Vanguard 18" Quick start guide

UNVENTED (VENT-FREE)
PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
Variable Manually-Controlled Models Also
Design-Certified As Vented Decorative Appliances
®
Save this manual for future reference.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured (mobile) home, where not prohibited by state
or local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
®
Patent Pending
P
I
L
O
T
O
F
F
O
N
LO
REMOTE
OFF
HI
FLAME-MAX®
Golden Oak Log
Design
18", 24", 30", and 36"
Remote Ready Model
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
WARNING: If the information in this
manual is not followed exactly, a fire or
explosion may result causing property
damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
— Donotstoreorusegasolineorother
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Donottouchanyelectricalswitch;do
not use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the
gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas sup-
plier, call the fire department.
— Installationand service mustbe per-
formed by a qualified installer, ser-
vice agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: Improper installation, ad-
justment,alteration,service,ormainte-
nancecancauseinjuryorpropertydam-
age. Refer to this manual for correct
installationandoperationalprocedures.
For assistance or additional informa-
tion consult a qualified installer, ser-
vice agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This appliance is for in-
stallation only in a solid-fuel burning
masonry or UL127 factory-built fire-
place, or in an approved ventless fire-
box. It is design certified for these
installations in accordance with ANS
Z21.11.2.Exception:Donotinstallthis
appliance in a factory-built fireplace
that includes instructions stating it
has not been tested or should not be
used with unvented gas logs.
WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the room in
which it is installed. Provisions for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be
provided.Referto AirforCombustionandVentilation sectiononpage4ofthismanual.

2
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
SAFETY
INFORMATION
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early
signs of carbon monoxide poisoning re-
semble the flu, with headaches, dizziness,
ornausea.Ifyouhavethesesigns,theheater
maynot beworkingproperly. Getfreshair
atonce!Haveheaterserviced.Somepeople
are more affected by carbon monoxide than
others. These include pregnant women,
peoplewithheartorlungdiseaseoranemia,
those under the influence of alcohol, and
those at high altitudes.
PropaneGas:Propanegasisodorless.An
odor-making agent is added to the gas. The
odor helps you detect a gas leak. However,
theodoraddedtothegascanfade.Gasmay
be present even though no odor exists.
MakecertainyoureadandunderstandallWarn-
ings. Keep this manual for reference. It is your
guidetosafeandproperoperationofthisheater.
1. This appliance is only for use with the
typeofgasindicatedon the rating plate.
Thisapplianceisnot convertible for use
with other gases.
2. Do not place propane supply tank(s)
inside any structure. Locate propane
supply tank(s) outdoors.
3. To prevent performance problems, the
use of a propane tank of less than 100
lbs. capacity is not recommended.
4. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNINGS
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, oper-
ate, or service this heater. Im-
properuseofthisheatercancause
seriousinjuryordeathfromburns,
fire, explosion, electrical shock,
and carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING:Anychangetothis
heaterorits controls canbedan-
gerous.
• do not try to light any appliance
• do not touch any electrical switch; do
not use any phone in your building
• immediately call your gas supplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the
gas supplier’s instructions
• ifyoucannotreachyourgassupplier,
call the fire department
5. This heater shall not be installed in a
bedroom or bathroom unless installed
as a vented appliance (see Installing
Damper Clamp Accessory, page 10).
6. Never install the heater
• in a recreational vehicle
• wherecurtains,furniture,clothing,or
otherflammable objects are less than
42inchesfromthefront,top,orsides
of the heater
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
7. Before installing in a solid fuel burn-
ingfireplace,thechimneyflueandfire-
box must be cleaned of soot, creosote,
ashes and loose paint by a qualified
chimney cleaner. Creosote will ignite
if highly heated. Inspect chimney flue
for damage. If damaged, operate heater
with flue damper closed.
8. If fireplace has glass doors, never op-
eratethisheater with glass doorsclosed.
Ifyouoperateheaterwithdoorsclosed,
heat buildup inside fireplace will cause
glass to burst. Also if fireplace open-
ing has vents at the bottom, you must
open the vents before operating heater.
9. You must operate this heater with a fire-
placescreeninplace.Make surefireplace
screen is closed while running heater.
10. This log heater is designed to be smoke-
less. If logs ever appear to smoke, turn off
heater and call a qualified service person.
Note: During initial operation, slight
smokingcouldoccurduetologcuringand
heater burning manufacturing residues.
11. To prevent the creation of soot, follow
the instructions in Cleaning and Main-
tenance, page 21.
12. Donotallowfanstoblowdirectlyintothe
fireplace.Avoidanydraftsthatalterburner
flame patterns. Ceiling fans can create
drafts that alter burner flame patterns.Al-
tered burner patterns can cause sooting.
13. Before using furniture polish, wax, car-
pet cleaner, or similar products, turn
heater off. If heated, the vapors from
theseproducts may create a white pow-
der residue within burner box or on
adjacent walls or furniture.
14. Do not use a blower insert, heat ex-
changer insert or other accessory not
approved for use with this heater.
15. This heater needs fresh, outside air ven-
tilation to run properly. This heater has
an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pi-
lot light safety system. The ODS shuts
down the heater if not enough fresh air
is available. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, pages 4 through 6. If
heater keeps shutting off, see Trouble-
shooting, pages17 through 19.
16. Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors
are used or stored
• under dusty conditions
17. Do not use this heater to cook food or
burn paper or other objects.
18. Never place any objects on the heater.
19. Heater base assembly becomes veryhot
whenrunningheater. Keepchildren and
adults away from hot surface to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Heater will
remain hot for a time after shut-down.
Allow surface to cool before touching.
20. Carefully supervise young children
when they are in the room with heater.
When using the hand-held remote ac-
cessory, keep selector switch in the
OFF position to prevent children from
turning on burner with remote.
21. Do not use heater if any part has been
exposed to or under water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to in-
specttheroomheater and to replaceany
part of the control system and any gas
control which has been under water.
22. Do not operate heater if any log is bro-
ken. Do not operate heater if a log is
chipped (dime-sized or larger).
23. Turn heater off and let cool before ser-
vicing,installing,orrepairing.Makesure
the selector switch is in the OFF posi-
tion. Only a qualified service person
should install, service, or repair heater.
24. Make sure the selector switch is in the
OFF position when you are away from
home for long periods of time.
25. Operating heater above elevations of
4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.

3
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
LOCAL CODES
Install and use heater with care. Follow all
localcodes.Intheabsenceoflocalcodes,use
the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas
CodeANSZ223.1,alsoknownasNFPA54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
Note: Where listed vented decorative logs
are required, thermostat operation is not
permitted.
PRODUCT
FEATURES
OPERATION
This heater is clean burning. It requires no
outside venting. There is no heat loss out a
vent or up a chimney. Heat is generated by
realistic,dancingyellowflames.Thisheater
isdesignedforvent-freeoperationwithflue
damper closed. It has been tested and ap-
proved to ANS Z21.11.2 standard for
unvented heaters. State and local codes in
some areas prohibit the use of vent-free
heaters.This heater mayalsobe operatedas
a vented decorative product (ANS Z21.60)
by opening flue damper (non-thermostat
operation only).
SAFETY PILOT
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen
Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).
TheODS/pilotisarequiredfeatureforvent-
free room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts off
the heater if there is not enough fresh air.
PIEZO IGNITION SYSTEM
This heater has a piezo ignitor. This system
requires no matches, batteries, or other
sources to light heater.
UNPACKING
CAUTION: Do not remove the
metal Data Plates from the grate
assembly.TheDataPlatescontain
important product information.
1. Remove logs and heater base assem-
bly from carton. Note: Do not pick up
heater base assembly by the burner.
This could damage heater. Always
handle base assembly by grate.
2. Remove all protective packaging ap-
plied to logs and heater for shipment.
3. Check all items for any shipping dam-
age. If damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought heater.
Figure 1 - Product Identification
Flame-Max®
Golden Oak Logs
AUTO
MAN
OFF
STATUS
ONLO
HI
TEMP
Control Knob
Piezo
Ignitor
One Piece
Log Set
Base Assembly
Optional
Remote
Control
Flame
Adjustment
Knob
Optional
Selector
Switch
REMOTE CONTROL
ACCESSORIES
Therearefour optional remote controlsthat
can be purchased separately for this log
heater:
• wall switch
• wall thermostat
• hand held ON/OFF remote
• hand held thermostat remote
See Accessories, page 24.
The wall thermostat or hand-held thermo-
stat may not be used where vented decora-
tive listing is required.

4
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National
Fuel Gas Code. NFPA 54/ANS Z223.1, Sec-
tion5.3,AirforCombustionandVentilation.
Allspacesinhomesfallintooneofthethree
following ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconfined Space
3. Confined Space
The information on pages 4 through 6 will
help you classify your space and provide
adequate ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and win-
dows may provide enough fresh air for
combustion and ventilation. However, in
buildings of unusually tight construction,
you must provide additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is de-
fined as construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the
outside atmosphere have a con-
tinuous water vapor retarder with
a rating of one perm (6x10-11 kg
per pa-sec-m2) or less with open-
ings gasketed or sealed and
b. weather stripping has been
added on openable windows and
doors and
c. caulking or sealants are applied
to areas such as joints around
window and door frames, be-
tween sole plates and floors,be-
tween wall-ceiling joints, be-
tween wall panels, at penetra-
tionsforplumbing,electrical,and
gas lines, and at other openings.
If your home meets all of the three
criteria above, you must provide ad-
ditional fresh air. See Ventilation Air
From Outdoors , page 6 .
If your home does not meet all of the
three criteria above, proceed to De-
termining Fresh-Air Flow For Heater
Location, page 5.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code (ANS Z223.1,
1992 Section 5.3) defines a confined space
as a space whose volume is less than 50
cubicfeetper1,000Btuperhour(4.8m3per
kw) of the aggregate input rating of all
appliances installed in that space and an
unconfined space as a space whose volume
is not less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu
per hour (4.8 m3per kw) of the aggregate
inputratingofallappliancesinstalledinthat
space.Roomscommunicating directlywith
the space in which the appliances are in-
stalled*, through openings not furnished
with doors, are considered a part of the
unconfined space.
This heater shall not be installed in a con-
fined space or unusually tight construction
unlessprovisionsareprovided for adequate
combustion and ventilation air.
*Adjoiningroomsarecommunicatingonly
iftherearedoorlesspassagewaysorventila-
tion grills between them.
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
Today’s homes are built more energy effi-
cient than ever. New materials, increased
insulation, and new construction methods
help reduce heat loss in homes. Home own-
ersweatherstripandcaulkaroundwindows
and doors to keep the cold air out and the
warm air in. During heating months, home
ownerswanttheirhomesasairtightaspossible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efficient,yourhomeneedstobreathe.Fresh
air must enter your home. All fuel-burning
appliances need fresh air for proper com-
bustion and ventilation.
Exhaustfans,fireplaces,clothesdryers,and
fuel burning appliances draw air from the
house to operate. You must provide ad-
equate fresh air for these appliances. This
will insure proper venting of vented fuel-
burning appliances.
WARNING: This heater shall
notbeinstalledinaconfinedspace
or unusually tight construction
unless provisions are provided
foradequatecombustionandven-
tilation air. Read the following in-
structions to insure proper fresh
air for this and other fuel-burning
appliances in your home.

5
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includestheroominwhichyouwillinstallheaterplusanyadjoiningroomswithdoorlesspassagewaysorventilationgrillsbetween
the rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space (length x width x height).
Length x Width x Height = _____________ cu. ft. (volume of space)
Example: Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft. (width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room is supplied with grills or openings, add the volume of these rooms to the total volume of
the space.
2. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic feet to determine the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
_______________ (volume of space) ÷50 cu. ft. = (maximum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷50 cu. ft. = 51.2 or 51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free heater _____________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* _____________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace _____________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater _____________ Btu/Hr
Gas fireplace logs _____________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* +_____________ Btu/Hr
Total = _____________ Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Direct-vent draws combustion air from the outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr used.
____________Btu/Hr (maximum the space can support)
____________Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr used)
Example: 51,200 Btu/Hr (maximum the space can support)
79,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr used)
ThespaceintheaboveexampleisaconfinedspacebecausetheactualBtu/HrusedismorethanthemaximumBtu/Hrthespacecansupport.
You must provide additional fresh air. Your options are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an adjoining room. If the extra space provides an unconfined space, remove door to adjoin-
ing room or add ventilation grills between rooms. See Ventilation Air From Inside Building, page 6.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 6.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr heater, if lower Btu/Hr size makes room unconfined.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support, the space is an unconfined space. You will need no
additional fresh air ventilation.
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
Continued
Continued
WARNING:Iftheareainwhichtheheatermaybeoperatedissmallerthanthatdefinedasanunconfinedspace
or if the building is of unusually tight construction, provide adequate combustion and ventilation air by one of
the methods described in the National Fuel Gas Code, ANS Z223.1, 1992, Section 5.3 or applicable local codes.
Example:
Gas water heater 40,000 Btu/Hr
Vent-free heater +39,000 Btu/Hr
Total =79,000 Btu/Hr

6
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
Continued
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside
Building
Thisfreshairwouldcomefromanadjoining
unconfined space. When ventilating to an
adjoining unconfined space, you must pro-
vide two permanent openings: one within
12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the
floor on the wall connecting the two spaces
(seeoptions1and2,Figure2).Youcanalso
remove door into adjoining room (see op-
tion 3, Figure 2). Follow the National Fuel
Gas Code NFPA 54/ANS Z223.1, Section
5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for
required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation
grills or ducts. You must provide two per-
manent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the floor.
Connecttheseitemsdirectlytotheoutdoors
orspacesopentotheoutdoors.Thesespaces
include attics and crawl spaces.
IMPORTANT: Donot provide openingsfor
inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a
thermostat-controlledpowervent.Heatedair
enteringtheatticwillactivatethepowervent.
Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building
Outlet
Air Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option
3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
Ventilation
Grills
Into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
12"
12"
WARNING: Rework work-
sheet, adding the space of the
adjoiningunconfinedspace.The
combined spaces must have
enough fresh air to supply all
appliances in both spaces.

7
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
LOG SIZING REQUIREMENTS
Log Minimum Firebox
Size Height Depth Front Rear *
Width Width
18" 17" 14" 24" 20"
24" 17" 14" 28" 21"
30" 17" 14" 34" 24"
36" 17" 14" 40" 30"
INSTALLATION AND
CLEARANCES
(Vent-Free Operation Only)
Figure4-MinimumClearancetoWalland
Ceiling
WARNING:Maintainthemini-
mum clearances. If you can, pro-
vide greater clearances from
floor, ceiling, and adjoining wall.
MINIMUM FIREPLACE
CLEARANCE TO
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
Log Size Side Wall Ceiling
18", 24", 16" 42"
30", and 36"
Carefullyfollowtheinstructionsbelow.This
will ensure safe installation into a masonry,
UL127-listed manufactured fireplace, or
listed vent-free firebox.
Minimum Wall and Ceiling
Clearances (see Figure 4)
A. Clearances from the side of the fire-
place opening to any combustible wall
should not be less than 16 inches.
B. Clearancesfromthetopofthefireplace
openingtotheceiling should not be less
than 42 inches.
42"
16"
Left and
Right Sides
WARNING: Never install the
heater
• in a bedroom or bathroom un-
less installed as a vented ap-
pliance, see page 10
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing, or other flammable
objectsarelessthan42inches
from the front, top, or sides of
the heater
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
INSTALLATION
NOTICE: A qualified service per-
son must install heater. Follow
all local codes.
WARNING: Before installing
in a solid fuel burning fireplace,
thechimneyflueandfireboxmust
be cleaned of soot, creosote,
ashes and loose paint by a quali-
fied chimney cleaner. Creosote
willigniteifhighlyheated. Adirty
chimneyfluemaycreateanddis-
tribute soot within the house. In-
spectchimneyfluefordamage.If
damaged,operateheaterwithflue
damper closed.
WARNING: Seal any fresh air
vents or ash clean-out doors lo-
catedonfloororwalloffireplace.
If not, drafting may cause pilot
outage or sooting. Use a heat-
resistant sealant. Do not seal
chimney flue damper.
CAUTION: This heater cre-
ates warm air currents. These
currents move heat to wall sur-
faces next to heater. Installing
heater next to vinyl or cloth wall
coverings or operating heater
where impurities (such as to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning fluids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls.
IMPORTANT: Vent-freeheatersaddmois-
ture to the air. Although this is beneficial,
installing heater in rooms without enough
ventilation air may cause mildew to form
from too much moisture. See Air for Com-
bustion and Ventilation, pages 4 through 6.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only propane gas. If your gas supply is
notpropane,donotinstallheater.Calldealer
where you bought heater for proper type
heater.
NOTICE:Stateorlocalcodesmay
onlyallowoperationofthisappli-
ance in a vented configuration.
Check your state or local codes.
Continued
NOTICE: This heater is intended
foruseassupplementalheat.Use
this heater along with your pri-
mary heating system. Do not in-
stall this heater as your primary
heatsource.If you haveacentral
heating system, you may run
system’scirculatingblowerwhile
usingheater.Thiswillhelpcircu-
late the heat throughout the
house. In the event of a power
outage, you can use this heater
as your primary heat source.
* Measured at 14" depth.

8
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
INSTALLATION
Continued
Minimum Noncombustible
Material Clearances
If Not Using Mantel
Note: If using a mantel, proceed to If Using
Mantel. If not using a mantel, follow the
information below.
You must have noncombustible material(s)
above the fireplace opening. Noncombus-
tible materials (such as slate, marble, tile,
etc.) must be at least 1/2 inch thick. With
sheet metal, you must have noncombustible
material behind it. Noncombustible material
must extend at least 8" up (for all models). If
noncombustiblematerialislessthan12",you
must install the fireplace hood accessory
(24", 30", and 36” models only). See Figure
5 to the right for minimum clearances.
IMPORTANT: If you cannot meet these
minimum clearances, you must operate
heater with chimney flue damper open. Go
to Installing Damper Clamp Accessory for
Vented Operation, page 10.
If Using Mantel
You must have noncombustible material(s)
above the fireplace opening. Noncombus-
tible materials (such as slate, marble, tile,
etc.) must be at least 1/2 inch thick. With
sheetmetal,youmusthavenoncombustible
material behind it. Noncombustible mate-
rial must extend at least 8 inches up (for all
models). If noncombustible material is less
than12",youmustinstallthefireplacehood
accessory (24", 30”, and 36" models only).
Even if noncombustible material is more
than 12", you may need the hood accessory
todeflectheatawayfromyourmantelshelf.
SeeFigure5andFigures6and7,page9, for
minimum clearances.
Figure 5 - Heat Resistant Material (Slate,
Marble, Tile, etc.) Above Fireplace
Heat Resistant
Material (A)
Noncombustible Requirements for
Material Distance (A) Safe Installation
12" or more Noncombustible material OK.
Between 8" and 12" 24", 30", or 36" Models: Install fireplace hood ac-
cessory(GA6050,GA6052 orGA6053see Acces-
sories, page 24).
18" Model: Noncombustible material OK.
Less than 8" Noncombustible material must be extended to at
least 8". See Between 8" and 12", above. If you
cannot extend material, you must operate heater
with flue damper open.
NOTICE: Manual control heaters
maybeusedasaventedproduct.
If so, you must always run heater
withchimneyfluedamperopen.If
runningheaterwithdamperopen,
noncombustible material above
fireplace opening is not needed.

9
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
Figure 7 - Minimum Mantel Clearances When Using Hood
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 6 - Minimum Mantel Clearances Without Using Hood
MANTEL CLEARANCES
Inadditiontomeetingnoncombustiblemate-
rial clearances, you must also meet required
clearances between fireplace opening and
mantel shelf. If you do not meet the clear-
ances listed below, you will need a hood.
Determining Minimum Mantel
Clearance
If you meet minimum clearance between
mantel shelf and top of fireplace opening, a
hood is not required (see Figure 6, page 9).
Determining Minimum Mantel Clear-
ance When using a Hood
IfminimumclearancesinFigure6arenotmet,
you must have a hood. When using a hood
there are still certain minimum mantel clear-
ances required. Follow minimum clearances
shown in Figure 7, page 9 when using hood.
Minimum Non-
Combustible
Material
Minimum Non-
Combustible
Material Height
Distances to
Underside of
Mantel
Top of Fireplace
Opening
Underside of
Mantel Shelf
Mantel Shelf
12"
8"
(A)
18"
8"
20"
14"
22"
16
3
/4 "
24"
20"
All minimum
distances are
in inches
Log Set
24"/30"/36" Models
18" Model
2
1/2
"
6"
8"
10"
Minimum Non-
Combustible
Material 8"
Min. 12" 15" 18"
All minimum
distances are
in inches
Log Sets
All Models
20"
2
1/2
"
6"
8"
10"
12"
Distances to
Underside of
Mantel
Hood
(GA6050, GA6052)
Top of Fireplace
Opening
Underside of
Mantel Shelf
Mantel Shelf
Figure8-MinimumFireplaceClearances
If Installed at Floor Level Figure9-MinimumFireplaceClearances Above Combustible Flooring
14"
Min.
Combustible
Material
Non-Combustible Material
Hearth
5"
Min.
Combustible
Material
Hearth Combustible
Material
5”
Min.
Continued
FLOOR CLEARANCES
A. If installingapplianceonthe floor level,
you must maintain the minimum dis-
tance of 14" to combustibles (see Fig-
ure 8, page 9).
B. If combustible materials are less than
14" to the fireplace, you must install
applianceatleast5"abovethecombus-
tible flooring (see Figure 9, page 9).
NOTICE:Ifyourinstallationdoes
notmeettheminimumclearances
shown, you must do one of the
following:
• operate the logs only with the
flue damper open
• raise the mantel to an accept-
able height
• remove the mantel
Hood (GA6050,
GA6052 or GA6053)

10
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLING HEATER BASE
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If installing in a
sunken fireplace, special care is
needed. You must raise the fire-
place floor to allow access to
heater control panel. This will in-
sure adequate air flow and guard
against sooting. Raise fireplace
floorwith non-combustible mate-
rial.Make surematerialis secure.
CAUTION: Do not pick up
heater base assembly by the
burner. This could damage
heater. Only handle base assem-
bly by grates.
WARNING: You must secure
this heater to fireplace floor. If
not, heater will move when you
adjust controls. Moving heater
may cause a gas leak.
IMPORTANT: Makesuretheheaterburner
is level. If heater is not level, heater will not
work properly.
Installation Items Needed
• hardwarepackage(providedwithheater)
• approvedflexiblegashose (not provided)
(if allowed by local codes)
• sealant(resistanttoLPgas,notprovided)
• electric drill with 3/16" drill bit (metal
or masonry as applicable)
• flathead screwdriver
1. Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male
threads of the fitting to be threaded into
gas control. Connect approved flexible
gas hose to gas control fitting in heater
(see Figure 11, page 11). IMPOR-
TANT: Hold gas fitting with wrench
when connecting flexible gas hose.
2. Locate two masonry screws in hard-
ware package.
3. Place heater base in fireplace.
4. Place logs in their proper position on
heater base.
CAUTION:Donotremovethe
metal data plates attached to the
heater base assembly. The data
platescontainimportantwarranty
information.
Area of Various Standard
Round Flues
Diameter (ins.) Area (sq. ins.)
5" 20 sq. inches
6" 29 sq. inches
7" 39 sq. inches
8" 51 sq. inches
INSTALLING DAMPER
CLAMP ACCESSORY FOR
VENTED OPERATION
Note: When used as a vented heater, appli-
ance must be installed only in a solid-fuel
burning fireplace with a working flue and
constructed of noncombustible material.
Ifyourheaterisamanuallycontrolledmodel,
youmay usethisheater asavented product.
There are three reasons for operating your
heater in the vented mode:
1. The fireplace does not meet the clear-
ance to combustibles requirements for
vent-free operation
2. State or local codes do not permit vent-
free operation
3. You prefer vented operation
Ifreasonsnumber1or2aboveapplytoyou,
you must permanently open chimney flue
damper.You must installthedamper clamp
accessory (to order, see Accessories, page
24). This will insure vented operation (see
Figure 10). The damper clamp will keep
damper open. Installation instructions are
included with clamp accessory.
See chart below for minimum permanent
flue opening you must provide. Attach
damper clamp so the minimum permanent
flueopening willbemaintained atalltimes.
Chimney Minimum Permanent
Height (ft.) Flue Opening (sq. ins.)
6' to 15' 39 sq. inches
15' to 30' 29 sq. inches
Figure 10 - Attaching Damper Clamp
Damper
Damper
Clamp
Damper
Clamp Damper
Damper
Masonry Fireplace Manufactured Fireplace

11
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
CONNECTING TO GAS
SUPPLY
NOTICE: A qualified service per-
son must connect heater to gas
supply. Follow all local codes.
CAUTION: Never connect
heaterdirectlytothepropanesup-
ply. This heater requires an exter-
nalregulator(notsupplied).Install
theexternalregulatorbetweenthe
heater and propane supply.
Installation Items Needed
Beforeinstallingheater,makesureyouhave
the items listed below.
• external regulator (supplied by installer,
see above)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to LP gas)
• manual shutoff valve *
• test gauge connection *
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
* AnA.G.A.design-certifiedmanualshutoff
valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Pur-
chase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See
Accessories, page 24.
The installer must supply an external regu-
lator. The external regulator will reduce
incoming gas pressure. You must reduce
incominggaspressuretobetween11and14
inchesofwater.Ifyoudonotreduceincom-
ing gas pressure, heater regulator damage
could occur. Install external regulator with
the vent pointing down as shown in Figure
13. Pointing the vent down protects it from
freezing rain or sleet.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Flexible Gas
Hose (if allowed
by local codes)
WARNING: Never connect
heater to private (non-utility) gas
wells. This gas is commonly
known as wellhead gas.
Installation must include a manual shutoff
valve, union, and plugged 1/8" NPT tap.
Locate NPT tap within reach for test gauge
hook up. NPT tap must be upstream from
heater (see Figure 14, page 12).
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male
threads. This will prevent excess sealant
fromgoingintopipe. Excess sealant in pipe
could result in clogged heater valves.
CAUTION: Use only new,
black iron or steel pipe. Inter-
nally-tinned copper tubing may
be used in certain areas. Check
yourlocalcodes.Usepipeof1/2"
diameter or greater to allow
proper gas volume to heater. If
pipe is too small, undue loss of
pressure will occur.
Figure 13 - External Regulator With Vent
Pointing Down
Propane
Supply
Tank
5. Center heater base and logs front-to-
back and side-to-side in fireplace.
6. Carefully remove logs without moving
heater base.
7. Mark screw locations through one hole
on each side of the mounting bracket
(see Figure 12). If installing in a brick-
bottom fireplace, mark screw locations
in mortar joint of bricks.
8. Remove heater base from fireplace. If
installing optional control accessories,
do so at this time. Follow all directions
provided with accessory.
9. Drill holes at marked locations using
3/16" drill bit.
10. Attach base assembly to fireplace floor
usingtwomasonryscrews(in hardware
package).
11. Connect to gas supply. See Connect-
ing To Gas Supply.
12. Replace logs on heater base.
Figure 11 - Attaching Flexible Gas Hose
to Heater
Figure 12 - Attaching Base Assembly to
Fireplace Floor
Fitting
Masonry Screw
Mounting
Flanges
Installsedimenttrapinsupplylineasshown
in Figure 14, page 12. Locate sediment trap
whereitiswithinreachforcleaning.Locate
sediment trap where trapped matter is not
likelyto freeze. Asedimenttrap trapsmois-
ture and contaminants. This keeps them
fromgoingintoheatercontrols.Ifsediment
trap is not installed or is installed wrong,
heater may not run properly.
CAUTION:Usepipejointseal-
ant that is resistant to liquid pe-
troleum (LP) gas.
CAUTION: Avoid damage to
control. Hold fitting with wrench
when connecting it to gas piping
and/or fittings.
External
Regulator
Vent
Pointing
Down
Continued

12
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
ON
POSITION
OFF
POSITION
Figure 15 - Manual Shutoff Valve
Open
Closed
Manual
Shutoff
Valve
Figure 16 - Checking Gas Joints
WARNING:Neveruseanopen
flame to check for a leak. Apply a
mixture of liquid soap and water
toalljoints.Bubblesformingshow
a leak. Correct all leaks at once.
WARNING: Test all gas pip-
ing and connections for leaks
after installing or servicing. Cor-
rect all leaks at once.
CAUTION: Make sure exter-
nal regulator has been installed
between propane supply and
heater.Seeguidelinesunder Con-
necting to Gas Supply , page 11.
CHECKING GAS
CONNECTIONS
Pressure Testing Gas Supply
Piping System
TestPressuresInExcessOf1/2PSIG
1. Disconnect heater and its individual
manual shutoff valve from gas supply
piping system. Pressures in excess of
1/2 psig will damage heater regulator.
INSTALLATION
Continued
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where
manual shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by ei-
ther using compressed air or opening
propane supply tank valve.
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping
system. Apply mixture of liquid soap
and water to gas joints. Bubbles form-
ing show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Reconnect heater and manual shutoff
valve to gas supply. Check reconnected
fittings for leaks.
TestPressuresEqualToorLessThan
1/2 PSIG
1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Fig-
ure 15).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by ei-
ther using compressed air or opening
propane supply tank valve.
3. Check all joints from propane supply
tank to manual shutoff valve (see Fig-
ure 16). Apply mixture of liquid soap
and water to gas joints. Bubbles form-
ing show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
Figure 14 - Gas Connection
*PurchasetheoptionalA.G.A.design-certifiedmanualshutoffvalvefromyourdealer.See
Accessories, page 24.
** Minimum inlet pressure for purpose of input adjustment.
Gas Control
3" Minimum
A.G.A. Design-Certified Manual
Shutoff Valve With 1/8" NPT Tap*
Approved Flexible
Gas Hose (if allowed
by local codes)
Tee Joint
Pipe Nipple
Cap
Sediment
Trap
From External
Regulator (11"
W.C.** to 14"
W.C. Pressure)
Pressure Testing Heater Gas
Connections
1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Fig-
ure 15).
2. Open propane supply tank valve.
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in
the OFF position.
4. Checkalljointsfrommanualshutoffvalve
to control valve (see Figure 16). Apply
mixture of liquid soap and water to gas
joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light heater (see Operating Heater,
pages 14 through 16 ). Check all other
internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance, page 15).
Control Valve
Location
Propane
Supply
Tank Manual Shutoff Valve

13
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
INSTALLATION
Continued
WARNING:Failuretoposition
thepartsinaccordancewiththese
diagrams or failure to use only
parts specifically approved with
this heater may result in property
damage or personal injury.
INSTALLING LOGS
Itisveryimportanttoinstallthelogsexactly
as instructed. Do not modify logs. Only use
logs supplied with heater.
1. Place one-piece log set on grate to fit
as illustrated in Figure 17. Make sure
middle section at bottom of log set is
seated into “U”-shaped cutout in cen-
terofchassis(see Figure 17). Note: 36”
model has more features but fits on the
chassis the same. Log will fit securely
on chassis. IMPORTANT: Make sure
log does not cover any burner ports.
2. Place lava rock around base of heater.
Figure 17 - Installing Golden Oak One-Piece Log Set
Figure 18 - Installing Golden Oak One-Piece Log set (Top View)
CAUTION: After installation
andperiodicallythereafter,check
to ensure that no flame comes in
contact with any log. With the
heatersettoHigh,check to see if
flames contact any log. If so, re-
position logs according to the
loginstallationinstructionsinthis
manual. Flames contacting logs
will create soot.
One Piece Log Set
Burner
Middle
Section at
Bottom of Log
Set
"U"-shaped Cutout
in Chassis
Chassis
One Piece Log Set
Burner
Ports

14
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
1. STOP! Read the safety information,
column 1.
2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is
fully open.
3. Set switch in OFF position.
OPERATING
HEATER
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE
LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not fol-
low these instructions exactly, a
fireorexplosionmayresultcaus-
ing property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.
A. Thisappliancehasapilot whichmust
belightedby hand.When lightingthe
pilot,followtheseinstructionsexactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all
aroundthe appliance areaforgas.Be
sureto smell next to the floorbecause
some gas is heavier than air and will
settle on the floor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL
GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Donottouchanyelectricswitch;do
notuseanyphoneinyourbuilding.
• Immediatelycallyourgas supplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas sup-
plier, call the fire department.
C. Useonlyyourhandtopushinorturn
thegascontrolknob.Neverusetools.
If the knob will not push in or turn
by hand, don’t try to repair it, call a
qualified service technician or gas
supplier. Force or attempted repair
may result in a fire or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part
has been under water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to
inspect the appliance and to replace
any part of the control system and
any gas control which has been un-
der water.
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
• If fireplace has glass doors,
never operate this heater with
glass doors closed. If you op-
erateheaterwithdoorsclosed,
heat buildup inside fireplace
will cause glass to burst. Also
if fireplace opening has vents
at the bottom, you must open
the vents before operating
heater.
• You must operate this heater
withafireplacescreeninplace.
Make sure fireplace screen is
closed before running heater.
NOTICE: During initial operation
of new heater, burning logs will
give off a paper-burning smell.
Open damper or window to vent
smell.Thiswillonlylastafewhours.
Note: Home owners generally prefer to
operate their heater with the chimney
damper closed. This will put all the heat
into the room. However, there may be
timesyouwill desirethefullflames ofthe
High heat setting but will find the heat
outputexcessive. Youcanopen thechim-
ney damper (if you have one) fully or
partially to release some of the heat.
WARNING: Damper handle
will be hot if heater has been
running.
4. Pressin and turncontrolknob clock-
wise to the OFF position.
5. Wait five(5) minutes toclear out any
gas. Then smell for gas, including
near the floor. If you smell gas,
STOP! Follow “B” in the safety in-
formation. If you don’t smell gas, go
to the next step.
6. Pressin andturn controlknobcoun-
terclockwise to the PILOT
position. Press in control knob for
five (5) seconds (see Figure 19).
Note: You may be running this
heater for the first time after hook-
ing up to gas supply. If so, the con-
trol knob may need to be pressed in
for 30 seconds or more. This will al-
low air to bleed from the gas system.
7. With control knob pressed in, press
and release ignitor button. This will
lightpilot.Thepilotisattachedtothe
front burner. If needed, keep press-
ing ignitor button until pilot lights.
Note: If pilot does not stay lit, con-
tact a qualified service person or gas
supplierforrepairs.Untilrepairsare
made,lightpilotwithmatch.Tolight
pilot with match, see Manual Light-
ing Procedure on page 15.
WARNING: Burner will come
on automatically within one
minute when the selector switch
is in the ON position after the
pilot is lit.
Figure 19 - Control Knob and Ignitor Button Location (Shown as Supplied,
No Control Options)
O
F
F
P
I
L
O
T
O
N
L
O
I
H
AUTO
OFF
ON
Control Knob
Ignitor Button Selector Switch in OFF Position
Flame Adjustment Knob

15
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
Figure 20- Pilot
Ignitor
Electrode
Pilot Burner
8. Keep control knob pressed in for 30
seconds after lighting pilot.After 30
seconds, release control knob.
• If control knob does not pop out
when released, contact a qualified
service person or gas supplier for
repairs.
Note: Ifpilotgoesout, repeatsteps
4 through 8.
9. Slightly push in and turn control
knobcounterclockwise tothe
ON position.
10. Wait one minute and switch selector
switch to the ON position to light
burner. Note: AUTO is only func-
tional when using GWMT1 or
GWMS2 optional accessories.
11. Set flame adjustment knob to any
level between HI and LO.
CAUTION:Donottrytoadjust
heating levels by using the
manual shutoff valve.
WARNING: Make sure the
selector switch is in the OFF po-
sition when you are away from
home for long periods of time.
Heater will come on automati-
cally with selector switch in the
ON position.
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
TO TURN OFF GAS
TO APPLIANCE
Shutting Off Heater
1. Turncontrolknobclockwise
to the OFF position.
2a. SetselectorswitchintheOFFposition
2b. If Using Optional Hand-Held Re-
mote:Setselectorswitchin the OFF
positionto keepfromdrainingbattery.
Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot
stays lit)
Youmayshutofftheburnerandkeepthe
pilot lit by doing one of the following:
1. Turncontrolknobclockwise
to the PILOT position.
2. UseremotecontrolmanualOFFbutton.
3. SetselectorswitchintheOFFposition.
MANUAL LIGHTING
PROCEDURE
Thermostat Control Operation
(Optional GHRCT Only) The thermo-
stat control setting on the remote control
unit can be set to any comfort level be-
tween HI and LO. The burner will turn
on and off automatically to maintain the
comfort level you select. The ideal com-
fort setting will vary by household de-
pending upon the amount of space to be
heated, the output of the central heating
system, etc.
1. Followsteps1through6underLight-
ing Instructions, page 14.
2. Depress control knob and light pilot
with match.
3. Keep control knob pressed in for 30
seconds after lighting pilot.After 30
seconds, release control knob. Now
follow steps 9 through 11, column 1.
OPTIONAL REMOTE
OPERATION
NOTICE: You must light the pilot
before using the hand-held re-
mote control unit. See Lighting
Instructions on page 14.
1. Afterlighting,letpilotflame burnfor
aboutoneminute.Turncontrolknob
to ON position.Adjust flame adjust-
ment knob anywhere between HI
and LO. Slide the selector switch to
the REMOTE position. NOTE: The
burnermay light ifhand-heldremote
ON button was on when selector
switch was last turned off. You can
now turn the burner on and off with
the hand-held remote control unit.
IMPORTANT: Do not leave the se-
lector switch in the REMOTE posi-
tionwhenthepilotis not lit.Thiswill
drain the battery.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to press the
ON/OFF buttons on the hand held
remote control unit for up to 3 sec-
onds to assure proper operation.
GHRC Operation:
2a. Pressthe ON/OFF buttontoturnthe
burner on and off. When turning
burner off, the pilot will remain lit.
GHRCT Operation
2b. Select the MAN (manual) or AUTO
buttononthe hand-held remote con-
trol unit (see Figure 22, page 16)
• In MAN mode, turn burner on or
off by pressing the ON or OFF
buttons on the hand-held remote
control unit.
• In auto mode, the room tempera-
ture is controlled by the thermo-
stat in the hand-held remote con-
trolunit.Toincreasetheroomtem-
perature,pressthe toparrowofthe
TEMP button. To lower room the
temperature, press the bottom ar-
rowoftheTEMPbutton.Athigher
settings the heater will run more.
Continued
Note: Allremotecontrolaccessoriesmust
bepurchasedseparately(seeAccessories,
page 24). Follow instructions included
with the remote control.
For wall thermostat operation, follow in-
structionssuppliedwiththermostatacces-
sory GWMT1. For wall switch operation
followinstructionsuppliedwithGWMS2.

16
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
IMPORTANT: This remotecontrol
has been specially engineered to
takeanairtemperaturesampleev-
ery5.5 minutesin theAUTOmode.
It will not respond immediately to
the temperature setting being
turned up or down.
IMPORTANT: The hand-held re-
mote control unit must be near the
heater. Do not keep the hand-held
remote control unit too close the
heater.Thethermostatonthehand-
heldremotecontrolunitwillheatup
too quickly and turn the heater off.
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
TEMP
STATUS
HI
LO
MAN ON
AUTO OFF
Increases Room
Temperature
Decreases Room
Temperature
Turns Burner On
and Off
Shows Current
Operation Mode
Shows Temperature Setting
Allows Burner to be Turned
On and Off with the Hand-
Held Remote Unit.
Figure 22 - Thermostat Hand-Held Remote Control Unit Selections (GHRCT only)
The log heater will
automatically cycle between
pilot and the heat setting that
has been selected.
Figure 21 - Setting the Selector Switch, Control Knob, and Flame
Adjustment Knob for Remote Operation
Selector Switch in Remote Position (Optional
Remote Control)
ON
OFF
REMOTE
O
F
F
P
I
L
O
T
O
N
L
O
I
H
Control Knob in
On PositionFlame Adjustment Knob
Figure 23 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
Figure 24 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern
Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame
patterns often.
PILOT FLAME PATTERN
Figure 23 shows a correct pilot flame pat-
tern. Figure 24 shows an incorrect pilot
flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is
not properly heating the thermocouple.
When the thermocouple cools, the heater
will shut down.
If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown
in Figure 24
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance, page 15)
• seeTroubleshooting,pages 17 through 19
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
INSPECTING
BURNERS
BURNER PRIMARY AIR HOLES
Air is drawn into the burner through the
holes in the fitting at the burner entrance.
These holes may become blocked with dust
or lint. Periodically inspect these holes for
any blockage and clean if needed. Blocked
air holes will create soot.
MAIN BURNER
Periodically inspect all burner flame holes
with the heater running. All slotted burner
flame holes should be open with yellow
flame present. All round burner flame holes
should be open with a small blue flame
present. Some burner flame holes may be-
comeblockedbydebrisorrust,withnoflame
present. If so, turn off heater and let cool.
Either remove blockage or replace burner.
Blocked burner flame holes will create soot.
3. UsetheSTATUSbuttononthehand-
held remote control unit to see the
operation mode being used and the
temperature setting selected. A red
light will come on beside the opera-
tion mode being used when the sta-
tus button is pressed.
4. Toturnthe burneroffwhenoperating
in the manual mode, press the OFF
button. If operating in the auto mode,
press the MAN button, then press the
OFF button. The pilot will remain lit.
IMPORTANT: To turn the pilot off,
manuallyturnthecontrolknobonthe
heater to the OFF position.

17
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Turn off heater
and let cool before servicing.
Onlyaqualified service person
should service and repair
heater.
CAUTION: Never use a wire,
needle, or similar object to clean
ODS/pilot.ThiscandamageODS/
pilot unit.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Ignitor electrode not connected to igni-
tor cable
2. Ignitor cable pinched or wet
3. Piezo ignitor nut is loose
4. Broken ignitor cable
5. Bad piezo ignitor
6. Ignitor electrode broken
7. Ignitor electrode positioned wrong
1. Gas supply turned off or manual shutoff
valve closed
2. Control knob not in PILOT position
3. Control knob not pressed in while in
PILOT position
4. Air in gas lines when installed
5. Depleted gas supply
6. ODS/pilot is clogged
7. Gas regulator setting is not correct
1. Control knob not fully pressed in
2. Control knob not pressed in longenough
3. Manual shutoff valve not fully open
4. Pilot flame not touching thermocouple,
which allows thermocouple to cool,
causing pilot flame to go out. This prob-
lem could be caused by one or both of
the following:
A) Low gas pressure
B) Dirty or partially clogged ODS/pilot
5. Thermocouple connection loose at con-
trol valve
6. Thermocouple damaged
7. Control valve damaged
REMEDY
1. Reconnect ignitor cable
2. Free ignitor cable if pinched by any
metal or tubing. Keep ignitor cable dry
3. Tightennut holding piezo ignitor to base
panel of log set. Nut is located behind
base panel.
4. Replace ignitor cable
5. Replace piezo ignitor
6. Replace piezo ignitor
7. Replace piezo ignitor
1. Turn on gas supply or open manual
shutoff valve
2. Turn control knob to PILOT position
3. Press in control knob while in PILOT
position
4. Continue holding down control knob.
Repeat igniting operation until air is re-
moved
5. Contact local propane gas company
6. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 21) or replace ODS/
pilot assembly
7. Replace gas control
1. Press in control knob fully
2. After ODS/pilot lights, keep control
knob pressed in 30 seconds
3. Fully open manual shut-off valve
4. A) Contact local propane gas company
B) Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 21) or replace ODS/
pilot assembly
5. Hand tighten until snug, then tighten
1/4 turn more
6. Replace thermocouple
7. Replace control valve
OBSERVED PROBLEM
When ignitor button is pressed, there is no
spark at ODS/pilot
When ignitor button is pressed, there is
spark at ODS/pilot but no ignition
ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when
control knob is released
Continued
Note: For additional help, visit DESA
International’stechnicalservicewebsite
at www.desatech.com.
Note: Alltroubleshootingitemsarelistedin
order of operation.
www.desatech.com

18
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Burner does not light after ODS/pilot is lit
Delayed ignition burner
Burner backfiring during combustion
Slightsmokeorodorduringinitialoperation
Moisture/condensationnoticedonwindows
Heater produces a whistling noise when
burner is lit
Whitepowderresidueformingwithinburner
box or on adjacent walls or furniture
Remote does not function
REMEDY
1. Clean burner (see Cleaning and Main-
tenance, page 21) or replace burner orifice
2. Contact local propane gas company
3. Replace burner orifice
4. Reconnect leads (see WiringDiagram,
page 20)
5. Replace battery in transmitter and
receiver
1. Contact local propane gas company
2. Clean burner (see Cleaning and Main-
tenance, page 21) or replace burner orifice
1. Clean burner (see Cleaning and
Maintenance,page21)or replace burner
orifice
2. Replace damaged burner
3. Replace gas control
1. Check burner for dirt and debris. If
found, clean burner (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 21)
2. Replace gas control
3. Problem will stop after a few hours of
operation
1. Refer to Air for Combustion and Venti-
lation requirements (page 4)
1. Turn control knob to LO position and
let warm up for a minute
2. Operateburner until air is removed from
line.Have gas line checked by local pro-
pane gas company
3. Observe minimum installation clear-
ances (see pages 7 through 9)
4. Cleanburner(seeCleaningandMaintennce,
page 21) or replace burner orifice
1. Turn heater off when using furniture
polish, wax, carpet cleaners, or similar
products
1. Replace 9-volt batteries in receiver and
remote control
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Burner orifice clogged
2. Inlet gas pressure is too low
3. Burner orifice diameter is too small
4. Thermopile leads disconnected or im-
properly connected
5. Burners will not come on in remote po-
sition
1. Manifold pressure is too low
2. Burner orifice clogged
1. Burner orifice is clogged or damaged
2. Damaged burner
3. Gas regulator defective
1. Not enough air
2. Gas regulator defective
3. Residues from manufacturing processes
and logs curing
1. Not enough combustion/ventilation air
1. Turning control knob to HI position
when burner is cold
2. Air in gas line
3. Air passageways on heater blocked
4. Dirty or partially clogged burner orifice
1. When heated, vapors from furniture pol-
ish, wax, carpet cleaners, etc. turn into
white powder residue
1. Battery is not installed. Battery power
is low
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19
104309
OWNER’S MANUAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued
WARNING: If you smell gas
• Shut off gas supply.
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your
building.
• Immediatelycallyourgassupplierfromaneighbor’sphone.Followthe
gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Heater produces a clicking/ticking noise
just after burner is lit or shut off
Heater produces unwanted odors
Heater shuts off in use (ODS operates)
Gas odor even when control knob is in OFF
position
Gas odor during combustion
IMPORTANT: Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors. Cleaning
supplies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new carpet or textiles,
etc.,createfumes.Thesefumesmaymixwithcombustionairandcreateodors.Theseodors
will disappear over time.
REMEDY
1. This is common with most heaters. If
noise is excessive, contact qualified ser-
vice person
1. Open window and ventilate room. Stop
usingodorcausingproducts while heater
is running
2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, page 12)
1. Open windowand/ordoorfor ventilation
2. Contact local natural gas company
3. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 21)
1. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, page 12)
2. Replace control valve
1. Take apart gas tubing and remove for-
eign matter
2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, page 12)
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Metal expanding while heating or con-
tracting while cooling
1. Heater burning vapors from paint, hair
spray, glues, cleaners, chemicals, new
carpet, etc. (See IMPORTANT state-
ment above)
2. Gas leak. SeeWarning statement at
top of page
1. Not enough fresh air is available
2. Low line pressure
3. ODS/pilot is partially clogged
1. Gas leak. SeeWarning statement at
top of page
2. Control valve defective
1. Foreign matter between control valve
and burner
2. Gas leak. SeeWarning statement at
top of page
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20
104309
UNVENTED PROPANE/LP GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
SPECIFICATIONS
Golden Oak Golden Oak
18" Remote 24”,30”,and 36"
Ready Remote Ready
Btu (Variable) 16,000/30,000 20,000/39,000
Type Gas Propane Only Propane Only
Ignition Piezo Piezo
Pressure Manifold 8.0" W.C. 8.0" W.C.
Inlet Gas Pressure (in. of water)
Maximum 14" 14"
Minimum* 11" 11"
Shipping Weight 28 lbs. 30 lbs. (24")/32 lbs. (30")/
34 lbs. (36”)
* For input adjustment
REPLACEMENT
PARTS
Note: Use only original replacement parts.
Thiswillprotectyourwarrantycoveragefor
parts replaced under warranty.
PARTS UNDER WARRANTY
Contact authorized dealers of this product.
If they can’t supply original replacement
part(s), call DESA International’s Techni-
calServiceDepartment at1-800-323-5190.
When calling DESA International, have
ready
• your name and address
• model number of your heater
• how heater was malfunctioning
• type of gas used (propane or natural gas)
• purchase date
Usually,wewillaskyoutoreturnthedefec-
tive part to the factory.
PARTS NOT UNDER
WARRANTY
Contact authorized dealers of this product.
If they can’t supply original replacement
part(s), call DESA International’s Parts
Department at 1-800-972-7879 for referral
information. When calling DESA Interna-
tional, have ready
• model number of your heater
• the replacement part number
SERVICE HINTS
When Gas Pressure Is Too Low
• pilot will not stay lit
• burners will have delayed ignition
• heater will not produce specified heat
• propane/LP gas supply may be low
When Gas Quality Is Bad
• pilot will not stay lit
• burners will produce flames and soot
• heater will backfire when lit
Youmayfeelyourgaspressureistoolowor
gas quality is bad. If so, contact your local
propane/LP gas supplier.
TECHNICAL
SERVICE
You may have further questions about in-
stallation, operation, or troubleshooting.
If so, contact DESA International’s Techni-
calServiceDepartmentat1-800-DESALOG
(1-800-337-2564).
You can also visit DESA International’s
technical services web site at
www.desatech.com.
WIRING DIAGRAM
Note : For proper operation of optional ac-
cessories, the wires from the switch to the
controlmustbeconnectedexactlyasshown.
AUTO
OFF
ON
Thermopile