Fireplace Xtrodinair GOES BANG

[tenney56]

We have a 36 DV XL fireplace insert and from installation to date we have had
at least 10 service calls. Of course several weeks apart cause of the delay in the backlog.

Manufacturer is Travis Industries type is Xtrondinair.

The problem is basically at times the fireplace emits a very loud bang and before the frame (plaster decoration) was cemented in place the coals would slowly fall to through the fireplace.

Many parts maybe all of them have been replaced and now the problem is that on occasion when the fireplace lights there is really a loud bang and if
you happen to be watching it the flame does not start properly or for that matter extinguish in a normal manner. This is not always a always thing but sort of random and must be cold when starting.

It was fixed again today and the first time, after several hours, the fireplace started with the same problem. The technician said the pilot was dirty.... unit was serviced in the summer.

Last summer when serviced to correct the problem of the coals falling to the bottom the picture frame part of the base was cemented with high temperature cement. Which stopped the decorotive coals from falling through but the bang is still there. Just a different time in the fireplaces cycle.

Over time everything except the glass and the basic frame has been replaced and the two types of failures are on a DVD.

Trouble like the one repaired today. The unit was cleaned and "dirty" pilot was found. BUT, the problem is not every time and when the tech left it was working fine. 6 hours later same problem.

Am I the only one with the problem or is this a problem with the Fireplace.

[hearthman]

I am guessing the dealer is Woody's, which has an excellent reputation. The other good thing is, if its been the same dealer doing all the service, at least they're still responding. However, 10 service trips is ridiculous I don't care who you are or what the problem is. Do you have Travis Industries fully apprised of the complete picture with full sequential service history? Make sure they do and insist the factory get involved. I would love to drive all the way up there but I'm not a deputized Travis dealer and of all mfr.s they are the most stingy with tech support and cooperation. If you are not a Travis dealer, no tickey no washy.

Delayed or hard ignition are serious problems. I recommend you stop using the fireplace and shut it off until it is corrected. I worked on a similar case near you (Clark's Summit) with another brand. It turned out to be gravel in the copper LP gas line! Yes, this was recorded as I opened the gas cock and gravel shot out. It seems the LP supplier left a coil of copper in the bed of the truck with the ends uncapped where gravel from their boots( all those gravel driveways in the mountains) collected in the bed and found its way into the tubing. The rocks were blocking the valve at times causing a very hard delayed ignition.

No DIY on this site so I cannot get into specifics but you want the factory involved and you want it resolved or replaced. I know some of the top guys at Travis and they are a reputable mfr.---its just they don't cooperate with non-Travis dealers and techs. Be sure to provide model and serial number. Don't take anything for granted from the gas supply (LP?) to piping and regulators to installation, venting, fuel conversion, setup, and everything set to mfrs. specs. That is your baseline to work from.

Most delayed ignition occurs with cold units.

You have been very patient. Hang in there. I'm sure they will get you a working unit one way or another.

[tenney56]

Thanks for reply.
Not done by Woody's, don't believe they are a dealer now. Was done by Stove N Stuff which has been fairly cooperative. Travis was supposed to send someone but they somewhere cause of a storm cancelled couple of years ago and gave Stove's things to try.
Getting hold of Travis as a consumer is nearly impossible. And the unit was really bought from the builder.
But, thanks for the information and will write to Travis assuming post office is still in business.
thanks

[SeattlePioneer]

Normally the burner lights off the pilot and then moves from burner port to burner port until the entire burner is lit. Usually with delayed ignition that sequence stops at some point. Usually what's needed is a skilled observer with his hand on the gas valve who watches that ignition process until it stops at some point, at which time he shuts off the main burner gas before th explosion. Do that two or three times and you've identified where the problem is.

Sometimes the logs or embers block that view. Then they should be removed so that the burner ignition process can be observed.

Of course the repairman may be doing that and you may have a chronically dirty pilot causing the problem. Maybe you have the same propane supplier.

What it comes down to is that you need a genuinely competent repairman. Sounds like the ones you've been getting have been a little light on ability.