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Pitco Fryer issue
Pitco fryer will occasionally get one small flame burning (like a pilot light) while fryer is off where the gas wick is. Only 1 wick ignites others do not (there are 3 in this model 35c+s). I have been running 9 fryers for 35years never seen this happen. Bad gas valve? Only was happening once every 10 days or so. I’ve taken apart the burners and thoroughly cleaned them to be sure there are no obstruction. Obviously I’ve stopped using it but I keep trying to figure out what’s going on.
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10 Replies
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JFB, What is the model number your working on?
Intermittent or standing pilot ignition?
A standing pilot we expect to stay lit. But a intermittent should not. If you have a voltmeter, check for voltage at the pilot coil of the gas valve after cycle. If it is burning without power to the coil you need to replace the valve. Being you say it happens intermittently, It is most likely to be the valve. But if you see voltage at the coil, Then you have a feed problem, gas control or wiring.
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@JFB, I don’t know what you mean by a “gas wick”. I reserve that term for describing the lighting of candles and lanterns.
Please look at the photo below and tell us where that little flame appears. Also answer my question about the tubing.
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I think I see where you are going on this. Fitting or cracked line perhaps?
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Yes.
If he has that setup (a GS thermostat with a bleed-type gas valve), then I’d recommend first tightening those tube connections pointed out in that picture. That’s a common cause of the main burners or orifices “candling”.
Beyond that, Then there’s a thermostat or gas valve issue.
FWIW: That setup is the most reliable millivolt fryer on the market. Troubleshooting them, however, require some unique procedures -which Pitco happens to have a video on (gotta love YouTube for such things). It’d be best to read some of the responses to comments before proceeding.
BTW: They make this look easy with the newer corrugated tubing used now vice the older rigid tubing design:
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Fix bear, standing pilot model 35c+s
Ectofix, no tubes & wick=orifices sorry I didnt recall proper name.
It seems to ignite at left orifice only and looks like a candle wick or pilot when lit. Very steady controlled flame as blue as a pilot.
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Well then, that makes it easy. Your gas valve is leaking by on occasion. What gas are you using. LP or natural gas?
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Natural gas
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I asked that question simply for my own clarity since I can’t be there to see it myself. Natural gas is much safer than LP due to their differing properties. Nonetheless, BOTH can be dangerous when released uncontrolled.
You can call a service company to look at it. They’ll verify proper incoming gas pressure (no less than 7″WC and no more than 1/2 psi), then they can also check your gas valve’s outlet pressure to the fryer’s specification plate.
I can’t diagnose your problem over the internet. However, I’m seriously thinking that the gas valve is the culprit.
FWIW:
The cost of repairing your Pitco “Economy Series” fryer (parts, labor, trip charge) might approach the price of buying a new fryer…which comes with a brand new warranty.
So maybe you should consider buying a new fryer. It appears to have served you well for 35 years. At your price point, I recommend buying a new one of the same make/model. They are very good fryers.
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Thank you,
You confirmed what I knew….its time for another unit.
Replacement is on the way. I have 8 120,000 btu fryers that all perform great this 90k has been nothing but a headache. It can’t keep up with the volume and has needed a thermostat & high limit in the 7-8 years I’ve had it.
Thanks again for such quick responses.
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Ended up doing the same thing with my Frymaster. Consistent headaches and all of the various sensors and boards. To fix it would have cost $1400 and a new fryer to handle the same volume with a better BTU was $1300.
Sometimes its better just to cut the loss
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