Flame sensor ao smith propane.

[Bigfatricky]

I have an ao smith fpse 75 propane series 251. My flame sensor is broken, the tip broke off. From what I understand, the way the sensor works is that the flame itself acts as a switch, creating a ground that tells the "smart valve" the flame is present. This made me think I could just ground the sensor to the burner, but that doesn't work. What can I do to trick the valve into thinking there is a flame? I have a new one in transit, but I am a dairy farmer and I need hot water in a big way.

Anyone?

 

[Bigfatricky]

Can I put a resistor from the tip to the burner? Is the valve sensitive to this? I can't imagine the flame creates a zero resistance ground path.