Gas fireplace question

[CigarGuy]

Have a gas fireplace that was randomly going out. Put new seal around door, blew everything out with compressed air. Now when I have it on at random times the flame sucks to the back of the fireplace-like a draft is pulling it back. Nothing is blocking the outside air, can't see anything different inside. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks...

[delcecchi]

Something with the chimney? Lose a cap? Something that would allow downdraft? Can you use smoke or something to check if the seal is really sealed? (stick of incense). How do you know the outside air feed is really ok?

Just taking a few guesses. Not saying anything about what you did.

[Walleyehooker]

Did the blower move underneath. I think a magnet holds them in place but they can move over time.

[bkiceboat]

Sounds like its getting too much air....where the gas connects to the burner there should b a air shutter close it a bit and it will b fine...a gas grill has the same type shutter...

[CigarGuy]

Thanks all for getting back to me. The cap is on, nothing loose, no fan. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the seal I put on. I have it going all the way around-right where the other one was. Maybe I'll try to tighten the front to the frame/glass better. The way the flame sucks to the back of the box, it's like the draw is too strong-maybe sucking/drawing air in from the front somehow.

[DANR]

Mine acted similar to that only worse. Turned out that the inner (exhaust) tube had come off the center of the outside grate letting intake and exhaust air mix

[CigarGuy]

When you say "outside grate", do you mean the the cap on the outside of the house? Tomorrow, I'll have to look closer tomorrow at the outside cap. Thanks..

I noticed that the back draft melted the coating on part of the wire to the ignitor.

[Walleyehooker]

Sounds like a bad seal and is sucking air to push the flame towards the back. Gotta be something simple as there isnt much to a gas fireplace. If nothing else call a dealer and ask them what it could be. Does it happen more on windy days?

[CigarGuy]

When the snow quits. I'll check the cap outside. I'm thinking it has to be the seal, I'll buy another one and double it up and see what happens.

[Bigsmitty]

Is it a direct vent fireplace? Meaning that the pipe is a coaxial design? If so then I would check the glass gasket seal. When the fireplace is lit, take a lighter and move it around the gasket seal. If it starts getting sucked toward the seal then you know thats the problem. Dont mess with the air shutter. That has nothing to do with it.

[CigarGuy]

Yep, I'll try that. Thanks..

[DANR]

When you say "outside grate", do you mean the the cap on the outside of the house? Tomorrow, I'll have to look closer tomorrow at the outside cap. Thanks..

I noticed that the back draft melted the coating on part of the

wire to the ignitor.

Yes, the cap is the correct term. Make sure both pipes are still connected to it properly.