On Ruud standing-pilot gas units, the thermocouple senses pilot flame and keeps gas valve open.
Symptoms
- Pilot lights but goes out when releasing gas knob
- Pilot stays lit briefly then goes out
- Pilot flame weak or yellow
DIY replacement
- Gas knob to "Off"; wait 5 minutes
- Remove burner cover
- Disconnect thermocouple lead from gas valve
- Remove from pilot bracket
- Install new — tip in pilot flame envelope
- Connect to gas valve (finger-tight + quarter-turn)
- Restore gas; light pilot; hold knob 60 seconds
Cost
- Universal: $10-20
- OEM Ruud/Rheem: $15-25
Bottom line
Common Ruud gas part. $15-25 + 45-min DIY.