Electronic Ignition for Stovetop (w/pics)

mikestock wrote:
I installed an igniter in my oven only to discover that the thermocouple bypass would not supply any gas to the pilot when the nob was pushed in. I only get pilot gas supply after the thermocouple gets hot. I have always had trouble lighting the oven and have even started using a propane torch. Without getting any pilot gas flow there is absolutely no way I can get the electronic igniter to work.

Is anyone familiar with this pilot valve that supplies gas only when the nob is pushed? Is there any adjustment or repair or will a complete valve assembly be the only solution?

It's possible you have a defective gas valve, but it seems unlikely as pressing the knob manually, momentarily holds open the pilot gas valve so that the pilot can be lit. You say that eventually the pilot can be lit and stays on. This means that the thermocouple works and the gas valve is also working. I believe the thermocouple produces voltage that magnetically holds the pilot valve open after you manually open it through the knob, but it cannot actually open the valve itself (not solenoid operated for example).

I'm sure you have probably done this, but make sure you can light a stove burner before you try to light the oven so that you know that gas is at the gas valve. It then takes 10 - 15 seconds or more for the low pressure gas to move through the tiny tube to the pilot. Make sure all the connections on the pilot gas tube are tight. You might also try disconnecting the pilot gas tube at the gas valve, press the knob and check for gas flow using a soap/water solution or a "sniff" test.

Let us know you make out.