Mini-explosions in gas fireplace

[bam]

I figured out that the spark-ignitor-thing somehow got bent and was too far from the pilot light, so it wasn't doing its job. So I lit the pilot with hand-held flame and all is well, sort of. Now the problem is that the pilot flame itself might be too far from the gas outlet, such that every time I start the frpl with the wall switch, there's a delay and then a small explosion. I also realize the fireplace was doing this trick last season, but not as seriously, becuase I see that a lot of the gravel under the fake logs is blown to the sides.

I can't believe that both the spark-ignitor and the pilot assembly itself got out of whack simultaneously, .... so what gives? Could there be somethng wrong with the gas flow? How could this happen? How can I fix it? -BAM

[Focko]

I wouldn't take any chances. If it's blowing the gravel--that's a big sign that you need to have it checked out by someone who works on them all the time. It could be a gas leak somewhere, or it could be an ignition problem as you said. You need to have it checked by a pro.

[jetstream]

there's a delay and then a small explosion. BAM

It's hard to believe you approach this as a do-it-yourself project. It isn't!