Mendota pilot problems

[mtnmizer]

I have a Mendota DXV 45 direct vent fireplace on LP, installed new
in fall of '08. Worked great until the other day- the pilot went out.
Tried to relight and could see the thermocouple was burnt out.

Went to dealer and was told about a factory update to HD propane
thermocouple model. $60 bucks and a couple of hours later I hit the pilot sequence
and everything was good. I cycled the burners twice to make sure everything
was right and then the pilot went out and wouldn't relight. Guess this will require a
service tech next week, anyone have an idea what gives on these units? I have to
say it's the worst engineered thing I've worked on in a long time. Whoever
did the design on this has obviously never had to work on one. 2+ hrs just
to change the thermocouple, and $60 geeze.. The dealer said these were top
of the line---MM

 

[DAKSY]

I have a Mendota DXV 45 direct vent fireplace on LP, installed new
in fall of '08. Worked great until the other day- the pilot went out.
Tried to relight and could see the thermocouple was burnt out.

Went to dealer and was told about a factory update to HD propane
thermocouple model. $60 bucks and a couple of hours later I hit the pilot sequence
and everything was good. I cycled the burners twice to make sure everything
was right and then the pilot went out and wouldn't relight. Guess this will require a
service tech next week, anyone have an idea what gives on these units? I have to
say it's the worst engineered thing I've worked on in a long time. Whoever
did the design on this has obviously never had to work on one. 2+ hrs just
to change the thermocouple, and $60 geeze.. The dealer said these were top
of the line---MM

Sounds like your service tech had too much of the T-C in the pilot flame.
If he didn't adjust the height by taking a reading on the thermopile (T-P),
he may have caused the T-C to fail prematurely...
I agree with you on the engineers.
They don't have too much of a clue as to what the field techs have to deal with
in regards to repairs/replacement parts, & it's not only with the designers of your unit.
Regency, Heat n Glo & Hearthstone have some nightmare designs out there.
I WILL say that the newer Jotul gas units are very service tech friendly...
Somebody finally listened!

 

[Clarks ACE Hardware]

I have a Mendota DXV 45 direct vent fireplace on LP, installed new
in fall of '08. Worked great until the other day- the pilot went out.
Tried to relight and could see the thermocouple was burnt out.

Went to dealer and was told about a factory update to HD propane
thermocouple model. $60 bucks and a couple of hours later I hit the pilot sequence
and everything was good. I cycled the burners twice to make sure everything
was right and then the pilot went out and wouldn't relight. Guess this will require a
service tech next week, anyone have an idea what gives on these units? I have to
say it's the worst engineered thing I've worked on in a long time. Whoever
did the design on this has obviously never had to work on one. 2+ hrs just
to change the thermocouple, and $60 geeze.. The dealer said these were top
of the line---MM

Specify that you would like the Heavy Duty LP pilot assembly installed.