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Author:
Tom the Elder (CA)
I am having the exact same thermal switch problem as described in the previous post by aasearles. My tank is a 6-7 year old Kenmore Power Miser 6. I assumed the most likely problem was the thermocouple. Since I don't know how to test one, I replaced the entire burner assembly. The pilot went out again that night. I presumed the problem was not the thermal switch as the only info I found about them online showed an over-heating problem melted the solder - much like a fuse - and mine looked fine.
Now I assume the problem is over-heating in the combustion chamber. I had vacuumed out everything I could see so I presume the most likely problem is something under the tank that I can't see. However, all of that might be irrelevant. After pulling the burner, there was a LOT of rusted metal flakes under the tank and piled on the burner itself that I dumped into a pile in front of the tank.
I can't seem to figure out how to show a Google+ photo but here is a link to an album with photos of what I described:
[plus.google.com]
Am I right that, even if I find and fix the over-heating problem, this tank is likely very near the end of its life?
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