Napoleon Gas Fireplace: Pilot will not stay lit – vent-free
Pilot will not stay lit - vent-free on a Napoleon gas fireplace: Pilot will not hold on a vent-free unit with ODS pilot.
Applies to: Napoleon vent-free gas fireplaces with ODS pilot (general service manual flowchart)
Common causes of pilot will not stay lit - vent-free
- Loose or weak thermocouple/thermopile
- Weak magnet coil
- Blocked pilot tube/orifice
- Undersized supply line
- Pressure dropping when burner fires
- Dirty ODS primary air opening
- Logs out of position
- Inlet pressure too high or too low
How to fix pilot will not stay lit - vent-free: step by step
- Check and tighten the thermocouple/thermopile; test millivolt output.
- Test the valve magnet coil (SIT 820 Nova hold-in for vent-free is 4.2 mV).
- Remove and clean the pilot tube and orifice.
- Check supply line size to local code.
- Watch pressure when the burner is activated - it must not drop off.
- Clean the ODS primary air opening so the pilot does not candle and lift off the thermocouple.
- Reposition the logs per the manual.
- Test inline pressure: too high pushes the flame past the thermopile (low mV); too low prevents lighting.
If the unit shows an error code, look it up: Napoleon Gas Fireplace codes
Models
Source: Napoleon (Wolf Steel) Service Manual W415-0118, Part 1-3 Troubleshooting, Pilot Not Holding Flowchart, p.20. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.
General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.