Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Fireplace Ignition Problem

We put a vent free insert in our fire place a little over 2 years ago. I have a couple questions, first it will not stay lit. when we turn it on it will stay lit for about 5 minutes then you hear a "click" and it goes out. I can relite it right a way but the same thing happens. Second, is there any routine maintanence I should perform on the unit each year, like cleaning ect?
Thank you for your help.

Try cleaning the pilot assembly first. Most inserts use a thermopile located at the pilot assembly to generate the voltage to operate the gas valve. It may have gone south.

Hello fisherman and Welcome to our Do It Yourself Web Site.

If the pilot flames are all blue, the pilot generator {PG} elements tip is glowing red, the generator is most likely worn out. Replacing it should resolve the problem.

Remove the existing PG, purchase an exact duplicate. Install the new PG exactly as the existing one is installed and retry.

If replacing the generator does not correct the problem, it may be required to remove the entire gas valve and have it tested at the local retail appliance parts store. Stores are listed in the phone directory.

Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. The info you provide will help to determine the problem causes. Parts dealers are listed in the phone book.

For additional information etc. read the recent postings within this forum. The questions asked describe like or similarly related problems as your question.

The prior postings and the replies offered within them contain all the required information needed.

If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using the reply button also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.

Regards & Good Luck. Web Site Host & Gas Appliances Forum Moderator. TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises.
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Thank you for the replies!!
I will give it a try, first going to clean and then go from there.
I also talked to my uncle, and he said he had the same problem. All that he did was run a pipe cleaner through it and that fixed the problem. He was told by some one that sometimes a spider can get in there and build a small web and when you turn the gas on the web condinsates and stops the flow of gas. Worth a try.

Also it sounds like you, Tom, are not a fan of vent free inserts, are they that hazardous?? I thought that since we put the insert in an exsisting fire place any hazardous fumes would exit through the chimney?? Also, even though it is not our primary source of heat, to make it more efficient i have heard that you can put insulation in the chimney to keep more of the heat from escaping. Or would this just stop any toxic fumes from escaping??
Thanks again, and I have lots of questions, new home owner and I like to DIY, so I am sure I will return for more help!!!!