Club 80-90 Forums

Hi - I am slowly working through all the issues with my first ever van so here's the first one. One of the two cooker rings won't stay on. It will light and burn normally with the button herd in but goes out as soon as I release the button. I have tried holding it in for well over a minute and the same happens. The other ring works fine so it would appear the gas is OK. Any help very much appreciated.
Cheers...

Stuffed thermocouple from the sound of it (the bit that looks like it would produce a spark if it was electronic ignition). When you first light it, you have to hold the knob down to hold the valve open until the flame heats the thermocouple up enough for it to hold the valve open independantly. Find the make/model of your hob and start googling for spares..........

There also a chance (but less likely) that it's the valve itself but best not go there

Thanks - I fiddles with it and now its working. Probably still needs replaced but it's a step in the right direction.
Cheers.

You don't need a specific thermocouple - a universal one such as this will suffice. I would replace any others whilst doing it as they will be of a similar age most probably and likely to be ancient. If yours are very ancient or odd sizes you may need to use your old fittings.

Check that the back of the knob is not in contact with the fascia when its held in.
If it is , pull the knob off and pack a little bit of cardboard inside the knob so the spindle dosnt go in as far.

Also check the thermocouple nut is (usually 8mm) is nice and tight where it connects to the back of the gas valve.

The thermo coupling may well be kerfuffled but just check a couple of things first before ordering a new one.
Make sure the burning jets aren't blocked and that the head of the thermo coupling is sitting in a nice blue flame.
Make sure the coupling is securely mounted and high in the flame.
Clean off any dirt accumulation from the head.
For correct function the coupling needs to be clean/secure and sitting in the flame.

Martin