How to light a pilot light on a Millivolt Gas Valve Gas Stove, Fireplace: Thermostats & Thermopiles

[@scottgilson3247]

Excellent explanation, thank you!

[@Midtownsweepsfranchise]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the encouragement!

[@michellehager5588]

I moved into my new place and the fireplace was working. I turned the hi-lo knob to high. It ran for another 10 minutes. Hasn't worked again. The pilot light will stay lit but the flame won't come on. I've cleaned everything and the thermocouple is new. All wires are connected correctly. The fireplace is exactly like yours. Any ideas? Please help! Sorry so long.....

[@Midtownsweepsfranchise]

Well you might be surprised but one thing you might need to do is lightly tap the side of the metal gas valve body (dont hit any wires or tubes) and this striking will jostle the valve and break loose any crud that mgith be built up in the gas valve over time. If you do it when the pilot light is operating you will see little sparkles rising up in the small burning pilot flame, indicating crud is coming loose. Natural gas and propane have some solids that travel down the line, and the vapors can leave a gummy residue. Sometimes a dozen taps will loosen it up... I hope it works! Otherwise the next steps are replacing the rest of the pilot assembly and possibly the main gas valve.