I've got an Empire direct vent, model DV-215-7SG. It ran fine last winter, but I'm having issues with it this fall. Here's what's happening...
The pilot doesn't seem to be heating the thermopile enough to fire thermopile burners when the temperature drops to a point where it should click on. The pilot seems lower than it should be. I've tested the thermopile and get 200mA when 's the pilot heating it, but it will get up to 500 mA on a propane torch set to a very low flame. I would say that the thermopile needs to be replaced, but it works fine with a proper flame directed on it. (I should add that the thermopile has been cleaned with 000 steel wool, and that got me from 150 mA to 200 mA) I have turned the pilot shield so that the pilot flame is burning directly on the thermopile, and still can't get over 200mA. Once I get it up to 300mA with the torch the burners will fire.
So my estimation it that the pilot light is the issue. If that's the case, I don't know what to do. I could order a new thermopile for $50 (including shipping) but hate to waste the money if that's not the issue.
What would cause a pilot light to be so low? I appreciate your reaponses.
-Ron