Harman won't ignite

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Mrfire

Member
Jan 19, 2011
23
Vancouver
I have a Harman stove that will not light. I checked the ignitor and it is glowing cherry red and the fire pot is getting hot. I figured the unit might need a good cleaning so I cleaned the vent, all the blowers and the firebox. The unit would still not light but is feeding pellets into the fire pot.
What am I missing?
 
The stove is feeding pellets and the element is getting hot, those are good signs. Make sure the element is close to the burnpot. By any chance are the pellets damp or the mode switch is not in automatic? I'm sure you know, but you can put the stove on manual and light it manually.

Tom
 
I had issues with wet fuel last year so I store my pellets inside my house to avoid that issue. I made sure that the ignitor is put back into the holder correctly and it is screwed back to the fire pot where it was removed from. If i touch the fire pot i will burn my hand so i know it is getting hot. Thank you for the ideas thou.
 
I had that problem last spring with my P43 (first season with this awesome stove), couldn't even get the pellets to manually light right. Turned out the fines box needed cleaned out. I did that and it lit and burned like a champ!
 
check the holes in the burn pot, they need to be open. The pellets have to reach these holes to burn. A P-43 can make BTUs from sand with the correct amount of beer and luck.

Eric
 
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Mrfire-less,what model of Harman?:)
 
My guess is also a dirty/plugged burn pot. Get in there with a flashlight and make sure. You can use a finish nail with a 90° bend in it to clear the holes. Your auger should feed plenty of pellets into the burn pot, but check to be sure, especially if your pellets are unusually long.
 
boys the problem has been solved. Talked to the retailer of pellets and they have had major issues with them lighting. Tried a new brand as well as increasing the feed on the unit on start up and she is working like a dream.
Thanx for the help.
 
Please pass on the info on what brand is sending out bad pellets.
 
boys the problem has been solved. Talked to the retailer of pellets and they have had major issues with them lighting. Tried a new brand as well as increasing the feed on the unit on start up and she is working like a dream.
Thanx for the help.

Had the same problem.
I copied a forum post a few years ago that tests pellet moisture. It seems to work good.
Here it is:
1. Place 1/2 cup pellets in a GLASS (not plastic) saucer sized bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with a saucer to make it moderately airtight.
3. Nuke them in the microwave for about 45 sec to 1 min.
4. Immediately when finished heating remove the saucer and tip it up vertically. Look for moisture on the bottom of the saucer. There should be a little. If enough is present to allow it to run down to the bottom of the saucer they have excessive moisture.
 
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