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Napoleon · Gas fireplace troubleshooting

Pilot will not stay lit - vent-free

What is going on

Pilot will not hold on a vent-free unit with ODS pilot.

Likely causes

  • Loose or weak thermocouple/thermopile
  • Weak magnet coil
  • Blocked pilot tube/orifice
  • Undersized supply line
  • Pressure dropping when burner fires
  • Dirty ODS primary air opening
  • Logs out of position
  • Inlet pressure too high or too low

Check in this order

  1. Check and tighten the thermocouple/thermopile; test millivolt output.
  2. Test the valve magnet coil (SIT 820 Nova hold-in for vent-free is 4.2 mV).
  3. Remove and clean the pilot tube and orifice.
  4. Check supply line size to local code.
  5. Watch pressure when the burner is activated - it must not drop off.
  6. Clean the ODS primary air opening so the pilot does not candle and lift off the thermocouple.
  7. Reposition the logs per the manual.
  8. Test inline pressure too high pushes the flame past the thermopile (low mV); too low prevents lighting.

Applies to: Napoleon vent-free gas fireplaces with ODS pilot (general service manual flowchart)

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Source: Napoleon (Wolf Steel) Service Manual W415-0118, Part 1-3 Troubleshooting, Pilot Not Holding Flowchart, p.20. 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.