Jumping gas valve on-off switch temporarily

[Tony4444]

Thanks for replies and advice gents. The jumpered on-off switch manged to heat my pool to 87 degrees and shut off as it was supposed to without issue. Digging into this valve a bit, the purpose of the on-off switch is to be able to operate the blower to purge gas from the unit without signaling the gas valve to open, like for initial startup following instalation, and for various service related needs where the tech would need to check voltages without the unit firing. That's why it's under the cover, and not placed conspicuously outside the unit, or better yet for safety reasons, not placed remotely as an emergency shutoff.
I'll see what Pentair has to say for themselves on Monday. And if the switch can't be purchased and serviced separately, a new gas valve it is, most likely. Thanks again for all the input.

 

[JamesW]

Ask Pentair and White Rodgers about the switch.

Maybe it has some sort of thermal fuse inside that will cut power to the valve if the heater overheats or is on fire.

Once you remove the valve or switch, try to take it apart to see if it is just a switch or if there is anything like a fuse inside.

 

[JamesW]

Note that the screw is a Torx security bit, which has a pin in the center.

The screwdriver bit has a hole for the pin.

The Torx Security bit sets are available at any hardware store.