Dayton Torpedo Doesn't Stay Lit

[madosta]

My buddy has a similar (older) Dayton 150,000 BTU Natural Gas heater. Similar to this, just older

It will fuel up, ignite, blow heat for about 30 seconds and turn off. I believe it is the "flame sensor" which is basically just a thermocouple that detects heat from the flame after it ignites. I believe it is faulty as thermocouples wear out over time.

I'm going to test it with a different thermocouple and some test leads, but want to find a replacement flame sensor. The problem is, after calling Dayton, they no longer make the sensor and the heater is no longer supported - fix by purchasing a new one.

Anyone know anything about these or other torpedo flame sensors? I'll take a picture soon.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

http://www.reddyparts.com/

All you need to know.

 

[madosta]

http://www.reddyparts.com/

All you need to know.

Emailed them. Said it was made by Pinnacle, couldn't help. Still searching.

 

[Zoro Tools]

Greetings,
Do you have the Dayton model number off hand? Also, you can try removing the starter/sensor and cleaning. If it is just a thermocoupler, you can clean with a dollar bill, not with sand paper or emery cloth. If really bad, then with some green scotch pad.
If you send me the model number, I can see what I can come up with for a manual or parts list.

Thomas

 

[madosta]

The heater is a Dayton 3VE56.

This is the flame sensor:


It has a connector like this:

 

[madosta]

And here on page 6 is a diagram: http://www.pinnacleint.com/pdf/3VE56A manual.pdf

The thing called "sensor"

 

[Zoro Tools]

replied to your PM.

 

[madosta]

Thank you, I will take a look at the thermal switch first and try and bypass it to confirm it is bad. It appears to be just a NO/NC thermal switch.

Thanks!

 

[madosta]

It turned out to be the thermal switch.

Thank you ZoroTools!!!

 

[Zoro Tools]

Thank you for the follow up. It is always nice to know when something goes {somewhat} right for a change. Hopefully you will be able to find a replacement, so that you can be up and running safely. Thanks again.

 

[BADFISH1979]

Thank you for the follow up. It is always nice to know when something goes {somewhat} right for a change. Hopefully you will be able to find a replacement, so that you can be up and running safely. Thanks again.

Hi my name is Cole, I was wondering if you might now what makes the thermal switch go bad, I am working on a Dayton model 3VE57D I replaced the thermal switch heater worked for about a week and a half and started the same problem acting like the thermal switch is bad? Thanks

 

[Zoro Tools]

Hi my name is Cole, I was wondering if you might now what makes the thermal switch go bad, I am working on a Dayton model 3VE57D I replaced the thermal switch heater worked for about a week and a half and started the same problem acting like the thermal switch is bad? Thanks

Cole, thanks for the question.
In your situation, are you having issues with the thermocouple, or the thermal switch (snap disc switch)? If it is the snap disc, did you replace with the same spec? Are you running on LP or NG? How is the fan operation? DO the blades have a coating of dust/debris? Usually the thermal switch will trip when the unit overheats, which could be most likely due to an airflow restriction- not enough air, not enough cooling.
Check these items out, and let me know what you find.

Thomas