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Proflame (SIT DFC): pilot lights but main burner will not light or drops out
What is going on
Proflame system: pilot proves but the main burner will not come on, will not stay on, or does not modulate.
Likely causes
- Pilot not engulfing the sense electrode, poor sense connection or ground
- Thermostat mode with no call for heat
- Pilot hood not aimed at the main burner
- Main burner orifice wrong or partly blocked
- Valve outlet pressure out of spec
- Failed gas valve, DFC, stepper motor, transmitter or receiver
Check in this order
- Pilot will not hold make sure the pilot flame fully covers the sense electrode tip, clean the sense cable connections, check the pilot ground cable, then replace the sense electrode/cable or pilot assembly; check pilot orifice and pilot flow adjustment.
- Main burner will not light check the remote is not in thermostat mode without a call for heat; check wiring; check the pilot hood directs flame to the main burner; check the main orifice.
- Check outlet pressure at the outlet test point against the appliance spec; out of spec = replace the valve.
- EV2 test meter between EV2 (green base) and the valve body, system OFF, then turn ON. After the pilot proves, EV2 should spike to about 5 VDC for about 2 s, then hold about 0.6 VDC. Sequence correct = replace the valve; sequence wrong = replace the DFC.
- Main burner lights when only the pilot should: replace the DFC, then the valve.
- Does not modulate check main orifice, outlet pressure limits; manual HI/LO version - turn the knob and watch the flame (no change = replace valve); stepper version - inspect stepper wiring (damaged = replace valve), then try a new transmitter, receiver, then valve.
Applies to: Fireplaces using the SIT Proflame system
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Source: SIT Proflame System Troubleshooting Guide (DFC / 880-885-886 valve / GT remote), troubleshooting flow chart. 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.