Thank you, Sir! I’ve tried so many things to get my fireplace to stay on over the past year. Countless videos watched. Even a repair guy. Was about to have the second expensive repair guy out here next week until I saw the brake cleaner tip. GENIUS!!! $7 and five minutes. My fire has stayed on for over two hours now. Thank you!

Thank you Mark for taking the time to share this helpful video - the visual steps have helped me and I'm sure many others with their fireplace issues. I'd like to offer one more option that people can consider. I followed your steps using fine sandpaper on the thermocouple first but just like you, it went out after about 30 seconds. My second attempt involved using a spray can degreaser called Amsoil MP, allowing ample time for the volatile gasses to dissipate before trying the pilot once more. Again, it stayed on for only 30 seconds. My last attempt involved using a children's flexible drinking straw and blowing air a couple of inches below where the pilot flame appears. I read that there is an air intake opening at this level which sometimes can fill with dust particles or spider webs. The straw and air did the trick. Using a can of compressed air I'm sure would have the same effect. The fireplace now works properly without incurring any repair costs. Anyway, I offer it in case it can help others.

You Sir, are a genius. Like you, I cleaned my thermocouple and thermopile with sand paper but my gas fireplace would not stay lit for more than about 30 seconds. I tried your brake cleaner trick and bingo, my fireplace is working perfectly again. I never would have thought of that, so a big thanks to you.

Thank you so much for your helpful video! I had been having this same problem with a very similar fireplace in the house we bought. The fireplace was very dirty when we moved in so I used a shop vac to help clean it, used a wire brush, and used a can of air as well, but was still having issues. Then I tried your brake cleaner trick, and I have a fire going for a couple hours now! Who would of thought of using brake cleaner for a fireplace?!? Amazing! Thanks again!

Hi Mark, I can see some value in using brake cleaner since it should not leave any residue. I'm going to ask around amongst my peers for their opinion. I appreciate your mentioning the importance of the placement of the gas logs. You have a vent-free log set, so log placement and ember placement needs to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you have flame impingement, you can get Carbon Monoxide from incomplete combustion. This is probably not enough to set off an alarm, but it could be unhealthy. Some fire departments will check for CO. You can also get CO monitors with a digital readout to tell you if you are getting any CO. I suspect you have some based on the flame impingement I saw.

This worked great for me.. house smelled like carb cleaner for a day, but i was warm.. lol.. Thanks for the help. 👊👊

Thank you for including your very cute dog in the video

My pilot kept going out. A quick spray of brake cleaner and BINGO!!!! Thanks

Thank you! This brake cleaner solution did the trick!

Thermocouples create current (mA) not voltage... but awesome video nonetheless

Sounds like a good solution

I replaced my entire igniter assembly which includes the sparker, pilot and thermopile. Sometimes after the burner lights it runs a minute or so then shuts off. I didnt clean the burner so Im wondering if thats the issue or is my gas valve the issue. I need to try brake clean

Does it matter if the brake cleaner is chlorinated or not? It’s not a fire hazard ?

I replaced 0n / off switch on mine

I replaced my thermocouple and pilot assembly. The gas logs now light on the first try.. but then they go out after 10 minutes. I am befuddled.