Empire Comfort Systems VFCM-25-3. VFCR-25-3, VFCT25-3 installation instructions Troubleshooting

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TROUBLESHOOTING

SYMPTOMS - POSSIBLE CAUSES AND CORRECTIONS

IMPORTANT: Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors. Cleaning supplies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new carpet or textiles, etc., create fumes. These fumes may mix with combustion air and create odors.

1.When ignitor button is pressed, there is no spark at ODS/pilot.

a.Ignitor electrode positioned wrong - Replace ignitor.

b.Ignitor electrode broken - Replace ignitor.

c.Ignitor electrode not connected to ignitor cable - Reconnect ignitor cable.

d.Ignitor cable pinched or wet - Free ignitor cable if pinched by any metal or tubing. Keep ignitor cable dry.

e.Broken ignitor cable - Replace ignitor cable.

f.Bad piezo ignitor - Replace piezo ignitor.

2.When ignitor button is pressed, there is spark at ODS/pilot, but no ignition.

a.Gas supply turned off or manual shutoff valve closed - Turn on gas supply or open manual shutoff valve.

b.Control knob not in PILOT position - Turn gas control knob to PILOT position.

c.Control knob not pressed in while in PILOT position - Press in control knob while in PILOT position.

d.Air in gas lines when installed - Continue holding down control knob. Repeat igniting operation until air is removed.

e.Depleted gas supply - Contact local gas company.

f.ODS/pilot is clogged - Clean ODS/pilot or replace ODS/pilot assembly.

g.Gas regulator setting is not correct - Replace gas regulator.

3.ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when control knob is released.

a.Control knob not fully pressed in - Press in control knob fully.

b.Control knob not pressed in long enough - After ODS/pilot lights, keep control knob pressed in 30 seconds.

c.Safety interlock system has been triggered (thermostat models only) - Wait one minute for safety interlock system to reset. Repeat ignition operation.

d.Manual Shutoff valve not fully open - Fully open manual shutoff valve.

e.Thermocouple connection loose at control valve - Hand tighten until snug, then tighten 1/4 turn more.

f.Pilot flame not touching thermocouple, which allows thermocouple to cool, causing pilot flame to go out. This problem could be caused by either 1) low gas pressure - Contact local gas company or 2) dirty or partially clogged ODS/pilot - Clean ODS/pilot or replace ODS/pilot assembly.

g.Thermocouple damaged - Replace thermocouple.

h.Control valve damaged - Replace control valve.

4.Main burner does not light after ODS/pilot is lit.

a.Main burner orifice clogged - Clean main burner or replace main burner orifice.

b.Main burner orifice diameter is too small - Replace main burner orifice.

c.Inlet gas pressure is too low - Contact local gas company.

5.Pilot burning, no gas to burner, valve knob "ON", on/off switch "ON."

a."On/Off" switch, wall switch, remote control or wires defective

-Check "on/off" switch and wires for proper connections. Place jumper wires across terminal at switch - if burner comes on, replace defective switch. If OK, place jumper wires across switch wires at gas valve-if burner comes on, wires are faulty or connections are bad.

b.Thermopile may not be generating sufficient millivolts - If the pilot flame is not close enough physically to the thermopile, clean the ODS/pilot.

-Be sure the wire connections from the thermopile at the gas valve terminals are tight and the thermopile is fully inserted into the pilot bracket.

-Check the thermopile with a millivolt meter. Take the reading at TH-TP & TP terminals of the gas valve. The meter should read 350 millivolts minimum, while holding the valve knob depressed in the PILOT position, with the pilot lit, and the ON/OFF switch

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in the OFF position. Replace the faulty thermopile if the reading is below the specified minimum.

- With the pilot in the ON position, disconnect the thermopile leads from the valve. Take a reading at the thermopile leads. The reading should be 350 millivolts minimum. Replace the thermopile if the reading is below the minimum.

c.Defective valve - Turn valve knob to "ON." Place ON/OFF switch to "ON." Check with millivolt meter at thermopile terminals. Millivolt meter should read greater than 200 millivolts. If the reading is okay and the main burner does not ignite, replace the gas valve

d.Plugged main burner orifice - Check main burner orifice for blockage and remove.

6.Delayed ignition of main burner.

a.Manifold pressure is too low - Contact local gas company.

b.Main burner orifice clogged - Clean main burner and main burner orifice.

7.If burning at main burner orifice occurs (a loud, roaring blow torch noise).

a.You must turn off burner assembly and contact a qualified service person.

b.Main burner orifice is clogged or damaged - Clean main burner and main burner orifice or replace main burner orifice.

c.Damaged main burner - Replace damaged main burner.

d.Gas regulator defective - Replace gas regulator.

8.Yellow flame in front section of main burner during main burner combustion.

a.Not enough air - Check main burner for dirt and debris. If found, clean main burner.

b.Gas regulator defective - replace gas regulator.

9.Slight smoke or odor during initial operation.

a.Residues from manufacturing processes and logs curing - Problem will stop after a few hours of operation.

10.Heater produces a whistling noise when main burner is lit.

a.Turning control knob to HI position when main burner is cold - Turn control knob to LO position and let warm up for a minute.

b.Air in gas line - Operate main burner until air is removed from line. Have gas line checked by local gas company.

c.Air passageways on heater blocked - Observe minimum installation clearances (see page 8).

d.Dirty or partially clogged main burner orifice - Clean main burner and main burner orifice or replace main burner orifice.

11.Heater produces a clicking/ticking noise just after main burner is lit or shut off.

a.Metal expanding while heating or contracting while cooling - This is common with most heaters. If noise is excessive, contact service person.

12.Heater produces unwanted odor.

a.Heater burning vapors from paint, hair spray, glues, cleaners, chemicals, new carpet, etc. - Open window to ventilate room. Stop using odor causing products while heater is operating.

b.Low fuel supply - Refill supply tank.

c.Gas leak - Locate and correct all leaks.

13.Heater shuts off in use (ODS operates).

a.Not enough fresh air is available - Open window and/or door for ventilation.

b.Low line pressure - Contact local gas company.

c.ODS/pilot is partially clogged - Clean ODS/pilot.

14.Gas odor even when control knob is in OFF position.

a.Gas leak - Locate and correct all leaks.

b.Control valve defective - Replace control valve.

15.Gas odor during combustion.

a.Foreign matter between logs and main burner - remove foreign matter.

b.Gas leak - Locate and correct all leaks.

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Contents Installation Instructions Table of Contents Important Safety Information LP-GAS Warning Odor Safety Information for Users of LP-GASIntroduction SpecificationsWater Vapor a BY-PRODUCT of Unvented Room Heaters Bruce Special Copy GAS SupplyClearances Assembly of Cast Iron Outer Casing Stove CastingLeveling Bolts Proper Installation Sequence LOG PlacementImportant Installation Guidelines Vfcr -25, VFCT-25 Photos Operation INSTRUCTIONS/FLAME Appearance What to do if YOU Smell GAS VFCM-25 Lighting InstructionsPiezo Ignitor HI/LO Regulator Control Knob VFCR-25 Lighting InstructionsVFCT-25 Lighting Instructions VFCR-25 Pilot Pilot Flame CharacteristicsWiring Pilot Flame CharacteristicsMillivolt Operating Instructions Recommended Wire GaugesOperating Guidelines MaintenanceTroubleshooting Index Part Number Description Parts ListParts View HOW to Order Repair Parts Service Notes

VFCT25-3, VFCM-25-3. VFCR-25-3 specifications

Empire Comfort Systems has long been recognized for its commitment to delivering high-quality heating products that cater to a variety of residential and commercial needs. Among their offerings, the VFCM-25-3, VFCR-25-3, and VFCT-25-3 stand out as exceptional models in the realm of vent-free gas fireplaces. These units are designed to provide warmth and comfort while boasting innovative technologies, efficiency, and user-friendly features.

The VFCM-25-3 model is particularly notable for its contemporary design, offering a sleek appearance that can complement various home decors. It utilizes a dual fuel system, allowing it to run on both natural gas and propane. This flexibility ensures that users have options based on their heating preferences and availability of fuel sources. The in-built thermostat control enables automatic adjustments to maintain a consistent temperature, providing comfort without the need for constant monitoring.

Meanwhile, the VFCR-25-3 model focuses on efficiency and an elegant, traditional style. It incorporates Empire's cutting-edge technology that allows for a quick and efficient heat production. Featuring a unique safety pilot system, the VFCR-25-3 automatically shuts off the gas supply in case of a malfunction, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners. Additionally, this model is equipped with a ceramic burner that produces realistic flame patterns, creating a warm ambiance in spaces of various sizes.

The VFCT-25-3 variant is designed with versatility and user convenience in mind. This model comes with vent-free technology that allows for installation in locations where venting would be challenging or impossible. Its adjustable flame height allows users to customize the experience, creating a customizable ambiance that caters to personal preferences. Moreover, the unit is equipped with a built-in oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that ensures safe operation by shutting off the unit if oxygen levels drop to unsafe levels.

All three models share common features like easy installation, thermal efficiency, and low emissions, making them environmentally friendly options. They are perfect for both supplemental and primary heating, providing comfort during the cold winter months without the need for extensive alterations to existing structures. Empire Comfort Systems continues to lead the market with innovative solutions that prioritize warmth, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you choose the VFCM-25-3, VFCR-25-3, or VFCT-25-3, you can be assured of quality comfort and reliability for years to come.