My Leyden's exhaust fan is not working properly. I first noticed the problem when the fan didn't turn on immediately after the stove started. It would wait maybe a minute after pellets started dropping, then it would turn on. Now, the fan won't turn on at all during the startup sequence. The pellets drop, and the stove faults. Then after I turn the stove off, the fan will turn on after 5-10 minutes. If I start the stove when the exhaust fan is already running, it seems to run OK. However, the newest problem is a smoky odor filling the room when it runs. No visual smoke, just a strong smell. I cleaned all the ash according to the yearly maintenance section in the manual, but the blower still doesn't work properly. I haven't run it since the stove caused the smoky odor. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Lopi Leyden Exhaust Blower problem
- Thread starter rmusson
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Heatsource
Minister of Fire
A blocked flow switch tube, nipple, or flow switch will shut down the auger, not the exhaust blower. I'd give the exhaust vent and blower a good cleaning and if that doesn't work take out the exhaust blower and check it out of the stove with a hot wire and clean it real good. The exhaust blower looks to be a PITA to remove on the Leyden.
Can you explain how cleaning could take care of this problem? I have heard this before, but I don't understand how ash buildup could cause the problems I am having.
Does your motor have lubricating ports. If so, when was the last time you lubed the bearings??
Should say on the motor what lubricant to use. But most take standard SAE 20 oil (3-in-1 oil/blue can). May just need to be taken off, scrape the vanes, blow compressed air into motor to clean dust bunnies, and lubricated. Sounds like the bearings are bad... Or just sticking from lack of maintenance. IMO
My 2 cents...
Should say on the motor what lubricant to use. But most take standard SAE 20 oil (3-in-1 oil/blue can). May just need to be taken off, scrape the vanes, blow compressed air into motor to clean dust bunnies, and lubricated. Sounds like the bearings are bad... Or just sticking from lack of maintenance. IMO
My 2 cents...
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
rmusson said:
When you get around to taking it out take a real good look between the mount plate and the impeller, that can get so crudded up that the motor can't spin the impeller. also if the tolerances between the impeller blades and the blower cavity are tight then build up on the blades and on the cavity can cause additional drag on the system.
Also if the motors bearings, bushings, whatever are low on lubricant or the lubricant has crud in it you have even more drag. This is before we even get to dust bunnies, cats, and dogs in the motor casing.
Dirty blowers don't always turn.
If the blower no turn, the vacuum no exist, and the pellets no flow to the burn pot, end result no fire, you freeze, winter wins.
Mine had a bunch of crap caked up behind the impeller when I gave summer cleaning. The motor windings also had a bunch of dust build-up which I blew/brushed/vacuumed out (got to it from left side of stove). Unfortunately the Leyden exhaust blower is sealed and doesn't have oil ports like the convection blower. I wonder why?
Also, I have a 12" portable metal fan that I use for frequent band gigs and after a while it was turning real slowwwwww. I cleaned it out of all dust and crap and it works like new.
Also, I have a 12" portable metal fan that I use for frequent band gigs and after a while it was turning real slowwwwww. I cleaned it out of all dust and crap and it works like new.
SmokeyTheBear said:
The blower isn't turning, but the pellets are still dropping. Am I correct to say that a vacuum is required for the pellets to drop?
Thanks to everyone for the replies! I am going to try cleaning out the blower tonight. Any more input/tips would be appreciated!
If the auger is still dropping pellets, the vacuum switch is fine.
It sounds like the blower needs to be removed, cleaned, and lubricated. The motor should have some lube ports that require 2-3 drops of 20w non-detergent oil (read that as NOT engine oil for a car).....something like 3 in1 oil, preferably in the blue can (for electric motors), but the standard red can will do in a pinch.
Here's pics of what you're looking for, and realize that these ports may be on the underside of the motor:
It sounds like the blower needs to be removed, cleaned, and lubricated. The motor should have some lube ports that require 2-3 drops of 20w non-detergent oil (read that as NOT engine oil for a car).....something like 3 in1 oil, preferably in the blue can (for electric motors), but the standard red can will do in a pinch.
Here's pics of what you're looking for, and realize that these ports may be on the underside of the motor:
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imacman said:
That is great, thanks for the pictures! I wasn't aware that I could lubricate the exhaust blower. I am going to try this tonight.
rmusson said:
Those are not exhaust blowers....they are convection blowers, but it's POSSIBLE your combustion blower may have the oil holes. If not, you can still try soaking the bearing with some oil.
imacman said:
My convection blower is fine. I was of the understanding that the combustion blower and the exhaust blower is the same in the Lopi Leyden.
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
rmusson said:
Unless someone has taken the vacuum switch out of the loop you should not have pellets dropping without a vacuum.
Wood Nugget
Member
Like rickhorn stated above, I believe the exhaust (combustion) blower On the Leyden is sealed and doesn't have oil ports. Like Mac said, you can try soaking the bearing with oil. If somebody finds oil ports that I am unaware of, please let us know.
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