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Offline GRIMJIM

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furnace problem
« on: November 03, 2010, 05:39:09 PM »
I need to replace the gas valve on my furnace. My problem is it was installed when the house was built in the 50's.

I can't even find a replacement part number on the net.

If any hvac guys here could point me in the right direction. The original part is a Honeywell VS87A. The system is natural gas with a standing pilot and I believe it's a millivolt system but I'll have to verify that.

My house flooded a few months ago, the pilot stays on but to get the furnace to kick on I have to rap the valve lightly with a screwdriver. But when it turns back off it won't come on again unless I repeat the procedure.

My insurance won't pay for any house repairs so I'm trying to do what I can myself. I am an experienced carpenter and owned my own remodeling company years ago so I feel confident about hooking up the gas lines (use the right pipe dope, check for leaks with soapy water, etc.) I have replaced gas lines and hooked up appliances before so that's not a problem.

I just don't know what part to get. Also I'm assuming the wiring will be different. Right now it has screw terminals, I'm sure the new one will have some kind of plug on it.

If anyone could help me out I'd sure appreciate it.
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Offline PowPow

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2010, 06:17:22 PM »
Could water have gotten down in the pilot line or outlet tube and caused some rust or leaving some sediment, causing it to stick?
This link shows the innards and operation of a particular Honeywell gas valve that may be similar
http://customer.honeywell.com/TechLit/pdf/70-0000s/70-2216.pdf
Is it a floor furnace or forced air furnace? BTU input?
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Offline oldandslow

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2010, 05:04:20 AM »
I thought I was bad about using things until they just wouldn't go. Seriously, isn't it time to replace that dinosaur?  ;D You are flirting with waking up dead some morning when the heat exchanger lets go and fills the house with CO for one thing. Another thing is the much greater efficiency of the new furnaces. I replaced my furnace which was 32 years old two winters ago. My fuel bill dropped over 40%. I have to use propane and natural gas is usually cheaper depending on your area. I should have the cost of my new furnace including installation paid for in savings on fuel cost when this winter is over and propane prices have been pretty low for the last two years but jumped 35 cents a gallon this years. Three years is a pretty good pay back time.
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Offline GRIMJIM

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #3 on: November 04, 2010, 05:12:45 AM »
I know I really should replace it but honestly, I'm broke. Works been real spotty, kids tuition, mortgage, car payment and all the other bills are killing me. I would have to put it on a credit card if I want to replace it.
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Offline oldandslow

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #4 on: November 04, 2010, 06:49:45 AM »
 I'm retired so I'm almost broke so I understand.  :'( I had to push the little lever on my thermostat over to the right last night for the first time this fall. I was fine, wife wasn't. I learned a long time ago not to mess with the cook.
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Offline Old Syko

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2010, 06:53:48 AM »
First of all I don't know nuthin.  But is this what you're looking for.  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350274741524&item=350274741524

I see where the vs8187a is supposed to replace the vs87a but as I said before, I don't know nuthin.
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Offline GRIMJIM

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2010, 12:59:44 PM »
I saw that one too, Thanks. I was just hoping a pro could verify it or point me in the right direction on a different one.
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Online Tommyt

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2010, 01:17:43 PM »
GJim
 Did you try a Forum the has Furnace/AC techs
I know in the past I have joined just a couple just for a question or 2
You may get a quick fix ?
Good Luck

Tommyt
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Offline JBlk

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #8 on: November 07, 2010, 03:03:28 AM »
Shut the gas down and pull the valve out.Take it to your local furnace parts store and let them match it up.Mine gave out last winter and about eightyfive dollars later I was in business.You can usually pick up a late model high efficency furnace in the paper for around a hundred fifty, and my buddy who does alot of remodeling says that they are relatively cheap to install.Don't you just love Illinois weather!
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Online Tommyt

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #9 on: November 07, 2010, 03:18:14 AM »
Quote from: JBlk on November 07, 2010, 03:03:28 AM
Don't you just love Illinois weather!
Its 57 and I just hit the heat button If this keeps up I'm going to the Keys  ;D
I'm Freezing :)
Tommyt
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Offline GRIMJIM

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #10 on: November 07, 2010, 07:52:09 AM »
Quote from: JBlk on November 07, 2010, 03:03:28 AM
Shut the gas down and pull the valve out.Take it to your local furnace parts store and let them match it up.Mine gave out last winter and about eightyfive dollars later I was in business.You can usually pick up a late model high efficency furnace in the paper for around a hundred fifty, and my buddy who does alot of remodeling says that they are relatively cheap to install.Don't you just love Illinois weather!

That was my next idea. Hopefully they will sell it to me as I'm not a certified installer. If not I may have a guy at work that can get it for me.
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Offline GRIMJIM

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2010, 01:30:24 PM »
Okay, I didn't take the valve out but I stopped in at the local supplier. He could tell right away I was not a contractor. He tried to sell me a robert/shaw valve for $235. I did some research online and so far I came up with:

vs87a replaced by vs8187a replaced by vs820a.

I found the vs820a online for 90 bucks by the way.
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Offline JBlk

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #12 on: November 13, 2010, 12:58:47 AM »
You probably would of gotten it cheaper if you didn't live in that high rent district.I am glad you are on the way to resolving your problem.Most neighborhoods have a free paper that list preowned items for sale.Take out a ad  seeking a furnace  that someone has up graded from.For around a hundred and fifty dollars you should be able to get a good used one.I have a buddy who does alot of remodeling on the side and he often runs across these items.
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: furnace problem
« Reply #13 on: November 13, 2010, 11:21:01 AM »
I did Plumbing and Heating for over 40 years.

Those valves are all interchangable, Shaw, White-Rogers, and Honeywell.  But in your case I would stick with the Honeywell for ease of installation.  Just write the numbers down and go to a reputable dealer, tell him your problem and he should be able to give you a replacement Honeywell valve.   Look in the yellow pages and find the Honeywell dealer or supplier.

I'm partial to Honeywell myself, the White-Rogers, and Shaw seem to be more problematic for me.
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