Hi hope someone can help with this intermittent problem !!

On a Thorn Apollo 30/50 , we have recently had gas valve replaced.

However , after about a week the pilot light now leaves a soot deposit on the end of the thermocouple which I assume restricts the heat getting to it , and therefore shuts down the pilot flame. When the soot is cleaned off it relights and stays on , usually for about a week at a time.

I have removed the pilot tube & blown out any dirt & also renewed the pilot injector .

We have had Corgi tradesmen to date but its still not reliable.
Is there any other cause & solution of this problem I can try please?

Alan, January 2009

That was quick thanx Tony. I'll try that, as you say its the only thing left ! All the other parts are new.

It would be useful to know what the cause of the soot build-up is, as this didn't happen before ?
Thanks

Alan, January 2009

I wouldnt worry too much about the soot on the end of the t/couple.This happens a lot.If you have had the t/couple and the gas valve changed there really is only one other thing and that is the overheat stat.You should find that 2 black wires run from your t/couple and connect to a overheat stat on the flow pipe.These can sometimes breakdown.Make sure that the thermocouple has been fitted correctly and the nut at the back is tight as it only takes that to be loose and it will keep going out.

Tony S, January 2009