Mendota Propane Fireplace Question

[depawl]

Greetings all.
I have a 15+/- year old Mendota ModelFV-41 propane fired gas fireplace. It has been serviced regularly and has mostly been trouble free over it's lifetime.

After replacing batteries in the wall unit and the remote, and cleaning the glass door and vacuuming out any bugs, cobwebs, etc. I started it about 3 weeks ago, and it started fine and has run OK since then (Note: This is a supplemental heat source and is run normally ~2 to 3 hours per day).

Last week I tried to turn it on, and nothing happened. I noticed that the pilot light was out, and would not restart. I let it set for awhile, and turned off the toggle switch, turned it back on, and still nothing. I also tried to start it directly from the remote (IPL mode) and also nothing.

Once in awhile the pilot light may come on, and then the burner comes on for half a minute or so, then goes out. But most of the time when I try to turn it on nothing happens.

I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with the local fireplace dealer/repair guy and he recommended that I change the batteries in the wall unit, which I just did a couple weeks ago, In any event I changed them again to no avail.

Wondering if there's any chance it could be a propane supply issue, and not an issue with the fireplace itself?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Millbilly]

Without looking at it I would guess an issue with control board or wiring harness. But I would test the input gas pressure.

 

[depawl]

Thank you for the response. Will do.
BTW, it seems like information online for these fireplaces is very limited. I would tackle this project myself if I could
find parts/installation instructions. Are you aware of any such resources?

 

[Millbilly]

I believe that model uses the SIT Proboard 2 system. YouTube Sit Proboard 2 trouble shooting and you will know if you are over your head.

 

[depawl]

Thanks again, Will definitely take a look at this.

 

[depawl]

So I have some experience with electronics and those instructions don't look too bad. I've also found some other resources online, but haven't been able to find any YouTube videos about disassembly of the fireplace, (for example - removing the fire brick (I know it's not real firebrick) and locating and removing the control board). Also, I saw some control boards on Amazon for pretty reasonable pricing, but I don't know (or how to find) the model #. Would the model # be printed someplace on the board itself? The only model # sticker I found was on the wall receiver unit (0.584.224).
As always, thanks for any input.

 

[Millbilly]

I work on so many models I just take lots of pictures as I disassemble

 

[depawl]

Thank you. Might you have any photos of a Mendota FV-41 (or similar(?)
https://www.blueridgeenergy.com/products/fullview-traditional-fv41

 

[NN1]

Hi there,

New here, but I find it fun and exciting to learn all about fireplaces stuff, as I just installed and started mine.

Found this link for you, maybe it has more info.

https://mendotahearth.com/resources/85-03-01327-B FV41 FireIn INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 0325.pdf

Check section 3.3.3 for the controller PCB summary.

Also, when you start your unit with the remote, do you hear beeps from the fireplace ? The controller PCB in your unit should answer with a beep every time you change the flame strength, fan speed, etc.

Mine is brand new with similar ProFlame 2 system and if I point the unit with the remote, most of the time it doesn't respond, I have to aim at the ceiling instead - tee-hee. This because often the controller/receiver is hidden under the firebox and if yours also has thick metal the receiver is like in a Faraday cage. So the remote RF seems to more easily find its way from above, at least in my case.

Also if you hear beeps when trying to start your unit and nothing happens, it could be an internal safety procedure not met, for example problem with the pilot components, etc.

 

[depawl]

Thank you NN1. Yes I do have the installation instructions you provided, unfortunately they don't provide any additional information as far as troubleshooting my problem.
And yes, when I point my remote at the fireplace it does beep when I try to turn it on, but nothing else (no pilot light, no flame, etc.). I've not been able to find any instructions regarding disassembly/troubleshooting of the unit, and my local fireplace guy can't get here till December.
Thanks again.

 

[NN1]

In case you still want to investigate, did you check on the lower left of your unit ? Looks like the controller PCB would be hidden there. Also you probably tried this already, but if your unit is in "lock mode" turning off the breaker a few mins with no batteries in the unit and then replace the power could wake it up, unless some internal safety procedure continues to not be met. In that case, I would wait for the tech.

Of course, only investigate if you feel at ease with that stuff. In my case, I have no problem with electricity/electronics, but I don't touch anything about gas components. ☠️

 

[Millbilly]

I would start by disassemble and clean pilot and flame sensor, tighten all grounds, make sure wire harnesses are plugged in tight. Unplug for a few minutes and then put back together and try CPI mode and then try the fireplace. Also look at vent. After that are you good with instruments like multimeter and manometer?

 

[depawl]

Thanks to all who replied and provided valuable information. First of all, I realize that this unit needs servicing, which will
be done by my local fireplace guy in early December.
But as far as the current problem, this unit has a receiver for the remote mounted in a wall outlet next to the fireplace. There are 4 AA batteries in there that power the pilot. The cover for the receptacle that holds the batteries has been broken for several years, and what I've done is hold it in place with duct tape (Rube Goldberg I know). I always apply new duct tape whenever I change the batteries in the fall. For some reason, this year the cover has finally worn out to the point where it was not making contact with the batteries, and therefore not sending consistent current to the unit. I had to modify it to ensure good contact with the battery terminals, and so far the fireplace has been working just fine.
I really don't know if it would be possible to replace this battery receptacle without tearing the fireplace apart, and probably removing some sheetrock around the receiver in the wall receptacle.
I realize I'm rambling, but wanted to provide an explanation in case any of you run into this in the future.
So once again thanks to all.