Gas fire - thermopile issue? Pilot lights but no flame.

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hcanning

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Hi, I've a weird gas fire problem. I recently got a gas stove line installed. It basically branches off the original gas line to the gas fireplace. Source is a 58 gal propane tank. When stove got installed last week my aged gas fireplace stopped working. Likely a coincidence as I was cleaning around it one day prior to the plumber coming and only noticed it as not working after stove gas line was installed. Plumber who installed stove took a quick courtesy look at fireplace issue and couldn't see the cause. Said it couldn't be line pressure but he didn't know a lot about gas fireplaces which is fine. ANYWAY this amusing footage shows the gas fire trying to start: New video by Howard Canning (takes 5-10 seconds to play)
Pilot comes on with a strong steady flame but fire doesn't ignite. As an amateur remedy I disassembled the fireplace piping, cleaned out all the internal narrow piping with WD-40 and blew air thru them to clean any possible debris and finger tightened all the bolts securing the piping. . I gently sanded the igniter and thermopile contact and wiped them clean. The stove lights up fine suggesting plenty of gas pressure so wondering how to fix gas fire and save money. It's an: Empire VFXI24P-1 with battery ignition (new batteries). Manual attached. I also cleaned and reseated the red and black wires going to what I think is the thermopile. See pic. Thanks.
 

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Coincidentally I’m working with a customer via text about his fireplace. His problem turned out to be bad batteries.

I suggest double checking the batteries.

If that fails then try to remove the remote control system and operate the logs gas control manually.
 
It has new batteries and manual won't work either. Thanks for suggestion.
 
It has new batteries and manual won't work either. Thanks for suggestion.

tap on the control with a screwdriver. Wack the crap out of it. Valve may be stuck closed.

Not only try to operate manually, be sure to disconnect the remote start.

Consult owners manual for troubleshoot guide

You could possible have a faulty control valve.
 
Decided to order a replacement LP thermopile. Part R3623 as per attached. $65. Last ditch attempt.
 

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  • EMP-VFNR-24-1.pdf
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Manual says
Burner does not light after ODS/pilot is lit.
a. Burner orifice clogged - Clean burner or replace main burner
orifice.
b. Burner orifice diameter is too small - Replace burner
orifice.
c. Inlet gas pressure is too low - Contact qualified service
person.

Thanks. Will look for valve and give it a few taps
 
Manual attached
 

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  • 1635288004621_27207-7-1218 VFN(R,I)-(24,30)-1; VFX(V,I)-(24,30)-1.pdf
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Knowing where to tap:) see attached
 

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So the tapping didn't work and it won't start manually. Can't get pilot to ignite. Ignites fine with remote control however.
 
Also wondering why this connection attached is designed with a hole in it. I tried manual lighting with and without the battery wired in.
 
Img attached
 

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Has gas pressure actually been tested? How many IWC do you have at the fireplace?
 
So the plumber who installed the stove gas line said the pressure isn't the issue. The stove itself is like 8ft away and can run all burners and oven off the pressure. Thanks
 
It mixes the gas with air.
Does it matter if that hole turns away or toward the unit. I recall the narrow piping going into that connection being loose so I tightened it up the connection a bit with my wrench. I assume the gas goes into that connection and is diverted at the lowest point across the fireplace itself? You're educating me here. Thanks
 
Does it matter if that hole turns away or toward the unit. I recall the narrow piping going into that connection being loose so I tightened it up the connection a bit with my wrench. I assume the gas goes into that connection and is diverted at the lowest point across the fireplace itself? You're educating me here. Thanks

I’m not sure, there are a lot of components and possible issues that could be causing your trouble.

There’s no way for me to do any meaningful troubleshooting from the internet.

it’s probably a bad gas control valve since it will not operate in manual mode and the pilot is burning.

I’d replace it all if it was over a few yrs old

Good luck with it.
 
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I’m not sure, there are a lot of components and possible issues that could be causing your trouble.

There’s no way for me to do any meaningful troubleshooting from the internet.

it’s probably a bad gas control valve since it will not operate in manual mode and the pilot is burning.

I’d replace it all if it was over a few yrs old

Good luck with it.
Thanks I'll likely.go that route. Trying to save some moolah first.
 
Could just be debris knocked into the gas line, during stove install, now plugging something up at the fireplace.
 

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