1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the palart 69L17 J4117 108084-02 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly. This component is designed as a replacement part for various direct vent natural gas fireplaces from brands such as Lennox, IHP, FMI, Superior, Astria, Empire Comfort Systems, Travis Industries, Cozy, and Majestic. Please read these instructions thoroughly before proceeding with installation or any service.
Important Safety Notice: Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier. Failure to follow these instructions could result in fire or explosion, causing property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Always ensure the gas supply is turned off before beginning any work.
2. Product Overview
The palart 69L17 J4117 108084-02 is a tri-directional natural gas pilot assembly. It is designed for use with Natural Gas (NG) systems. The assembly includes several key components necessary for the safe and reliable ignition of your fireplace.

Figure 1: Complete palart 69L17 J4117 108084-02 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly. This image displays the full pilot assembly, including the pilot burner, electrode, thermocouple, thermopile, and associated tubing and wiring.
2.1 Key Components
- Side Mount Pilot Bracket: Provides the mounting point for the pilot assembly.
- 36 Inch Thermo-Generator-Thermopile (750Mv): Generates millivoltage to power the gas valve, ensuring the main burner only operates when the pilot is lit.
- 24 Inch Pilot Tube: Delivers natural gas to the pilot burner.
- 34 Inch Electrode and Ceramic Cable: Provides the spark for ignition of the pilot flame.
- 24 Inch Thermocouple: A safety device that senses the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to remain open.
- #51 NG Pilot Orifice: Ensures the correct flow of natural gas to the pilot burner for a stable flame.

Figure 2: Close-up view of the pilot assembly connections. This image highlights the various tubes and wires, including the thermocouple and thermopile connections, which are crucial for proper installation.
2.2 Compatibility
This pilot assembly is compatible with a wide range of direct vent natural gas fireplaces. Verify your fireplace model number against the list below or consult your appliance's owner's manual for the correct part number (69L17, J4117, 108084-02).
Lennox Elite Gas Fireplaces:
- EBVSTNM, EBVPFNM, EBVCLNM, EBVCRNM
- ED3530CNM, ED4035CNM-2, ED4540CNM-2
- EDV3530CNM, EDV3530CNM-B, EDV4035CNM, EDV4035CNM-B, EDV4540CNM, EDV4540CNM-B
- EDVSTNM, EDVPFNM, EDVCLNM, EDVCRNM
- EDSTNM-2, EDPFNM-2, EDCLNM-2, EDCRNM-2
- ELDV35NM, ELDV40NM, ELDV45NM
Lennox Merit Gas Fireplaces:
- LMDVT-3328CNM, LMDVR-3328CNM, LMDV-3530CNM, LMDV-4035CNM
- MPB-3328CNM, MPB35ST-NM
- MPDT3328CNM (SIT), MPDR3328CNM (SIT)
- MPD-3530CNM (SIT), MPD3530CNM-B (SIT)
- MPD-4035CNM (SIT), MPD4035CNM-B (SIT)
- MPD-4540CNM (SIT), MPD4540CNM-B (SIT)
- MPD35ST-NM
Ironstrike Serefina Gas Stoves:
- CI1500DVF, CI1502DVF, CI1504DVF, CI1506DVF
- CI1508DVF-2, CI2500DVF, CI2502DVF, CI2504DVF, CI2506DVF, CI2508DVF-2
Superior Gas Fireplaces:
- DT-400CMN (SIT), DR-400CMN (SIT), DT-500CMN (SIT), DR-500CMN (SIT)
- DT-600CMN (SIT), DR-600CMN (SIT), DT-800CMN (SIT), DR-800CMN (SIT)
- SDDV-35NM, SDDV-35PM, SDDV-40NM, SDDV-40PM
- SSBV-3530CNM (SIT), SSBV-4035CNM (SIT)
- SSDVT-3328CNM (SIT), SSDVR-3328CNM (SIT)
- SSDVT-3530CNM (SIT), SSDVR-3530CNM (SIT)
- SSDVT-4035CNM (SIT), SSDVR-4035CNM (SIT)
- SSDVST-CNM, SSDVPF-CNM
This list is not exhaustive. Always refer to your specific fireplace's owner's manual for exact part number verification.
3. Installation (Setup)
Warning: Ensure the gas supply to the fireplace is completely shut off and the appliance has cooled down before attempting any installation or service. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
Installation of a pilot assembly requires technical knowledge and should ideally be performed by a qualified professional. The following steps are general guidelines:
- Safety First: Turn off the gas supply to the fireplace at the main shut-off valve. Disconnect electrical power if applicable. Allow the fireplace to cool completely.
- Access the Pilot Assembly: Carefully remove any logs, embers, or decorative elements to gain access to the existing pilot assembly. You may need to remove the fireplace's glass front.
- Disconnect Old Assembly:
- Disconnect the pilot tube from the gas valve.
- Unscrew the thermocouple and thermopile connections from the gas valve.
- Disconnect the igniter wire (electrode) from the ignition module.
- Unmount the pilot assembly from its bracket.
- Install New Assembly:
- Mount the new palart pilot assembly using the side mount pilot bracket in the same position as the old one. Ensure proper alignment for optimal flame sensing and ignition.
- Connect the new 24-inch pilot tube to the gas valve.
- Connect the 24-inch thermocouple and 36-inch thermopile (750Mv) to their respective ports on the gas valve. Ensure these connections are snug but do not overtighten.
- Connect the 34-inch electrode and ceramic cable to the ignition module.
- Check for Leaks: After all connections are made, slowly turn on the main gas supply. Apply a leak detection solution (soap and water mixture) to all gas connections. Bubbles indicate a leak. If a leak is detected, immediately shut off the gas supply and tighten the connection. Re-test until no leaks are present.
- Test Operation: Follow your fireplace's specific lighting instructions to ignite the pilot and then the main burner. Observe the pilot flame; it should be stable and engulf the tip of the thermocouple and thermopile.
- Reassemble: Once proper operation is confirmed, replace any removed logs, embers, and the glass front.
4. Operating Principles
The pilot assembly is a critical safety and operational component of your natural gas fireplace. It performs several functions:
- Pilot Ignition: The electrode provides a spark to ignite the small, continuous pilot flame.
- Flame Sensing (Thermocouple): The thermocouple generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame. This current signals the gas valve to allow gas flow to the pilot. If the pilot flame goes out, the thermocouple cools, the current stops, and the gas valve closes, preventing unburnt gas from accumulating.
- Main Burner Control (Thermopile/Thermo-generator): The thermopile generates a larger millivoltage current when heated by the pilot flame. This current powers the main gas valve, allowing the main burners to ignite when called for by the fireplace's controls (e.g., wall switch, remote control).
A properly functioning pilot assembly ensures that the main burners can only operate when a pilot flame is present, enhancing safety.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and safe operation of your pilot assembly and fireplace. Always ensure the gas supply is off and the fireplace is cool before performing any maintenance.
- Annual Inspection: It is recommended to have your fireplace and its components, including the pilot assembly, inspected annually by a qualified service technician.
- Pilot Flame Observation: Periodically observe the pilot flame. It should be a strong, steady blue flame that fully engulfs the tips of both the thermocouple and thermopile. A weak, yellow, or flickering flame may indicate a problem.
- Cleaning: Gently clean any dust or debris from the pilot burner, thermocouple, and thermopile using a soft brush or compressed air. Ensure the pilot orifice is clear. Do not use harsh chemicals.
- Check Connections: Visually inspect all gas and electrical connections for any signs of corrosion or looseness. Do not attempt to tighten gas connections unless you are qualified and can perform a leak test afterward.
6. Troubleshooting
If your fireplace is experiencing issues related to the pilot assembly, consider the following common troubleshooting steps. For complex issues, contact a qualified service technician.
- Pilot Will Not Light:
- No Gas Supply: Ensure the main gas valve to the fireplace is open.
- Blocked Pilot Orifice: The small hole in the pilot burner may be clogged with debris. Clean gently.
- Faulty Igniter/Electrode: Check for a visible spark when attempting to light the pilot. If no spark, the electrode or ignition module may be faulty.
- Air in Gas Line: If the fireplace has not been used for a while or gas service was interrupted, it may take several attempts to purge air from the line.
- Pilot Lights But Will Not Stay Lit:
- Weak Pilot Flame: The pilot flame may not be strong enough to adequately heat the thermocouple. Check for proper gas pressure and a clear pilot orifice.
- Faulty Thermocouple: If the thermocouple is not generating enough current, the gas valve will close. This is a common wear item.
- Loose Thermocouple Connection: Ensure the thermocouple is securely tightened to the gas valve.
- Drafts: Strong drafts can extinguish the pilot flame. Check for proper venting.
- Main Burner Will Not Light (Pilot is Lit):
- Faulty Thermopile/Thermo-generator: If the thermopile is not generating sufficient millivoltage, the main gas valve will not open.
- Loose Thermopile Connection: Ensure the thermopile is securely tightened to the gas valve.
- Faulty Gas Valve: The main gas valve itself may be defective.
- Control System Issue: Problems with the wall switch, remote control, or thermostat.
7. Specifications
| Part Numbers | 69L17, J4117, 108084-02 |
| Application | Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplaces |
| Gas Type | Natural Gas (NG) |
| Thermopile Length | 36 inches (750Mv) |
| Pilot Tube Length | 24 inches |
| Electrode/Ceramic Cable Length | 34 inches |
| Thermocouple Length | 24 inches |
| Pilot Orifice | #51 NG |
| Mounting | Side Mount Pilot Bracket |
| Package Dimensions | 7.36 x 5.63 x 1.77 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.9 ounces |
8. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty information for this palart product is not provided in the product details. Please refer to the original purchase documentation or contact the seller directly for warranty details.
For technical support or further assistance, it is recommended to contact a qualified HVAC technician or the manufacturer of your fireplace appliance.