Vanguard Gas Log Heater Quick start guide

UNVENTED (VENT-FREE)
NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
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. Refer to
Air for
Combustion and Ventilation section on page 4 of this manual.
18" and 24" Variable
Manually-Controlled Models
FLAME-MAX®Vintage Oak
Log Design
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
Models Also Design-Certified as Vented Decorative Appliances
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
FLAME-MAX®Golden Oak
Log Design
18", 24", 30", and 36" Variable
Manually-Controlled and
18", 24", and 30" Thermostati-
cally Controlled Models
18", 24", and 30" Variable
Manually-Controlled Model
FLAME-MAX®Birch
Log Design
®
Save this manual for future reference.
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.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other
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.
• 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.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier,
call the fire department.
— Installation and service must be per-
formed by a qualified installer, service
agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING:Improperinstallation,ad-
justment,alteration,service,ormain-
tenancecancauseinjuryorproperty
damage. Refer to this manual for
correct installation and operational
procedures. For assistance or addi-
tional information consult a quali-
fied installer, service 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,orinanapprovedventlessfire-
box. It is design-certified for these
installations in accordance with ANS
Z21.11.2. Exception: Do not install
this appliance in a factory-built fire-
place that includes instructions stat-
ing it has not been tested or should
not be used with unvented gas logs.

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
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104342
1. This appliance is only for use with the
typeof gasindicated on therating plate.
Thisappliance isnotconvertible foruse
with other gases.
2. 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
• immediately call your gas supplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the
gas supplier’s instructions
• ifyou cannotreach your gassupplier,
call the fire department
3. This heater shall not be installed in a
bedroom or bathroom unless installed
as a vented appliance (see Installing
Damper Clamp, page 10).
4. Never install the heater
• in a recreational vehicle
• wherecurtains, furniture,clothing, or
otherflammable objectsare lessthan
42inches fromthe front,top, orsides
of the heater
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. Before installing in a solid fuel burn-
ingfireplace, thechimney flueand fire-
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.
6. If fireplace has glass doors, never op-
eratethis heaterwithglass doors closed.
Ifyou operateheater withdoors closed,
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.
7. You mustoperate thisheaterwith a fire-
place screen in place. Make sure fire-
place screen is closed before running
heater.
8. This logheateris designed tobe smoke-
less. If logs ever appear to smoke, turn
off heater and call a qualified service
person. Note: During initial operation,
slight smoking could occur due to log
curing and heater burning manufactur-
ing residues.
SAFETY
INFORMATION
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early
signs of carbon monoxide poisoning re-
semble the flu, with headaches, dizziness,
ornausea.Ifyouhavethesesigns,theheater
maynotbe working properly.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.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is odorless. An
odor-making agent is added to the gas. The
odor helps you detect a gas leak. However,
theodor addedto thegas canfade. Gas may
be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all
Warnings. Keep this manual for reference.
It is your guide to safe and proper operation
of this heater.
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-
proper use of this heater can
causeseriousinjuryordeathfrom
burns, fire, explosion, electrical
shock, and carbon monoxide
poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
WARNING:Anychangetothis
heater or its controls can be
dangerous.
9. To prevent the creation of soot, follow
the instructions in Cleaning and Main-
tenance, page 23.
10. Do not allow fans to blow directly into
the fireplace. Avoid any drafts that al-
ter burner flame patterns. Ceiling fans
can create drafts that alter burner flame
patterns. Altered burner patterns can
cause sooting.
11. Do not use a blower insert, heat ex-
changer insert or other accessory not
approved for use with this heater.
12. This heaterneeds fresh,outsideair 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, pages 18 through 20.
13. Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors
are used or stored
• under dusty conditions
14. Do not use this heater to cook food or
burn paper or other objects.
15. Never place any objects on the heater.
16. Heater baseassembly becomes veryhot
whenrunning heater. Keep childrenand
adults away from hot surface to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Heater will
remain hot for a time after shutdown.
Allow surface to cool before touching.
17. Carefully supervise young children
when they are in the room with heater.
18. Do not use heater if any part has been
exposed to or under water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to in-
spectthe roomheaterand toreplaceany
part of the control system and any gas
control which has been under water.
19. Do not operate heater if any log is bro-
ken. Do not operate heater if a log is
chipped (dime-sized or larger).
20. Turn heater off and let cool before ser-
vicing. Only a qualified service person
should service and repair heater.
21. Operating heater above elevations of
4,500 feet could pilot outage.

OWNER’S MANUAL
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104342
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Figure 1 - Product Identification
Control Knob
Back Log
Base Assembly
Piezo Ignitor
Burner Crossover
Log
Front Log
Flame-Max®
Standard Oak Logs
Flame-Max®
Golden Oak Logs
Flame-Max®
Birch Logs
Control Knob
Piezo Ignitor
One Piece
Log Set
One Piece
Log Set
Control Knob
Piezo Ignitor
Base Assembly
Base Assembly
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.Thisheater may alsobeoperatedas
a vented decorative (ANS Z21.60) product
by opening the flue damper (for non-ther-
mostat 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.
LOCAL CODES
Installanduseheaterwithcare.Followalllocal
codes. In the absence of local codes, use the
latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code
ANS Z223.1, also known as NFPA 54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
Control Knob
Flame-Max®
Golden Oak Logs T-Stat
Piezo Ignitor
One Piece
Log Set
Base Assembly

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
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104342
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 (6 x 10-11 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-
tionsfor plumbing,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
threecriteria above,proceed to Deter-
miningFresh-AirFlowForHeaterLo-
cation, page 5.
Today’s homes are built more energy
efficientthanever.Newmaterials,increased
insulation, and new construction methods
helpreduceheatlossinhomes.Homeowners
weather strip and caulk around windows
and doors to keep the cold air out and the
warm air in. During heating months, home
owners want their homes as airtight as
possible.
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.
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
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.
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
unlessprovisions areprovidedfor adequate
combustion and ventilation air.
*Adjoiningroomsarecommunicatingonly
iftherearedoorlesspassagewaysorventila-
tion grills between them.

OWNER’S MANUAL
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104342
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)
71,500 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
Example:
Gas water heater 40,000 Btu/Hr
Vent-free heater +31,500 Btu/Hr
Total =71,500 Btu/Hr
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.

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
6
104342
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
Continued
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
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"
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.
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.
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 provideopeningsfor
inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a
thermostat-controlledpowervent.Heatedair
enteringtheatticwillactivatethepowervent.

OWNER’S MANUAL
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104342
42"
16"
NOTICE: Manual control heaters
maybeusedasaventedproduct.
Ifso,youmustalways runheater
with chimney flue damper open.
If running heater with damper
open, noncombustible material
above fireplace opening is not
needed. Go to Installing Damper
ClampAccessoryforVentedOp-
eration, page 10.
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
WARNING: A qualified ser-
vice person 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
chimneyflue maycreateanddis-
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.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is
not natural gas, do not install heater. Call
dealer where you bought heater for proper
type heater.
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.
NOTICE:Stateorlocalcodesmay
onlyallowoperationofthisappli-
ance in a vented configuration.
Check your state or local codes.
INSTALLATION AND
CLEARANCES
(Vent-Free Operation Only)
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"
LOG SIZING REQUIREMENTS
Log Minimum Firebox Size
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"
Carefullyfollowtheinstructionsbelow.This
will ensure safe installation into a masonry,
UL127-listedmanufacturedfireplace,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. Clearancesfrom thetop ofthe fireplace
openingto theceilingshould notbeless
than 42 inches.
Figure4-MinimumClearancetoWalland
Ceiling
Left and
Right
Sides
*Measured at 14" depth
NOTICE: This heater is intended
for use as supplemental heat.
Use this heater along with your
primary heating system. Do not
install this heater as your pri-
mary heat source. If you have a
central heating system, you may
run system’s circulating blower
whileusingheater. This willhelp
circulatetheheatthroughoutthe
house. In the event of a power
outage, you can use this heater
as your primary heat source.
Continued

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
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104342
Minimum Noncombustible
Material Clearances
If Not Using Mantel
Note: Ifusing amantel, proceedtoIf 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
sheetmetal,youmust havenoncombustible
material behind it. Noncombustible mate-
rial must extend at least 8" up (for all mod-
els). If noncombustible material is less than
12", you must install the fireplace hood
accessory (24", 30" and 36" models only).
See Figure 5 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,youmust havenoncombustible
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.
See Figure 5 and Figures 6 and 7 on page 9
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.
INSTALLATION
Continued
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,GA6052orGA6053,see Acces-
sories, page 30).
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.

OWNER’S MANUAL
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104342
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 6 - Minimum Mantel Clearances Without 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"
Figure 7 - Minimum Mantel Clearances When Using Hood
Minimum Non-
Combustible
Material 8"
Min. 12" 15" 18"
All minimum
distances are
in inches
20"
2
1/2
"
6"
8"
10"
12"
Distances to
Underside of
Mantel
Hood
(GA6050, GA6052
or GA6053)
Top of Fireplace
Opening
Underside of
Mantel Shelf
Mantel Shelf
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).
Determining Minimum Mantel
Clearance When Using a Hood
If minimum clearances in Figure 6 are not
met, you must have a hood. When using a
hoodtherearestillcertainminimummantel
clearancesrequired.Followminimumclear-
ances shown in Figure 7 when using hood.
NOTICE:If yourinstallationdoes
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
Continued
FLOOR CLEARANCES
A. If installing applianceon the floorlevel,
you must maintain the minimum dis-
tance of 14" to combustibles (see Fig-
ure 8).
B. If combustible materials are less than
14" to the fireplace, you must install
applianceat least5" abovethe combus-
tible flooring (see Figure 9).
Figure8-MinimumFireplaceClearances
If Installed at Floor Level
Figure9-MinimumFireplaceClearances
Above Combustible Flooring
14"
Min.
Combustible
Material
Non-Combustible Mate
Hearth
5"
Min.
Co
m
Ma
t
Combustible
Material
Noncombustible
Material
14"
Min. Hearth
5"
Min.
Combustible
Material

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
10
104342
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 HEATER BASE
ASSEMBLY
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.
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
floor with noncombustible mate-
rial.Makesure material issecure.
CAUTION: Do not pick up
heater base assembly by the
burner. This could damage
heater. Only handle base assem-
bly by grates.
IMPORTANT: Makesuretheheaterburner
is level. If heater is not level, heater will not
work properly.
INSTALLATION
Continued
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,
youmayuse this heaterasaventedproduct.
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.Youmust install thedamperclamp
accessory (to order, see Accessories, page
30). This will insure vented operation (see
Figure 10). The damper clamp will keep
damper open. Installation instructions are
included with clamp accessory.
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
See chart below for minimum permanent
flue opening you must provide. Attach
damper clamp so the minimum permanent
flueopeningwill be maintainedatalltimes.
Damper
Damper
Clamp
Damper
Clamp Damper
Damper
Masonry Fireplace Manufactured Fireplace
CAUTION:Do notremovethe
metalDataPlates attached tothe
heater base assembly. The Data
Platescontainimportantwarranty
information.

OWNER’S MANUAL
11
104342
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 11 - Attaching Flexible Gas Hose to Heater Gas Regulator
Figure 12 - Attaching Base Assembly to Fireplace Floor
Masonry Screw
Bracket with
Screw Holes
Standard Oak
Log Chassis
Golden Oak and
Birch Model Chassis
Masonry Screw
Bracket with
Screw Holes
Continued
Installation Items Needed
• hardwarepackage (providedwith heater)
• approvedflexible gashose(not provided)
(if allowed by local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas, not
provided)
• 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 regulator. Connect approved flex-
ible gas hose to gas regulator of heater
(see Figure 11).
IMPORTANT: Holdgas regulatorwith
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.
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.
9. Drill holes at marked locations using
3/16" drill bit.
10. Attach base assembly to fireplace floor
usingtwo masonryscrews(in hardware
package).
11. Connect to gas supply. See Connect-
ing To Gas Supply, page 12.
12. Replace logs on heater base.
Heater Gas
Regulator
Flexible Gas Hose (if
allowed by local codes)
Fitting

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
12
104342
Tee Joint
Pipe
Nipple
Cap
3" Minimum
Sediment
Trap
Gas
Regulator
From Gas
Meter (5"
W.C.** to
10.5" W.C.
Pressure)
A.G.A. Design-Certified
Manual Shutoff Valve With
1/8" NPT Tap*
Approved Flexible Gas
Hose (if allowed by
local codes)
Figure 13 - Gas Connection
*PurchasetheoptionalA.G.A.design-certifiedmanualshutoffvalvefromyourdealer.See
Accessories, page 30.
** Minimum inlet pressure for purpose of input adjustment.
INSTALLATION
Continued
CONNECTING TO GAS
SUPPLY
WARNING:A qualifiedservice
personmustconnectheatertogas
supply. Follow all local codes.
Installation Items Needed
Beforeinstallingheater,makesureyouhave
the items listed below.
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/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 30.
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.
WARNING: Never connect
heater to private (non-utility) gas
wells. This gas is commonly
known as wellhead gas.
CAUTION: Avoid damage to
regulator.Holdgasregulatorwith
wrenchwhenconnectingittogas
piping and/or fittings.
Installsedimenttrapinsupplylineasshown
in Figure 13. Locate sediment trap where it
is within reach for cleaning. Locate sedi-
menttrap wheretrapped matteris notlikely
to freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture
and contaminants. This keeps them from
going into heater controls. If sediment trap
is not installed or is installed wrong, heater
may not run properly.
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 13).
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male
threads. This will prevent excess sealant
fromgoing intopipe.Excess sealantinpipe
could result in clogged heater valves.
CAUTION:Usepipejointseal-
ant that is resistant to liquid pe-
troleum (LP) gas.

OWNER’S MANUAL
13
104342
TestPressuresEqualToorLessThan
1/2 PSIG
1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Fig-
ure 14).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by ei-
ther using compressed air or opening
main gas valve located on or near gas
meter.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to
manual shutoff valve (see Figure 15).
Apply mixture of liquid soap and wa-
ter to gas joints. Bubbles forming show
a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 14 - Manual Shutoff Valve
ON
POSITION
OFF
POSITION
Open
Closed
Manual
Shutoff
Valve
Figure 15 - Checking Gas Joints
Gas Meter
Manual
Shutoff
Valve Control Valve Location
WARNING:Neveruseanopen
flame to check for a leak. Apply a
mixture of liquid soap and water
to all joints. Bubbles forming
show 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.
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.
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
main gas valve located on or near gas
meter.
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.
Continued
Pressure Testing Heater Gas
Connections
1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Fig-
ure 14).
2. Open main gas valve located on or near
gas meter.
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in
the OFF position.
4. Check all joints from manual shutoff
valve to control valve (see Figure 15).
Apply mixture of liquid soap and wa-
ter to gas joints. Bubbles forming show
a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light heater (see Operating Heater,
manually-controlled models, pages 15
and 16 or thermostatically-controlled
models, pages 16 and 17). Check all
other internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance, manually-controlled mod-
els, page 16 or thermostatically-con-
trolled models, page 17).

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
14
104342
For Golden Oak or Birch Models
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 19. Make sure
middle section at bottom of log set is
seated into "U"-shaped cutout in cen-
ter of chassis (see Figure 19). Log will
fit securely on chassis. Note: 36" and
birch models have more features but fit
onthe chassisthe same. IMPORTANT:
Make sure log does not cover any
burner parts.
2. Place lava rock around base of heater.
Figure19-InstallingGoldenOakorBirch
One-Piece Log Set
Figure20-InstallingGoldenOakorBirch
One-Piece Log Set (Top View)
One Piece Log Set
Burner
One Piece
Log Set
Burner
Middle
Section
at
Bottom
of Log
Set
"U"-shaped
Cutout in
Chassis
Chassis
WARNING:Failuretoposition
thepartsinaccordancewiththese
diagrams or failure to use only
parts specifically approved with
thisheatermay resultinproperty
damage or personal injury.
For Vintage Oak Log Model
Each log is marked with a number. These
numberswillhelpyouidentifythelogwhen
installing. It is very important to install
these logs exactly as instructed. Do not
modify logs. Only use logs supplied with
heater.
1. Locate pegs on the bottom of back log
(#1). Slide these pegs into the holes in
the grate base behind the burner (see
Figure 16).
2. Locate the notches on the back of the
front log (#2). Slide these notches over
thetabs of thegratebase (seeFigure17).
3. Locate the notches in the bottom of the
crossover log (#3). Place the crossover
log on top of the back log and front log.
Make sure the notches of the crossover
log line up with rectangular knobs on
top of the back and front logs (see Fig-
ure 18).
4. Add lava rock around base of heater.
INSTALLING LOGS
Figure 16 - Installing Back Log
Back Log (#1)
Crossover
Log (#3)
Figure 18 - Installing Crossover Log
Figure 17 - Installing Front Log
Front Log
(#2)
Notch
Peg
Notch
Rectangular
Knob
Notch
Peg
Tabs of
Grate Base
Hole
Rectangular
Knob
INSTALLATION
Continued
CAUTION: After installation
andperiodicallythereafter,check
to ensure that no flame comes in
contact with any log. With the
heaterset toHigh,checktoseeif
flames contact any log. If so, re-
position logs according to the
loginstallationinstructionsinthis
manual. Flames contacting logs
will create soot.

OWNER’S MANUAL
15
104342
PILOT
OFF
LO
HI
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
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. Thisappliancehas apilotwhich must
belightedby hand.Whenlighting the
pilot,followthese instructionsexactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all
aroundtheappliance areaforgas.Be
suretosmell nextto thefloorbecause
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
not use any phone in your building.
• Immediatelycall your gassupplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas sup-
plier, call the fire department.
C. Useonly your handtopushinor turn
thegas controlknob. 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. Control Knob
Ignitor Button
Figure 21 - Control Knob and Ignitor Button Location
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. This will only last a few
hours.
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.Youcanopenthechim-
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.
1. STOP! Read the safety information,
column 1.
2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is
fully open.
3. Pressinand turncontrolknobclock-
wise to the OFF position.
Figure 22 - Pilot
4. Wait five (5)minutes toclearoutany
gas. Then smell for gas, including
near the floor. If you smell gas,
STOP! Follow “B” in the safety in-
formation in column 1. If you don’t
smell gas, go to the next step.
5. Slightly depress and turn control
knob counterclockwise
C-clockwise
to
the PILOT position. Keep control
knob pressed in for five (5) seconds
(see Figure 21).
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. This will allow air to
bleed from the gas system.
6. With control knob pressed in, press
and release ignitor button. This will
lightpilot.Thepilotisattachedtothe
burner. If needed, keep pressing ig-
nitor button until pilot lights.
Note: If pilot does not light, contact
aqualifiedservicepersonorgas sup-
plier for repairs. Until repairs are
made,light pilotwith match.Tolight
pilot with match, see Manual Light-
ing Procedure on page 16.
7. Keep control knob pressed in for 30
seconds after lighting pilot.After 30
seconds, release control knob.
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps
3 through 7.
• If control knob does not pop out
when released, contact a qualified
service person or gas supplier for
repairs.
8. Slightly depress and turn control
knob counterclockwise
C-clockwise
to
the HIGH position. The burner
should light. Set control knob to any
heat level between HIGH and LO.
Thermocouple
Ignitor Electrode
Pilot Burner
(
Note: Appearance of pilot assembly may
vary by model.) Continued
MANUALLY-CONTROLLED
MODELS

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
16
104342
LO
HI
OFF
Pilot
TO TURN OFF GAS
TO APPLIANCE
Shutting Off Heater
1. Pressin andturncontrolknobclock-
wise
Clockwise
to the HIGH position.
2. Turn the control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to the PILOT position.
3. Pressin control knoband turnclock-
wise
Clockwise
to the OFF Position.
Shutting Off Burners Only (pilot
stays lit)
1. Turn the control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to the HIGH position.
2. Pressin andturncontrolknobclock-
wise
Clockwise
to the PILOT position.
WARNING: Do not operate
heater between PILOT and HIGH
positions.
CAUTION:Donottrytoadjust
heating levels by using the
manual shutoff valve.
The variable control valve can be set to
anyheatsettingandflameheightdesired,
by simply turning the control knob until
that setting is attained. Even the lowest
setting provides realistic, dancing yellow
flames.Selectinghighersettingsproduces
greater heat output. This results in in-
creased heating comfort.
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
VARIABLE CONTROL
OPERATION
MANUAL LIGHTING
PROCEDURE
1. Follow steps 1 through 5 under
Lighting Instructions, page 15.
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 step 8, page 15.
THERMOSTATICALLY-
CONTROLLED MODELS
WARNING: If you do not fol-
low these instructions exactly, a
fireorexplosionmayresultcaus-
ing property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.
A. Thisappliance hasapilot whichmust
belightedbyhand.Whenlightingthe
pilot,followtheseinstructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all
aroundtheappliance areaforgas.Be
suretosmell nextto thefloorbecause
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.
• Donottouch anyelectricswitch;do
notuse anyphone inyourbuilding.
• Immediatelycall yourgassupplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas sup-
plier, call the fire department.
C. Useonly your handtopushinor turn
thegas controlknob. 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.
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.
Orangeflamewillalsobepresent.
Open damper or window to vent
smell. This will only last a few
hours.
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
Hi heat setting but will find the heat
outputexcessive.Youcanopenthechim-
ney damper (if you have one) fully or
partially to release some of the heat.
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE
LIGHTING
WARNING: Damper handle
will be hot if heater has been
running.
Figure 23 - Control Knob and Ignitor
Button Location
1. STOP! Read the safety information
in column 2.
2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is
fully open.
3. Turncontrolknobclockwise
Clockwise
to the OFF position.
Control Knob
Ignitor Button
4. Wait five (5)minutes toclearoutany
gas. Then smell for gas, including
near the floor. If you smell gas,
STOP! Follow “B” in the safety in-
formation,page16.If youdon’t smell
gas, go to the next step.

OWNER’S MANUAL
17
104342
INSPECTING
BURNERS
Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame
patterns often.
PILOT FLAME PATTERN
Figure 25 shows a correct pilot flame pat-
tern. Figure 26 shows an incorrect pilot
flame pattern. ( Note : Appearance of pilot
assembly may vary by model.) The incor-
Figure 25 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern
Figure 26 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern
Thermocouple Pilot Burner
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
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
flamepresent.All round burnerflameholes
should be open with a small blue flame
present. Some burner flame holes may be-
come blocked by debris or rust, with no
flame present. If so, turn off heater and let
cool. Either remove blockage or replace
burner. Blocked burner flame holes will
create soot.
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
CAUTION:Donottrytoadjust
heating levels by using the
manual shutoff valve.
Figure 24 - Pilot
Thermocouple
Ignitor Electrode
Pilot Burner
TO TURN OFF GAS
TO APPLIANCE
Shutting Off Heater
Turn control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to
the OFF position.
Shutting Off Burners Only (pilot
stays lit)
Turn control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to
the PILOT position.
THERMOSTAT
CONTROL OPERATION
(Thermostat-Controlled
Models Only)
Thethermostatcontrolknobcanbesetto
anycomfortlevelbetweenHiandLo.The
thermostat will gradually modulate the
heatoutputandflameheightfromhigher
to lower settings, or pilot, in order to
maintain the comfort level you select.
The ideal comfort setting will vary by
householddependingupontheamountof
space to be heated, the output of the
central heating system, etc.
Note: Selecting the Hi setting with the
control knob will cause the burner to
remainfullyon,withoutmodulatingdown
in most cases.
MANUAL LIGHTING
PROCEDURE
1. Followsteps1through5underLight-
ing Instructions, page 16.
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 step 8 above.
5. Turn control knob counterclockwise
C-clockwise
to the PILOT position.
Press in control knob for five (5) sec-
onds (see Figure 23, page 16).
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
for30 secondsor less.Thiswillallow
air to bleed from the gas system.
• Ifcontrolknobdoesnotpopoutwhen
released, contact a qualified service
person or gas supplier for repairs.
6. 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,light pilotwith match.Tolight
pilot with match, see Manual Light-
ing Procedure.
7. Keep control knob pressed in for 30
seconds after lighting pilot.After 30
seconds, release control knob.
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps
3 through 7.This heater has a safety
interlocksystem.Wait one(1)minute
forsystem to reset beforelighting pi-
lot again.
8. Turn control knob counterclockwise
C-clockwise
to desired heating level. The
burnersshouldlight.Setcontrolknob
to any heat level between HI and LO.
rect pilot flame is not touching the thermo-
couple.This willcause the thermocoupleto
cool. When the thermocouple cools, the
heater will shut down.
If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown
in Figure 26
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance,page 16,manually-controlled
models. Thermostatically-controlled
models, this page, column 2)
• seeTroubleshooting, pages 18 through 20

UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
18
104342
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Turn off and un-
plug heater and let cool before
servicing. Only a qualified ser-
vice 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 positioned wrong
7. Ignitor electrode broken
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. ODS/pilot is clogged
6. Gas regulator setting is not correct
1. Control knob not fully pressed in
2. Control knob notpressed inlong enough
3. Safety interlock system has been
triggered
4. Manual shutoff valve not fully open
5. 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
6. Thermocouple connection loose at con-
trol valve
7. Thermocouple damaged
8. Control valve damaged
REMEDY
1. Reconnect ignitor cable
2. Free ignitor cable if pinched by any
metal or tubing. Keep ignitor cable dry
3. Tighten nutholding piezoignitor tobase
panel of log set. Nut is located behind
base panel.
4. Replace ignitor cable
5. Replace piezo ignitor
6. Replace ignitor
7. Replace 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
removed
5. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 23) or replace ODS/
pilot assembly
6. Replace gas regulator
1. Press in control knob fully
2. After ODS/pilot lights, keep control
knob pressed in 30 seconds
3. Wait one minutefor safetyinterlock sys-
tem to reset. Repeat ignition operation
4. Fully open manual shutoff valve
5. A) Contact local natural gas company
B) Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 23) or replace ODS/
pilot assembly
6. Hand tighten until snug, then tighten 1/4
turn more
7. Replace thermocouple
8. 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
Note: For additional help, visit DESA
International’s Technical Service web
site at www.desatech.com.
Note: Alltroubleshootingitemsarelistedin
order of operation.
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OWNER’S MANUAL
19
104342
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Burner does not light after ODS/pilot is lit
Delayed ignition burner
Burner backfiring during combustion
Slightsmokeorodorduringinitialoperation
Heater produces a whistling noise when
burner is lit
Moisture/condensationnoticedonwindows
Dark residue on logs or inside of fireplace
Whitepowderresidueformingwithinburner
box or on adjacent walls or furniture
REMEDY
1. Contact local natural gas company
2. Clean burner (see Cleaning and Mainte-
nance, page 23) or replace burner orifice
3. Replace burner orifice
1. Contact local natural gas company
2. Clean burner (see Cleaning and Mainte-
nance, page 23) or replace burner orifice
1. Clean burner (see Cleaning and Mainte-
nance, page 23) or replace burner orifice
2. Replace damaged burner
3. Replace gas regulator
1. Check burner for dirt and debris. If
found, clean burner (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 23)
2. Replace gas regulator
3. Problem will stop after a few hours of
operation
1. Turn control knob to LO position and
let warm up for a minute
2. Operateburner untilair isremoved from
line. Have gas line checked by local
natural gas company
3. Observe minimum installation clear-
ances (see pages 7 through 9)
4. Clean burners (see Cleaning and Mainte-
nance, page 23) or replace burner orifice
1. Refer to Air for Combustion and Venti-
lation requirements (pages 4 through 6)
1. Properly locatelogs(see InstallingLogs,
page 14)
2. Eliminate source of drafts around heater
3. Clean out air holes at burner inlet. Peri-
odically repeat as needed
4. Remove blockage or replace burner
1. Turn heater off when using furniture
polish, wax, carpet cleaners, or similar
products
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Inlet gas pressure is too low
2. Burner orifice clogged
3. Burner orifice diameter is too small
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. 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. Not enough combustion/ventilation air
1. Improper log placement
2. Drafts or other air currents affecting
flame pattern
3. Air holes at burner inlet blocked
4. Burner flame holes blocked
1. When heated,vapors from furniturepol-
ish, wax, carpet cleaners, etc. turn into
white powder residue
Continued
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UNVENTED NATURAL GAS LOG HEATER
VANGUARD FLAME-MAX
®
20
104342
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.
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.Thesefumesmaymixwithcombustionair and create odors. Theseodors
will disappear over time.
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 statement
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
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
REMEDY
1. This is common with most heaters. If
noise is excessive, contact qualified ser-
vice person
1. Open window and ventilate room. Stop
usingodor causingproductswhile heater
is running
2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, page 13)
1. Open window and/or door for ventila-
tion
2. Contact local natural gas company
3. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 23)
1. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, page 13)
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 13)
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