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Rheem RGPH-07EAUER... igntor won't glow

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Posted: Wed Nov 19th, 2008 03:01 pm

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jbarch
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I have a gas furnace, Rheeem model RGPH-07EAUER. I replaced the HSI (ignitor) almost a year ago, but now it is acting up again. The HSI doesn't glow, and consequently we get no ignition/no heat.

Trying to measure the voltage, but I'm unsure about where to measure it. First thought was to unplug the HSI connection, and measure there on the incoming wires (see photo). Doing this I get zero voltage when I call for heat. Or should I reconnect and just place the probes directly on the gritty HSI surface?

FWIW, here's the sequence of what happens when I call for heat:
1. Furnace does the usual 30 sec. warm up.
2. Gas valve opens up but HSI is not glowing, so no ignition.
3. Blower fan comes on as normal, but of course blows only cool air. Seems odd that this step happens without ignition.
4. Faint smell of gas after I shut it off, because of course it never got a chance to combust.

Thanks in advance for any help,
JB

Attachment: voltage_lowres.jpg (Downloaded 73 times)

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Posted: Wed Nov 19th, 2008 03:03 pm

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jbarch
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FYI, here's a photo of the HSI.

Attachment: HSI_pic.jpg (Downloaded 73 times)

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Posted: Wed Nov 19th, 2008 03:08 pm

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RegUS_PatOff
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I'm not an HVAC expert, but there should be voltage there...

or when connected, if your probes (or smaller wires) will fit into the back side of the plug.

You could also measure the OHMS of the Glow Ignitor. (good or OPEN reading)

Last edited on Wed Nov 19th, 2008 03:09 pm by RegUS_PatOff

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Posted: Wed Nov 19th, 2008 03:23 pm

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jbarch
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I just tried to fire it up again with the HSI connected.

Using my little "circuit alert" tester (not the multimeter) I get an indication that there's voltage coming in from the furnace. But there's no voltage in the two white wires for the HSI, seen in the second photo above.

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Posted: Sat Nov 29th, 2008 10:54 pm

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applianceman18007260692
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That ignitor is bad, can't you see the white spot?

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Posted: Sat Nov 29th, 2008 11:03 pm

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jbarch
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Naw, the ignitor is fine... I should've posted earier to say that I had to replace the circuit board.

cheers

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Posted: Sat Nov 29th, 2008 11:47 pm

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applianceman18007260692
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Otay

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Posted: Sun Nov 30th, 2008 04:25 pm

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ROBBYRIG

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applianceman18007260692 wrote: That ignitor is bad, can't you see the white spot?

I'm with the applianceman here, if that ignitor is working, it does not look like it will work for very long. I'd replace it.

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Posted: Wed Dec 17th, 2008 08:37 am

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RegUS_PatOff
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My brother now has the same problem, same Furnace... intermittent Glow...

anyone have a Parts List & Service Manual for the RPGH-07EAUER ?

Last edited on Wed Dec 17th, 2008 08:37 am by RegUS_PatOff

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Posted: Thu Dec 18th, 2008 10:49 pm

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dkpd1581

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I cant speak for Rheem; however, Trane hot surface ignitors have to register between 55 and 75 ohms or else you will experience intermittent problems.

Measure your ohms and calculate your current based on the voltage applied (E=IR) and if you get less than 1 amp, you may have to replace it.

The carbide material experiences a resistance INCREASE in the material with age and the higher resistance causes less current and thus intermittent failures to ignite. Another potential issue is with fissure cracks. An otherwise good ignitor exhibiting continuity through it in a cold state will expand and cause the fissure crack to open and break the circuit - that problem will drive you nuts.

Hope that helps.

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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 03:51 pm

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ebusinessbuilder
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Great suggestions ...

BTW: My Rheem RGPH 12EARJR was installed in Feb 1998 and I have the owner's manual which on page 42 states Check for 60-90VAC at Igniter, terminals and at (IFC) terminals -> IF YES, REPLACE IGNITER

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Posted: Sun Jan 18th, 2009 04:04 am

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telefunkenu47

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Did you replace that worn out ignitor yet? you know, the one with the white spot.

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