Gas Fireplace Shuts Off in Minutes

[FraserJim]

Gas fireplace shuts off a couple of minutes after turning on. 20-year old RH Peterson, SPK-20 Valve, PT-5 pilot kit (8,640’, special for high altitude). I have replaced the thermocouple every 3-4 years. It will start shutting off minutes after being turned on. I can reignite immediately but will shutoff within minutes.

The original burner pan came with a metal flame diverter to shield thermocouple. Pilot and diverter mount at the back of the pan. It has disintegrated a long time ago. I have fashioned shields that alleviate the issue for months once it starts acting up.

When I pull, pilot, grate and pan, there are deposits than look like iron ore. I am presuming that they come from the gas.

I have tried to route the thermocouple lead as far away as possible from burner.

I am presuming that the thermocouple deteriorates over time (deposits?) and will start producing either an over or under voltage when heated.

I am looking for suggestions? Another brand or type of thermocouple? A pilot that mounts on side of pan vs. back? Whole new gas valve / pilot assembly (high altitude jet?)?, etc.?

 

[Whitenuckler]

Gas fireplace shuts off a couple of minutes after turning on. 20-year old RH Peterson, SPK-20 Valve, PT-5 pilot kit (8,640’, special for high altitude). I have replaced the thermocouple every 3-4 years. It will start shutting off minutes after being turned on. I can reignite immediately but will shutoff within minutes.

The original burner pan came with a metal flame diverter to shield thermocouple. Pilot and diverter mount at the back of the pan. It has disintegrated a long time ago. I have fashioned shields that alleviate the issue for months once it starts acting up.

When I pull, pilot, grate and pan, there are deposits than look like iron ore. I am presuming that they come from the gas.

I have tried to route the thermocouple lead as far away as possible from burner.

I am presuming that the thermocouple deteriorates over time (deposits?) and will start producing either an over or under voltage when heated.

I am looking for suggestions? Another brand or type of thermocouple? A pilot that mounts on side of pan vs. back? Whole new gas valve / pilot assembly (high altitude jet?)?, etc.?

What color is the flame at the pilot and also the main flame. Looks like soot.

 

[FraserJim]

Pilot and burner solid yellow. Flames on gas cooktop and boiler solid blue. Our gas utility a couple of years ago was maintaining the area service and we were getting some yellow, but it cleared up after a couple of weeks.

 

[Whitenuckler]

Pilot and burner solid yellow. Flames on gas cooktop and boiler solid blue. Our gas utility a couple of years ago was maintaining the area service and we were getting some yellow, but it cleared up after a couple of weeks.

How can you get more air? Is there something plugged? Was it ever blue bottom with yellow tip?

 

[FraserJim]

Good questions. Don’t remember blue with yellow tip, but pilot is supposed to be correct one for my altitude. Does anyone know of a manufacturer who does better at altitude? No electrical near by. Are there any battery powered pilots?

 

[Whitenuckler]

Good questions. Don’t remember blue with yellow tip, but pilot is supposed to be correct one for my altitude. Does anyone know of a manufacturer who does better at altitude? No electrical near by. Are there any battery powered pilots?

Using a long, narrow screwdriver, turn the pilot adjustment screw slowly clockwise to reduce the pilot fl ame or counter-clockwise to increase the fl ame. The adjustment screw can be turned so that the pilot fl ame is completely extinguished. Some tightening of the screw may occur during adjustment; this is normal. The pilot flame should be a soft blue color with slightly yellow tipping that encircles the thermocouple tip.
Page 5 of

https://manuals.fire-parts.com/aws-assets/rh-peterson-real-fyre-spk-20-spk-21-a2-007-pdf.pdf?inline=true

You should replace all the parts that need to be replaced, or buy something new. It's already ready for it's retirement.