Empire Wall Furnace Troubleshooting: GWT Pilot and Vent

Describe the flame that went out

Empire’s troubleshooting page separates four complaints: a pilot that cannot be lit, one that drops out when the control is released, one that fails during normal operation, and a main valve that does not open on a heat request.

Use what you have already observed during normal operation or lighting. Do not remove the casing and run the furnace to collect a closer view.

The burner stopping does not by itself identify a weak pilot generator.

Compare your attempt with Empire's complete lighting label

Use the complete label on the furnace or page 13 of the matching manual. For propane, the qualification rule above applies. If the label is missing or you cannot follow it safely, leave lighting to the gas supplier or service person.

Empire’s sequence starts with the gas odor checks, electrical power off if applicable, and the control access panel removed. The knob is pushed slightly in and turned to OFF without forcing it.

The next wait is ten minutes before checking for gas again, including near the floor. Use this model’s timing rather than another heater’s procedure. Gas odor at that point means stop and follow the emergency instructions.

Empire then locates the pilot at the front of the main burner, turns the knob to PILOT, and holds it fully in while lighting with a match. The knob stays in for about one minute after the pilot lights, then should pop up when released. If the pilot goes out, Empire says to repeat steps 5 through 9, including the full ten minute wait and gas odor check.

Once the pilot holds, Empire finishes with the knob at ON, the control access panel replaced, and applicable electrical power restored. If it will not remain lit after several tries, the manual says to turn the knob OFF and call for service.

Keep the flame and test conditions together

Empire calls the pilot generator in this manual a thermopile. Use that part name and the model number when discussing a repair, rather than ordering a generic thermocouple from a symptom alone.

For a pilot that drops out when the knob is released, Empire first checks the lighting procedure and whether the flame extends past the thermopile. Its flame drawing shows blue flame surrounding the thermopile just below the tip.

If the pilot cannot light despite gas being available in its supply tubing, Empire lists a possible spider web restriction at the pilot opening or burner. Leave cleaning and adjustment to service; that is not a reason to poke an opening with a needle.

Empire’s replacement threshold is below 300 millivolts with the wall mounted on/off device or remote bulb turned OFF. Its system check on page 12 also gives separate readings with the heater off and on. A reading taken under another condition cannot be compared directly with that replacement threshold.

For pilot loss during normal operation, Empire instead checks gas input and thermopile output while running. If output decreases during operation, the manual says the gas control may be defective. That still needs a diagnosis.

Report the on/off device's setting

After successful lighting, check whether you left the gas control at ON as the label requires, and whether the installed room control is asking for heat. Do not change its wiring to make a heat request.

For a main valve that does not open when the on/off device is on, Empire lists thermopile output, broken device wires and a defective device. Its page 12 describes a millivolt control designed for a self generating system, not a line voltage or low voltage AC circuit.

Mention any recent switch, remote or thermostat work. That helps the technician check the actual control fitted to your furnace rather than assuming every wall control is interchangeable.

Give a vent safety trip its own investigation

Empire places the manual reset vent safety on the draft diverter behind the outer casing. Its page 14 explains that improper venting or a blocked flue can shut gas off to the main burner through this switch.

The manual requires a qualified service person if the switch continues to stop the burner. The listed checks are venting, vent pipe blockage and the switch itself. Leave access and reset to that visit so the reason for the trip is addressed.

Keep the surroundings clear. Empire specifically prohibits objects that obstruct combustion and ventilation airflow. Empire requires inspection by a qualified service person before use and at least once a year.