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Napoleon · Gas fireplace troubleshooting

Pilot flame appearance diagnosis and adjustment

What is going on

Read the pilot flame to find the cause; correct flame covers 3/8"-1/2" of the thermocouple/thermopile.

Likely causes

  • Drafts
  • High gas pressure
  • Wrong or small orifice
  • Clogged primary air or orifice
  • Low pressure, clogged or leaking pilot tube

Check in this order

  1. Waving blue flame check for drafts at the pilot.
  2. Noisy, lifting, blowing flame check for high gas pressure.
  3. Hard, sharp flame high pressure or orifice too small.
  4. Lazy yellow flame clogged primary air opening or clogged orifice.
  5. Small blue flame wrong orifice, low pressure, clogged pilot tube or pilot tube leak.
  6. Adjust remove the cap screw (if fitted), turn the pilot screw clockwise to reduce, counter-clockwise to increase.

Applies to: Napoleon gas fireplaces - direct vent, natural vent and vent-free (general service manual)

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Source: Napoleon (Wolf Steel) Service Manual W415-0118, Part 5 Testing & Adjustments, Testing: Pilot Flame p.40; Adjustments: Pilot Flame p.41. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.