Pilot light on GE oven, less than 8 years old keeps going out
The pilot light on my GE oven, which is less than 8 years old, goes out. I had someone from the gas company check it as I smelled the leak from downstairs. The emergency person would light the pilot and then it would go out. The person using the oven didn't seem to have a problem using the oven when lit. The gas company person said that it would either have to get repaired or buy a new stove altogether as it would cost almost as much to repair as buying a new one. My question is, though, is it possible that the person using the oven was careless in allowing grease, etc. to get into the pilot light and clog it up? What else could cause the pilot light to do this if it is not clogged and not an old range?
Kitchen Ranges - Garland - H283 Gas Kitchen Range
Answers & Comments
The pilot and burner are usually covered, so it's doubtful that grease buildup would be a problem. it's probable that the thermocouple is defective or not positioned in the flame properly. the thermocouple tells the gas valve that there is a flame and it's okay to send gas through and the oven lights. if the t-couple is bad, it's fairly cheap to replace. however, if you could smell the gas odor from downstairs, the gas valve itself could be bad and that is not cheap to replace. get a competent repairman to check it out and turn off the gas while your'e waiting. you could have an explosive situation.