Judson Yaggy Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 About a month ago I bought a new Smith brand gas saver made for propane since I've recently switched from acetylene to propane. The problem is that the pilot light burns inconsistently. If I set it to a reasonable size when first lit it soon shrinks and goes out, if I set it crazy hot (pilot flame over 8 inches long) it will slowly shrink as time passes. After 45 minutes or so the pilot will be tiny, then go out, with no adjustment from me. I'm guessing that as the gas saver heats up something is changing the volume of propane allowed thru the pilot burner, but d@#^ if I can figure out what or how to adjust it. Anyone else had this problem or have a clue how to fix it? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 I would contact Smith and see if they can do some help over the phone or if they will replace it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNewman Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 I have a gas saver that I have troubles with the pilot light as well but a different problem. Mine came with a small brass jet for use with acetylene and a small perforated steel cylinder for use with propane. If I thread the cylinder on tight it won't stay lit. If I loosen the threads a turn it will light. I also find I have to light it with the torch which gets the cylinder hot so it will stay lit. Did your gas saver come with a different flame holder for propane? Maybe the brass acetylene pilot light conducts too much heat into the valve? Problems aside I love the gas saver, I saved a bottle and a half of Oxygen the first job I used it on, plus some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Miller Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 I have the exact same problem I adjust it as I go. I don't like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judson Yaggy Posted January 8, 2012 Author Share Posted January 8, 2012 Yes, these are great, saves $ no doubt even when less then optimal. Past experience with phone time on hold makes me hesitant to call a company without a positive recommendation first. Biz school grads ruined small manufacturing. John- Mine was sold specifically for use with propane, it has what I would describe as a cylinder with a perforated BRASS tip/flame holder, no extra parts. Turn the pilot left and the gas chokes off, turn it right and flamethrower. Just does not stay where you put it. Tim- I'm sort of glad that you have had the same issues, perhaps I'm not crazy. I'd given up on posting photos here on IFI, but I'll try again tomorrow so perhaps we can all see what I'm talking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNewman Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Sounds the same as mine except that the cylinder on mine is a chrome or nickel plated cylinder on a brass base/nut. Opened up mine only has about a 3" flame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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