Harman control pot clean/lube?

My temp control on my stove is very touchy. IMO, everything about this stove is top quality, but the pots Harman used are kind of a joke. If you own a Harman, particularly a newer one, you probably know what I mean. The knob isn't stripped or anything. The travel is just "jumpy", especially around where I keep the temp. Normally it's set and forget, but sometimes we want it a little warmer/cooler. Finding the 70 degree sweet spot, where it's normally set, can be a pain.

I have aerosol electrical contact cleaner. Haven't tried it yet, but my guess is it's not crud but a need for some sort of lube.

Suggestions?

darryl123 said:

normal trimmer pots are made to turn and be left alone, some are rated to 10 turns before there gone.
if your good with a soldering iron there easy to change.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Harman-Pe...188?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2ba0da2c
here is a link to them on ebay. .
dont spray them with cleaner.

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Thanks for the link. Not much experience soldering to boards. Why no spray cleaner?

Sounds good. I'll just live with it

The cleaner I have is the quick drying kind (although I think it all is). I don't wanna gum anything up or otherwise make it worse.

I suppose another solution is to move the temp probe so I'll end up using a different part of the pots travel. Rather not take this route as it's fairly cleverly hidden. Right now 67 on the dial gets me 70.....or sometimes 74 if I don't hit the sweet spot. That makes for a very quickly consumed bag of pellets.

Maybe I'll buy a couple snuggies The camo one is kinda cool

I tried the back and forth thing, but still the same.

Mr. Spock said:

Curious how long before the pot started acting up. Just trying to get an idea do when mine will be due.

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Not sure. Maybe a couple months ago. YMMV. This is on my newer stove, btw. The older one (old style board) is fine. Much more positive feel to that one. Like I said, it doesn't feel like crud is in there, just shallow detents where the control is usually set. All the pots have that cheap feel but the temp knob is the issue. The distance I'm trying to move it is small, but it's just touchy.

Not a big deal, but I figured minor problem, quick fix. At the end of heating season, maybe I'll hit it with the stuff. Until then, I'll live with it. Better that than a clunking actuator or sand in the pellets

mepellet said:

I don't remember the last time I adjusted my temp dial. I leave it at about 80 and let my thermostat which I wired in series do all the adjustments automatically by setting up temperature setbacks for night and when we are away at work. The blower dial generally stays low. The feed rate dial gets the most action. I turn it to test during my weekly cleanings.

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I thought about doing that but the way my house is set up, it wouldn't work. Colonial w/garage off gable end. Pellet stove is in the right rear corner of the first floor. If I was using daily setbacks, the first floor would get way too hot while the return air from the second floor was telling the stove to stay running full tilt. If I don't fart around with the knob, it stays 70 downstairs and 67 upstairs. Worst case so far is a bag and a half in 24 hours and very consistent heat. I'm absolutely amazed this little gal can keep the entire house comfy with plenty to spare.

Harman Lover 007 said:

How far past 3 years? The board would be under warranty. Do you have a rapport with your stove shop?

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Good suggestion. Might work.