On Richmond standing-pilot units, thermocouple senses pilot flame.
Symptoms
- Pilot lights but goes out releasing gas knob
- Pilot stays lit briefly
- Pilot weak/yellow
DIY replacement
- Gas off; wait 5 minutes
- Remove burner cover
- Disconnect thermocouple lead from gas valve
- Remove from pilot bracket
- Install new
- Restore gas; light pilot; hold knob 60 seconds
Cost
- Universal: $10-20
- OEM: $15-25
Bottom line
Common Richmond gas part. Cheap DIY.