#1 Vent-Free Issue - Nuisance Shutdown (or difficulty lighting) ODS Pilot

This can happen to all vent-free gas log sets, not just ones we make like the Rasmussen Chillbuster or Alterna VF sets. Before buying a replacement ODS, please read this article thoroughly - it can save you money and time.

Symptoms: 

a) Difficulty establishing the pilot light/Unable to make a pilot light; or

b) Burner(s) and/or pilot shuts down after a few minutes of operation

Probable Cause: 

The ODS Pilot has two small holes that draw in air to mix with the gas to create a stable pilot flame. Unfortunately, over time lint and dust in the air accumulate inside these holes, which disrupts the proper operation of the pilot flame.  Instead of replacing the entire ODS, a simpler cleaning solution is available.

Action to Take: 

1) Gather tools needed:

a) Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment to reach the spaces around your gas log set without having to move it

b) A can of compressed air or keyboard cleaner with a tube to aim it or just a drinking straw and your breath

2) Vacuum up any lint, dust & debris from logs and grate to prevent more dust from getting in the way, View photo of burners

3) Using the compressed air or a straw, blow out any dust or debris from:

a) Burner ports (where the main flame comes from);

b) Burner air intake and air shutter regions (end of burner(s) where gas and air mix);

c) Around the valve knob (the one you depress to light the pilot); and

d) MOST IMPORTANTLY, the air intake holes of the ODS Pilot Assembly. These small air intake holes are between 1/16" and 1/8" in diameter and are located about 2” from the end of the pilot from where the pilot flame originates. Use the compressed air or straw to blow out these holes. Repeat a couple of times.

Once this is performed, there should not be any problems establishing the pilot.

Please note: on units made before 1998, the top hole is covered by a thin metal strip. You can slightly lift the metal strip and point tube or straw directly into the hole and blow out several times. Try not to permanently bend this strip when accessing the hole.

We recommend that you perform this type of maintenance once a year before the start of the heating season, maybe more often if the symptoms reoccur.

In most cases, replacement of parts are not necessary. However, replacement ODS Pilots for Chillbuster sets may be purchased online. Please specify the serial number of your gas log set, as adapter parts may need to be included for older gas log sets. These ODS Pilots may not work with other manufacturer's products due to differences in thread types.