Gas Logs Won't Stay Lit!
#1
Gas Logs Won't Stay Lit!
My gas logs will light okay, but after a while the unit turns off including the pilot light. If I wait a while I can relight them, but with the same result. They are approximately three years old; I'm not sure which brand or model they are. Would they have a thermocoupler?
#2
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: The Shake and Bake State USA
Posts: 9,927
Upvotes: 0
Received 7 Upvotes
on
6 Posts
Hello: lrasor
The part to replace is the "Pilot Generator." This is the part your referring to as a thermocouple. Both look almost the same but each is not the same.
Remove the existing pilot generator and replace it with an identical replacement part. The part can be obtained at any local hardware store and or appliance parts store.
Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers to the store. The info will help to determine the correct replacement part and possible problem causes.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart........"Fast, Fair, Friendly & Highly Proficient"......
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Diagnostics and Technician Services.
The part to replace is the "Pilot Generator." This is the part your referring to as a thermocouple. Both look almost the same but each is not the same.
Remove the existing pilot generator and replace it with an identical replacement part. The part can be obtained at any local hardware store and or appliance parts store.
Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers to the store. The info will help to determine the correct replacement part and possible problem causes.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart........"Fast, Fair, Friendly & Highly Proficient"......
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Diagnostics and Technician Services.
#3
Ready for Cozy Hibernation?
Tom,
I purchased a $5.00 thermocoupler last night and installed it and the gas logs seem to be doing fine now. The folks at Home Depot didn't know it by "pilot generator", but we checked a $60 gas log gas valve set and in the bill of materials it listed the part as a "thermocoupler lead". Am I missing something here? It seems like they are working okay, but I don't want to use the wrong part and possibly cause damage.
Also I wanted to ask you it is okay to slightly enlarge the small holes in the burner tube to increase the gas flow to achieve a larger flame; or does the gas valve control flow and enlarging the holes wouldn't change the flame size? Just asking.
Your reply would be appreciated.
I purchased a $5.00 thermocoupler last night and installed it and the gas logs seem to be doing fine now. The folks at Home Depot didn't know it by "pilot generator", but we checked a $60 gas log gas valve set and in the bill of materials it listed the part as a "thermocoupler lead". Am I missing something here? It seems like they are working okay, but I don't want to use the wrong part and possibly cause damage.
Also I wanted to ask you it is okay to slightly enlarge the small holes in the burner tube to increase the gas flow to achieve a larger flame; or does the gas valve control flow and enlarging the holes wouldn't change the flame size? Just asking.
Your reply would be appreciated.
#4
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: The Shake and Bake State USA
Posts: 9,927
Upvotes: 0
Received 7 Upvotes
on
6 Posts
Hello: lrasor
The people at the retail store your referring to would not know the parts correct name. Only most of those in the trade industry know the part as a "Pilot Gengerator" & know the difference.
The two parts are often referred to incorrectly. The part is not a thermocoupler. Nor is it a thermocouple. There is no part called a thermocoupler.
There is a part called a thermocouple. No "R" at the end.
A thermocouple is the part used in a water heater.
The "Pilot Generator" has a larger element end so it can produce far more DC electrical current. More current is required to operate all the controls, over come the resistance factor of the wires, any switchs and operate the safety devices.
Gas Log fireplaces are one of several gas appliances which use pilot generators. Older model stoves with ovens & broilers and older style pool and spa heaters also use pilot generators.
Whichever part you purchased, if it corrected the problem, then it most likely will be the correct part. The two parts are noticeably different.
Drilling out the holes in the burner will not increase the burners flame size. In most cases neither will installing a larger rated orifice.
Gas logs are a decorative appliance and not designed to add heat and or warm a room. They may provide some minor warmth. Any attempt to alter the appliance could result in damage and or unsafe operation.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
The people at the retail store your referring to would not know the parts correct name. Only most of those in the trade industry know the part as a "Pilot Gengerator" & know the difference.
The two parts are often referred to incorrectly. The part is not a thermocoupler. Nor is it a thermocouple. There is no part called a thermocoupler.
There is a part called a thermocouple. No "R" at the end.
A thermocouple is the part used in a water heater.
The "Pilot Generator" has a larger element end so it can produce far more DC electrical current. More current is required to operate all the controls, over come the resistance factor of the wires, any switchs and operate the safety devices.
Gas Log fireplaces are one of several gas appliances which use pilot generators. Older model stoves with ovens & broilers and older style pool and spa heaters also use pilot generators.
Whichever part you purchased, if it corrected the problem, then it most likely will be the correct part. The two parts are noticeably different.
Drilling out the holes in the burner will not increase the burners flame size. In most cases neither will installing a larger rated orifice.
Gas logs are a decorative appliance and not designed to add heat and or warm a room. They may provide some minor warmth. Any attempt to alter the appliance could result in damage and or unsafe operation.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
#6
pilot generator - gas logs
In your posting you stated that your logs would not stay lit. Mine were having that problem until the pilot refused to stay lit. There is a round control knob which is turned all the way when lighting the pilot. After waiting about 60 seconds with it pressed, I should be able to turn it to the "on" position. When turning it, there is usually a "click" and the dial usually resists a little. As soon as I try to turn it past pilot, the pilot goes out. My logs are about 5 years old. There was some water leaking above this switch at one time which could have damaged the inner valve cavity and/or pilot generator control knob. I have never repaired this type of thing before but am not afraid to try. Any suggestions?
Last edited by JTurner; 11-01-02 at 07:08 PM.