Gas Fireplace Not Turning On

[rufus]

First on all, this is all new to me, so please bear with me if I make mistakes on the terms.

I have a standing pilot Heatilator gas fireplace with a Robert Shaw Valve.

The facts:

1. Pilot light lights and stays lit
2. I get about 450 mV from the Thermopile
3. When I flip the switch the voltage does NOT drop, but the switch wiring does close the circuit
4. I cannot get the Thermocouple off, so I don't know if its working correctly

Can it be an issue with the main control valve? Any ideas?

Thanks!!

 

[DAKSY]

Are you using a wall switch or the tech switch (if there IS one) under the unit?

 

[rufus]

@DAKSY ,
I am using a wall switch.
I also verified the switch works correctly.

Thanks!

 

[DAKSY]

Take a paper clip & jump the terminals on the valve labelled TH & either TH-TP or TP-TH...
Does the unit come on?

 

[rufus]

@DAKSY ,
No, no luck there either.

 

[DAKSY]

Rap the valve with the handle of a screwdriver. Don't MASH it, just a sharp rap.
Make sure you hit the metal casing of the valve & not any plastic ...

 

[jsiets]

have the switch turned to the on position when you try to persuade it like Daksy recomended. It has worked for me on a couple of diferent units this year

 

[rufus]

@DAKSY,
Yes, that actually did the trick. Thank You!

However, it will last a couple of days and then I need to tap it again. Do you guys think I need a new valve?

 

[DAKSY]

Maybe. How old is the unit?
My HNG6000TRX-I was installed in 2004.
I have only had to "rap" it once, about 6 years ago...
As long as you can live with it...

 

[rufus]

I'm not really sure how old the unit is, but it could be as old as 15 years.

That said, it has worked like a charm ever since my last posting, so thanks again for the help!