QUESTION FROM Barry Z.

Hi, I have a Majestic Model HE32 gas insert that recently quit working. I removed the glass door and relit the pilot light and, while it works fine without the door, it shuts down (pilot light too) when I reinstall the door. There is a slight odour when it's going that I'm assuming is a result of the door not being on. Any ideas?

Thanks.

ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD

Dear Barry:

From what you've described, it sounds like you may have a blockage somewhere in the exhaust system of your fireplace. Whenever the flow of exhaust gases up a chimney of a gas fireplace is impeded by either a blockage, wind, or atmospheric conditions, then exhaust gases build up in the fire box until the pilot flame is extinguished from lack of oxygen. As soon as the pilot goes out, the thermopile cools and stops generating the millivolt of electrical current that is required for the valve to open that allows the flow of gas to the burner. And when this valve closes, then the main flame for your gas fireplace goes out too.

This is a safety precaution, to prevent the poisonous gases created by the fire from entering your breathing space whenever anything interferes with the flow of exhaust up your chimney.

Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com