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.?
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.?