Gas fireplace question

[TripleDigitRide]

We just purchased our first home, and it's equipped with a gas fireplace. We don't need to use it right now, but because we've never had one before, I figured that I'd better check it out. Something isn't working properly.

The house is 8-years-old, and I don't imagine the 82-year-old previous owner used it very often, if ever.

I turned the gas on, turned the knob to the pilot position, held in for several seconds, pushed the ignition button....no pilot flame.

I removed the logs and repeated the process. I can see the spark when pressing the ignition, but still no pilot flame.

I then repeated the process while using a match to light the pilot, but still no pilot flame. It appeared he gas was igniting as it was coming out of the tube, but as soon as the match went out, so did the pilot flame.

I can hear and smell gas, but other than that, I'm lost. Any suggestions?

[TNFlyer]

Probably dust in the pilot light especially if th PO didn't use it. Get some of that compressed air you use to clean a computer. Take it and blow straight into the pilot light. Should work like a charm.

[RED333]

There is a safety button you have to hold till the safety is hot enough to hold the valve open.

Can you post a pic?

[TripleDigitRide]

What exactly would you like a picture of?

Per the direction in the owners manual, I turn the knob from the off position to the pilot position. I then press and hold the knob (this is when I hear and smell gas) in for 5 or 10 seconds, then press the ignition button, while still pressing and holding the knob. I think it said to continue holding in on the knob for a short time after the pilot lights.

If the pilot lights as it should, I should be able to release the knob and turn it to adjust the flame.

[charlessummers]

There may be a thermocouple that needs to reach a certain temperature before the pilot will stay lit. If so, hold the button down after its lit until the little rod above it glows a little.

[TripleDigitRide]

Probably dust in the pilot light especially if th PO didn't use it. Get some of that compressed air you use to clean a computer. Take it and blow straight into the pilot light. Should work like a charm.

I will try that. Thank you.

[frankmako]

hold the knob a little longer.

[tnhawk]

The gas line may have air in it if it hasn't had gas pressure in it for a long period. It shouldn't take very long to purge the air out of the line. I like to keep the gas logs functional in the event of a power outage in winter.

[D3vo]

The gas company will come out free of charge to check it out.

[enfield]

Probably dust in the pilot light especially if th PO didn't use it. Get some of that compressed air you use to clean a computer. Take it and blow straight into the pilot light. Should work like a charm.

Good advice there. The pilot has a low oxygen sensor in it that will not allow the flame to burn if it's not clean. Had the same problem a year or so ago and a shot of canned air cured it.

[analog_kidd]

The dust in the sensor is a common problem. I've used that trick to fix mine and a friends gas logs.

You might try using one of those long lighters to try and get the pilot started, or a long match.A lot of times, once the pilot is lit, you have to keep holding the pilot button in until it reaches a certain temperature. It is like that in case the pilot goes out, the logs are designed to shut the gas off so it does not fill up your house.

Having the gas company come by is an excellent idea. They can also check the line for leaks. Highly recommended.

[Dennis1209]

As a HVAC/R guy and based on your description, sounds like it's your pilot light thermocouple or flame verification safety device.

If you have a thermocouple, it's a bi-metal coupler that generates mille voltage from heat to keep your gas valve pilot open. It sometimes takes up to a couple of minutes of holding the pilot valve down to establish a voltage before you depress the pilot valve knob. So try that first.

If you have a new fangled type of pilot light flame sensor, try cleaning it.

With ALL pilot light flame sensors, they must be positioned properly to generate the voltage necessary to open the gas valve.

If it's a thermocouple, the oblong end needs to be directly in the flame with the most flame in contact with the bi-metal end.

If it's the newer type of flame sensor, it needs the best view of the flame.

Pilot light sensors are notorious for failing due to lack of use so you may need to get it replaced. They're generally very easy to replace, especially in a gas fire place.

CAUTION: If you are not sure if your fire place has ever been used... Absolutely check and make sure you have the correct gas orifices installed in your fire place. As a "general rule", new furnaces, stoves and fire places come equipped with natural gas orifices installed, and a little baggy with the propane orifices to change out if you're on propane. Using natural gas orifices with propane will result in your personal very own flame thrower.

Hope this helps.

[RED333]

No pic needed now, you have a safety valve,

get the gas company to come and check it,

you and your familys saftey is first.

[TripleDigitRide]

I used the air in a can method, as suggested. It worked one time. Using a match wouldn't work last night, but today it worked multiple times. I let the pilot flame burn for about 5 minutes, before cracking it to high. I let it burn on high for 3-4 minutes, then tried lighting the pilot using the ignitor button. Again, spark, but no pilot flame.<br />

Edited September 30, 2012 by TripleDigitRide

[TripleDigitRide]

One more question. There is a yellow gas line that is exposed and to the back of the fire box. Is it normal for this line to be exposed?

[enfield]

It's exposed on my logs that I had installed about 2 years ago.