I only notice it when the temp knob is in certain positions and only once in awhile. It certainly isn't worn out or anything (less than 10 years old). I wonder if sealing with grease would fix the problem (I know it's some sort of magnetic switch that controls the flame). I haven't fired it up yet this year. Haven't lit the pilot. My wife doesn't really like the non vented gas idea because of smell (not the raw fuel but just a non vented type smell) (I can tell too when it's in use). We do vent the fireplace slightly when using it though but there goes the efficiency.
You're saying you don't smell any leak EXCEPT when the logs are actually burning?
That doesn't sound like a gas leak at the valve. With that, you'd expect to smell gas all the time.
It sounds more like your logs aren't burning right. That can be caused by dust, pet hair, cobwebs, etc clogging up the burner. It's recommended, about once a year, you shut off the gas, carefully remove the logs, vacuum everything down with a soft-brush attachment on your household vacuum cleaner (logs you have out and the burner assembly), carefully reassemble your logs in the fireplace (THEY ONLY GO IN ONE WAY...PAY ATTENTION).
This should get the burner working properly. It will also cut down on that smell your wife complains about.
