I know the "dollar bill" trick for checking the seals on the door and ash door....but does anyone have an effective way to check the hopper seal. The piano hinge in the back eliminates the dollar bill test. Maybe a smoke test???? Just looking for ideas.
Testing the hopper seal
- Thread starter mikkeeh
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
- Status
DneprDave
Minister of Fire
Perhaps on some stoves, it seems more important, that the hopper "is" sealed.
"Leaving hopper lid open/unlatched, when hopper is not sealed down tight air can be pulled through the hopper and feed system reducing the amount of air through the fire. It is extremely important that the hopper lid be latched down tight while the stove is in operation. Airflow may occur through the auger system and in the event of a power failure or error shutdown smoke can travel back into the hopper if the lid is not sealed down tight!"
http://www.englanderstoves.com/help/PelletStove/dirty_burn.html
Bioburner
Moderator
Have had two Harmans on theforum with hopper issues this week. One the owner removed the extention, the other was did a temp fix with tape.
mepellet
Minister of Fire
Yup. Even with the hopper lid switch depressed with my finger sometimes my stove will not feed pellets. And the flame is real lazy. Until I close the hopper that is.
Last edited:
Harvey Schneider
Minister of Fire
You might try a candle flame. If there is a leak, even at the hinge, you should see the flame disturbed. Try it at a free edge and intentionally compromise the seal to see if there is enough air pulled in to detect with a candle.
I have never had a seal problem, but if I was in your situation, I would lay a thin "line" of cornstarch along and around the whole questioned area, close hopper, run for a few minutes, open up hopper and any place the cornstarch is missing is the leaky area. Just an idea, not sure if it works. Thats how we detected leaks on a canopy of F15's in the airforce. /shrug
Hmmm interesting idea. Ive never had a seal problem till recently. My wife said she could hear the air "hiss" when the combustion fan was running. BTW the hopper was near empty...not sure if that made a difference.. I was thinking maybe one of those "smoke pencil" things Ive seen would work. Kinda cost prohibitive tho.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
