I have read several posts with regard to my gas log (NG)pilot won't lite. I have determined that there is gas to the gas valve by opening the connection and turning on the main gas valve at the fireplace. I have held the pilot light button in for extended periods, but it just won't lite. I also opened the pilot light gas connection at the back of the gas valve, held the pilot light button in, and there was no sign of gas at that point of the system. I understand if the thermocouple were involved, ie; bad, then the pilot would lite, but would go out immediately. Correct?
I would point out that this gas log has been used only a couple of times since I have owned the house (3+years) so it did lite last season. My point is, it worked last year. So I am wondering what the chances are that the "gas valve" is bad. Do they often go bad? I think this is a low end log set, if that makes a difference.
If you folks feel that it is the gas valve that is causing the problem, can I buy one and replace it myself? How much do they usually cost? I couldn't see any identification information anywhere on the unit.
The log set has a thermostat on it as well which shuts the log set down when it reaches a preset temp... which is always kind of aggravating. The major reason I haven't used it much... just when I get to enjoying the warmth and the fire, it goes out, and won't come back on until that thermostat/thermocouple installed in the opening (on the side, not the top)of the fireplace. Just a little more information as to why I don't use it more. Although I would like to. I appreciate any information you might be able to give me.

The ON/OFF gas valves very rarely ever go bad but could be oartially clogged if not piped properly. I would think you'd still get enough gas to keep a pilot going if this were your situation. You might like reading this HowStuffWorks "How Pilot Lights Work" The valve under the pilot light button is the likley problem, it should light if held down even if you have a bad thermocouple.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

The ON/OFF gas valves very rarely ever go bad but could be oartially clogged if not piped properly. I would think you'd still get enough gas to keep a pilot going if this were your situation. You might like reading this HowStuffWorks "How Pilot Lights Work" The valve under the pilot light button is the likley problem, it should light if held down even if you have a bad thermocouple.

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You said: The valve under the pilot light button is the likley problem, it should light if held down even if you have a bad thermocouple.

I am a little dense at times, and I am not sure if you are telling me that even if the valve under the pilot light button is bad, it should still light even if it is?

Not exactly, if your thermocouple is bad the pilot would light if you held the button down. Si we can assume the thermocouple is not causing the problem. It pretty much means that the control valve ( the thing the botton is on) is likely bad. You could test it by disconnecting it after closing your gas line at the ON?OFF valve. Once disconnected you could turn the ON?OFF back on just a hair to insure you have a supply of gas. Be very careful doing this because raw gas will enter the room. I'd have the replacement valve on hand so you don't have to do everything twice.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Not exactly, if your thermocouple is bad the pilot would light if you held the button down. Si we can assume the thermocouple is not causing the problem. It pretty much means that the control valve ( the thing the botton is on) is likely bad. You could test it by disconnecting it after closing your gas line at the ON?OFF valve. Once disconnected you could turn the ON?OFF back on just a hair to insure you have a supply of gas. Be very careful doing this because raw gas will enter the room. I'd have the replacement valve on hand so you don't have to do everything twice.

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I have determined there is gas to the valve, as I disconnected the main feed line to the log set, then as you said, I opened the supply valve at the wall and gas came out momentarily, until I closed the valve again.
So, you think the whole valve (that the pilot/on/off button is attached to) is bad? Can you give me some idea as to replacing it. I mean do I take the valve to some place by disconnecting all the lines and connections to get a replacement? Got any idea what it might cost?
When I do reattach the lines to a new or existing valve body, do I need to use any kind of material on the gas threads to be certain of sealing? There doesn't appear to be anything on them now.

Yes you would use YELLOW teflon tape, not the whire stuff for plumbing or you can use pipe dope. You may have better luck by contacting the maker of the log kit if that regulator came with the logs. Most are very similar but have different flow ratings so a perfect match is necessary. A plumbing/HVAC supply house could also help you get the proper regulator and may also be aable to test your old one free of charge. A company like this is worth calling. Gas regulator at TheFind.com - search, discover and compare prices[pagenum]=3

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Yes you would use YELLOW teflon tape, not the whire stuff for plumbing or you can use pipe dope. You may have better luck by contacting the maker of the log kit if that regulator came with the logs. Most are very similar but have different flow ratings so a perfect match is necessary. A plumbing/HVAC supply house could also help you get the proper regulator and may also be aable to test your old one free of charge. A company like this is worth calling. Gas regulator at TheFind.com - search, discover and compare prices[pagenum]=3

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Ok, there is a resolution, and I want to thank you for your many responses. Our conversations didn't really solve the problem, but your comments about things I should check and do were what motivated me to keep at it.
The problem was the lack of use mostly. Because I don't use it much, the main pilot/on-off valve was somewhat sticky... it has been lubricated with a lite grease I think, that because of lack of use picked up dust and dirt and made the valve very sluggish. When I got to looking at taking the valve off to see about replacing it as you directed I noticed an indent and another little button sticking out. With a little more pressure on the knob, I saw it move towards the indent, and then it pushed the little button and I immediately heard the gas start to flow into the pilot... yeah...

So, even though your information wasn't what corrected it, it was your kind responses and I want to say prompt responses that helped me to get to the problem and resolve it.
So it really was your help that fixed it. And, I might add for nothing but a "little elbow grease" my old pop would say. Thanks again... one more thing..
The flame from the pilot is quite large.. is there a way to adjust the pilot. Right now, if it were left on, it could consume a lot of unnecessary gas. I'm trying to be a "little green".

I shut my gas log supply off for most of the year for that very reason. It gets turned back on in October and stays lighted until April. Google the name of the manufacturer and you may find instructions on how to adjust the pilot size. There should be an adjustment screw on the regulator.

One last question... when you say you tested the pilot outlet, did you have the gas turned on? Better said, when you disconnected the tube going to the pilot light and pressed the red button was the knob on the valve turned on? If not no gas will go through. I might suggest taking the entire pilot assy. Off and check the orfice at the pikot light itself. This is a very tiny orfice... sometimes spiders get in there and lay eggs. It just might need cleaning.

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Originally Posted by eschuen

one last question.........when you say you tested the pilot outlet, did you have the gas turned on? Better said, when you disconnected the tube going to the pilot light and pressed the red button was the knob on the valve turned on? If not no gas will go thru. I might suggest taking the entire pilot assy. off and check the orfice at the pikot light itself. This is a very tiny orfice.........sometimes spiders get in there and lay eggs. It just might need cleaning.

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Thanks for the information, but you will note in my previous post, that I figured out what was wrong, and got it working... but thanks for your thoughts.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

I shut my gas log supply off for most of the year for that very reason. It gets turned back on in October and stays lighted until April. Google the name of the manufacturer and you may find instructions on how to adjust the pilot size. there should be an adjustment screw on the regulator.

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I may look at again, but probably will settle for just relighting it, now that I know what I was doing wrong. It is a cheapie I think and I couldn't find any model or manuf. Information on it anywhere. Thanks again for your rapid response to my request.