First burn of the season...low flame :(

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PA_Clinker

Member
Mar 13, 2011
230
Northeast PA
The flame gets brighter/taller when I open the door, or even if I partially release the tension on the door closer. The combustion fan is running and I can hear the exhaust outside. It's only the 2nd season with this stove, but I distinctly remember a much taller flame on the high setting.

Granted, this is a new batch of pellets; Green Supreme. Burned Hamers last year, so of course I don't expect the same heat output, but I would expect the flame to die down if the door was opened.

Does this seem like a door gasket seal gone bad?
 
Could be plugged air intake? I cleaned out a mouse nest in my uncles stove and a birds nest in a exaust system in another stove. I would check the intake for problems. Stuck flap? I do not know that stove line at all. Any help reading the manual? good luck
 
This would seem to be more than just a slight damper adjustment... so if you have an OAK, I would check it for blockages..
 
Okay thanks, with two Keeshonds a hair/fur blockage is entirely possible! (No OAK)
 
Err, I hate to mention this but the vent could have something in it, we have had a birds nest in one on here already this fall.
 
Err, I hate to mention this but the vent could have something in it, we have had a birds nest in one on here already this fall.

That's what I'm hoping for, so I gave the venting a good leaf-blower suck this morning. I'll know if that was or was not the problem after tonight's burn. Thanks :)
 
Hope the possible plug does not get sucked in farther. I have a golden and a newfie and I know what a hair ball is:)
 
Different pellets will produa different flame height. Absolutely it will! Green Supreme's are not the greatest pellet (NEWP). Where Hamers are top of the Line!

As for opening the door, the flame height will increase. But will become very lazy. The flame is shortened by the intense air coming through the pot.

Could be a blockage.... But pellets are not to be ruled out. Especially when you were burning Hamers Hot Ones :)
 
I'm beginning to think it's these damn pellets! Impeller blades on the combustion fan were clean, no blockages throughout my vent, and no door gasket leak that I can determine. From what I can tell, these lighter, much less dense pellets are just burning too fast. I have my feed trim maxed, damper all in, and combustion fan trim turned down. I just can't seem to keep enough wood in the firepot to sustain a healthy flame. Not looking forward to it, but I'm still within the 90-day return policy from Home Depot. Last year these pellets burned great for me in the same stove.
 
Check your auger motor to auger connection it could be loose and slipping and make certain that your auger flight isn't full of fines, I've seen pellets ride on top of fines and not go up the flight easily.

Enough fines can make an auger just turn and not move what pellets may get close to the auger.

In short everything turns but nothing moves.
 
Thanks Smokey! I sucked out a lot of fines, but did not check for a loose coupler.
 
The good news...no loose coupler so, I talked to Home Depot and will be returning the 189 bags I have left. The bad news; my only other solid local option is Barefoot for $260 ton or Hamers for $265. ouch!

I've also got Energex American $225, GAP $217 but...meh?
 
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