor in place if yo can reach it well, and it works great! ;)
Hi Rob, I have an old, (Circa 1988 maybe) Rheem Imperial 80+ I believe the flame sensor is bad because the furnace starts, shoots flames for ?? 10 to 15 seconds, turns the flame off and cycles again and again. My problem is finding the sensor. There are 2 wires with connectors on each, But, the probes are very small, 1/2 " to maybe 3/4" Nothing like what You have here. Could this have been modified? I have pictures. PLEASE help. its getting COLD here in Cincinnati, Ohio
My furnace will run up to the set temperature just fine but i have to reset it 2 to 3 times a day. the ignitors will glow red you hear it send gas and a pilot light will light for a moment before lighting the burners.. would a bad flame sensor cut the propane off if it didn't sense the pilot flame after a few seconds? When it fails to ignite the furnace motor and ignitors stay on as if I just flipped the switch but it won't light again after the first failed attempt without a restart which usually works. It's an older furnace
Depending on the brand and model it may be a dirty or bad flame sensor. If you are able to safely clean the flame sensor this may be the fix to your problem. If it continues to have the same issues I would advise to contact a HVAC contractor.
Hello I need help, in my garage my ceiling mounted furnace is trying to start I get a flame for a few seconds then it cuts out, the fan keeps going, and it keeps trying to light but same thing, then after a couple minutes it dies, I took the flame sensor out doesn’t look dirty enough to make something not work, I hooked up my Klein digital multimeter and on the setting where it makes noise the number eventually goes down to .7 and on the setting with the horseshoe it reads 0.0000 can someone please help.? Tia.
Mine was in a steel box with the control panel and burners, and it was attached from the inside never seen such a stupid design, had to take the furnace apart, grrrrrrrr cayenne sucks.
Yes a dollar bill will make it work. The flame sensor has a coating sand paper will remove it.scotch bite and steel wool are the second best cleaning methods of cleaning the flame sensor rod.
Only use very fine (#0000) steel wool. You don't want to damage the coating on the sensor, or it may not work properly. Sandpaper is too abrasive, and a scraper will almost certainly damage the coating.
I use a steel brush. I agree with your old timer on the sandpaper. Sand melts as glass and may disturb the small current needed to prove flame. Great video. Steel will should be fine.
$100 bill cleans far better. I use them all the time. I then sit back and use it to light my cigar. If it's really cold I even throw some in the furnace...
Thanks I been ripped off 3 time cause of this the repair man never said this was wrong they ack like something else was wrong . 3 times they came out cleaned the sensor made repairs for something that didn't need it then bill me big bucks. till we got my wife's boss's friend to look and showed me the sensor I was mad as hell they ripped me off. a well known company to here in south jersey I like to turn them in . they will never do work in my house again.
Best way to clean the flame sensor? Throw your piece of crap Munchkin Boiler out the door and get a high efficiency furnace. The only thing Munchkin is good for is burning your money. They are so unreliable and the flame sensor F09 code is usually a 1-2 times a year thing. Get a high efficiency furnace and a tankless water heater and you'll save a lot of space, money and aggravation.
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I just did my flame sensors and I use the Sandpaper and boy did it do the job My heater is working again !!! . Thank you for your video You just save me and other people a lot of money . The sandpaper cost me 4.02 Wow a big pocket save God bless you Oh ! I’m a female I did it my self to
I sprayed some Brake Cleaner onto a cheap paper towel and worked it back and forth and that cleaned it just fine. Also , this method clearly does not scratch the surface of the sensor. And no it was not "soaked". Spray onto paper towel and work back and forth. Now furnace is singing beautifully and respectfully.
Good idea
Thanks for the video. I suspected my flame sensor was the culprit of intermittent problems with my furnace. One fellow told me that one should use nothing more than paper to clean it. You and a few other sources mentioned steel wool, It worked like a hot dandy. Thanks.
Thanks so much for this. I used a dollar bill as another poster mentioned and now the sensor works perfectly. Saved me a $125 service fee.
You can use 400 grit sand paper,im an hvac certified technician and i use sand paper all the time,when your done sanding the rod,just wipe it off with a clean cloth.
mark simms aaaaaaaqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
Thanks saved me $$$$$ and frustration. ten minutes and back in business!
Thank you for the informative film. I cleaned our Flame Sensor previous year w/ 0000 Steel Wool ( a small piece, very gently and accurately). I think now to try Carb Cleaner on shop towel. It is soot we need to remove, and probably it might be even more gentle cleaning of the surface. But not sure if the Cleaner won't react somehow w/the film which is on the surface of the Flame Sensor. I would appreciate any opinions on this matter.
yep, I tend to like a the finer steel wool idea or as I do I use a small steel brush until shiney. I do make sure that any burrs are removed. I do this when ever I have the burner out. I also use the steel brush on the spade terminal. Some times if it really bad I use one of my wifes finger nail files on the spade connector for a smooth flat surface. I cut down a metal finger nail file to fit my female spade connectors, a couple of swipes and it cleans them right up.
Thanks for such a straightforward video. I just got my LPG fired water heater working again by pulling out the flame sensor and filing away the deposits on it unit I got shiny metal. I guess that's a fourth way to do it...use a file.
thank you sir, fixed my problem right away, toasty warm house now!
Joshua Marshall n
Hey, Rob good info thanks! Another method is the use of a sandblaster. Cleans it up quick and nice and shiny but not everyone has one. ;-)
I've been useing fine sandpaper for years.. been working good.
Sandpaper works well. Never replace the flame sensor. It's a solid stainless steel rod and will last forever. It just needs to be cleaned periodically.
Thanks for the video. Very informational! Well done!
Great video, and THANK YOU!! Saved me a service call.
Happy Birthday Caveman-74
Rotating wire brush on a key maker or grinder works very well.
what about using Scotch Brite? There are a few different grades from coarse to fine.
We have been here for 6 years and I never had to touch the flame sensor. 3 months ago the furnace was having trouble staying lit and I had to clean the flame sensor, then all was good.
Now after 3 months, it's acting up again, so I ordered a spare. That way, when it begins to act up, I can swap it out with no downtime. Then I can clean the one I removed while the furnace is on. Also, at some point, if (when) the flame sensor totally fails, I already have a replacement on hand.
You should always use "0000" steel wool or at least 1,000 grit sandpaper then wipe with a soft cloth, this will not damage the sensor but anything rougher than those can and will shorten the life of the sensor.
Awesome video. Cleaning the sensor with steel wool saved me having to call a repair man and paying $$$.
You can also tear a thin strip from a grill cleaning screen and move it back and forth with the sensor in place if yo can reach it well, and it works great! ;)
I use one of does 3M green scrubbers and it works just fine... Good luck
worked, used a steel wool
I have a fireplace that starts from the wall switch then cuts off after 10 secs do you think it’s a dirty flame sensor?
I use a dremmel with a steel brush. Works great
Hi Rob, I have an old, (Circa 1988 maybe) Rheem Imperial 80+ I believe the flame sensor is bad because the furnace starts, shoots flames for ?? 10 to 15 seconds, turns the flame off and cycles again and again. My problem is finding the sensor. There are 2 wires with connectors on each, But, the probes are very small, 1/2 " to maybe 3/4" Nothing like what You have here. Could this have been modified? I have pictures. PLEASE help. its getting COLD here in Cincinnati, Ohio
where is the flame sensor located. diagram?
My furnace will run up to the set temperature just fine but i have to reset it 2 to 3 times a day. the ignitors will glow red you hear it send gas and a pilot light will light for a moment before lighting the burners.. would a bad flame sensor cut the propane off if it didn't sense the pilot flame after a few seconds? When it fails to ignite the furnace motor and ignitors stay on as if I just flipped the switch but it won't light again after the first failed attempt without a restart which usually works. It's an older furnace
Depending on the brand and model it may be a dirty or bad flame sensor. If you are able to safely clean the flame sensor this may be the fix to your problem. If it continues to have the same issues I would advise to contact a HVAC contractor.
Hey Rob what's up. every time I turn my water heater it runs and gets the water hot. but then it shuts off. could you tell me what l need to do to it?
Good video
Thanks Mandy!
What about using brake clean? It’s not abrasive and dries very quickly
Hello I need help, in my garage my ceiling mounted furnace is trying to start I get a flame for a few seconds then it cuts out, the fan keeps going, and it keeps trying to light but same thing, then after a couple minutes it dies, I took the flame sensor out doesn’t look dirty enough to make something not work, I hooked up my Klein digital multimeter and on the setting where it makes noise the number eventually goes down to .7 and on the setting with the horseshoe it reads 0.0000 can someone please help.? Tia.
how do you bypass flame rods?
DON'T! You could turn your house into a very big bomb.
Could anyone provide a video on how to take the flame sensors out to clean?
ruclips.net/video/R7AKPgBB_R4/видео.html
Mine was in a steel box with the control panel and burners, and it was attached from the inside never seen such a stupid design, had to take the furnace apart, grrrrrrrr cayenne sucks.
Well...how do you pull it out ???
It should be screwed in but It all depends on the furnace.
ruclips.net/video/R7AKPgBB_R4/видео.html
Thanks for education
Use a dollar bill. Seriously. It is just rough enough. Steel wool and putty knife can damage the coating. Sand paper leaves residue.
Tim Naami. Can i use a canadian bill their different tho lil smother i guess cuz u cnt ripp them n i think they melt qhen burned
Yes a dollar bill will make it work. The flame sensor has a coating sand paper will remove it.scotch bite and steel wool are the second best cleaning methods of cleaning the flame sensor rod.
Only use very fine (#0000) steel wool. You don't want to damage the coating on the sensor, or it may not work properly. Sandpaper is too abrasive, and a scraper will almost certainly damage the coating.
You do not use sand paper or a scraper! Way too aggressive and you will ruin the sensor!
The best is a small brass brush or 3m brand green scrubby.
Good idea, thanks.
Y
C_ Farther 7
Some manufaucters tech support acctuley recommend sandpaper just fyi
Yes, a brass brush is best. I have one dedicated for welding for cleaning without leaving contaminants.
excellent !
Most sand paper is made from aluminum oxide, not real sand. Can't say all is the case, but aluminum oxide will usually just burn and spark away.
That's good information, thanks.
Kevo day
Thank you great
Used my t shirt and it worked lol
You can wipe off the residue with a paper towel after using sandpaper...
Aluminum oxide (sandpaper) has a VERY high melting point. TIG weld aluminum and you will know this. :)
Pat Clements how high is the melting point I use aluminum oxide sandpaper I was just curious
I use a dollar bill to clean. Doesn’t scratch it and cleans it well.
I use a dollar bill
doesn't anyone wipe the sensor after sanding it with sand paper???????just sand it and wipe it...... geez......
thank u .
Emery cloth works best, not as aggressive as sand paper. Also best to not clean in a circular motion, should be up and down motion.
These are inexpensive to replace bought a 2pk for 12.00 on Amazon had them in 2 days.
tried dollar bill method...worked for only 3 months...back to bad again....trying steel wool tonite.
That's because this system and unit are a piece of junk. Every year sometimes twice had to do this.
That is really helpful to know, thanks for posting.
You can scrub on it all you want but that will not bring back the micro amps it can't produce. Replace it and don't touch it after that.
Flame Rod
You can also replace it for $8.00
Had a few old timers tell me use a dollar bill.
I've had old timers tell me the same thing but I never tried it. lol
I use a steel brush. I agree with your old timer on the sandpaper. Sand melts as glass and may disturb the small current needed to prove flame. Great video. Steel will should be fine.
Use a dollar bill all the time.
$100 bill cleans far better. I use them all the time. I then sit back and use it to light my cigar. If it's really cold I even throw some in the furnace...
Thanks I been ripped off 3 time cause of this the repair man never said this was wrong they ack like something else was wrong . 3 times they came out cleaned the sensor made repairs for something that didn't need it then bill me big bucks. till we got my wife's boss's friend to look and showed me the sensor I was mad as hell they ripped me off. a well known company to here in south jersey I like to turn them in . they will never do work in my house again.
Razor blade
You do not use sandpaper at all. You will remove the titanium coating off of sensor. I'd sure research before putting out a video.
Steel wool is better
Best way to clean the flame sensor? Throw your piece of crap Munchkin Boiler out the door and get a high efficiency furnace. The only thing Munchkin is good for is burning your money. They are so unreliable and the flame sensor F09 code is usually a 1-2 times a year thing. Get a high efficiency furnace and a tankless water heater and you'll save a lot of space, money and aggravation.
There cheap , put new , micro physicist .