Normally you turn knob to 'pilot' position then press & hold it down until pilot lights and has burned for 30 seconds or longer (long enough to heat thermocouple up) then you 'release' knob and turn to ON
Pressing knob down bypasses safety device allowing gas to flow to pilot
AFTER thermocouple is heated........a millivolt signal is generated and energizes a magnet holding it OPEN (safety device) so holding knob down is no longer needed.
IF you 'release' knob while in pilot position is pilot flame staying lit?
If not------
weak pilot flame---should be steady blue flame with tingles of orange at tip.
pilot flame should impinge/heat thermocouple
(correct propane system pressure/clean pilot orifice)
bad thermocouple/loose thermocouple connection at gas control---clean/tight connection or replace thermocouple
OR bad ECO or magnet -----have to replace gas control
If pilot is staying lit.....
knob is worn/gouged/damaged
Does main flame work......come on/off via thermostat and pilot stays on (when you push/turn knob to ON)???
If so......I wouldn't worry about it
ON EDIT:
LOVE the V-MAX
I had a 1985 and a 1990 (drunk wiped out 1985)
