Dreaded Harman Auger Squeal.

Yes, thanks and so far, so good, still (coming up on 18 hours of continual usage since I got it back together and running).

Wondering if auto mode usage during this warmer than usual shoulder season could also have some impact on this...
That is, is the [heat->cool->off->heat...] cycling worsening the accumulation of carbon in the lower portion of the tube (where it would see the largest temp swings)?

In any case it seems to me that I need to add the auger-pull maneuver to my season-ending cleaning.

And it's back. Grrr.

Couple members have had success in getting rid of the squeal by adding some graphite to a couple cups of pellets and running through.

Thanks, shall give it a whirl.

Thinking ahead for my next major cleaning, does anyone have a link handy for a wire wheel that fits snugly in the tube?
Last time I cleaned the tube I had an undersized wheel on a flex shaft on my drill - worked OK but would prefer a snugger fit.
Also will pay more attention to the flutes as I didnt do anything to them. What are people using to clean up the flutes?

There were def. carbon high spots in the tube last time I did this. I'll hope the graphite buys me some more time.

Been using powder graphite and when cleaning I spray creosote remover on the auger and in tube..

Got away with using graphite powder (still using on cold mornings) in about every other load. A few times I could hear it coming on and the graphite silenced it.

bmanMA said:

Got away with using graphite powder (still using on cold mornings) in about every other load. A few times I could hear it coming on and the graphite silenced it.

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How much graphite were you using each time?

I would try using a couple tablespoons to a couple cups of pellets and let them run through a empty hopper. The graphite can be dirty so wear disposable gloves and carefully pour into the feed mechanism. It keeps the Bixby biscuit cutter system nice and quiet and running smoothly and the corn from sticking to the bottom burn plate.

Others have said that running the stove on low temps can cause the squeal - my experience is that this is correct. I've tried all of the corrective measures - graphite (works well, but dirty and only lasts a short time); scrape the auger tube (works, but you have to be thorough); clean the fines box (rarely a factor in my case).

But I've also found that the pellets I burn is a factor. For example, Eastern Embers seem to cause the squealing problem (especially at low temps), while Trebios don't seem to cause squealing at any temp, high or low.

Bottom line: my experience suggests changing up pellet brand to see if that helps.

Funnydirt14 said:

How much graphite were you using each time?

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A couple of squirts from the bottle every /every other load. I'd just let the pellets run down low (a few cups left I'd guess) and mix it in with the top of the graphite bottle right at the bottom of the hopper, then pile another bag on top. I'd guess less than a teaspoon, not really sure. Figured I'd rather do a smaller dose more often than a larger dose less often. Worked out well.... that being said I just pulled my auger yesterday and will clean out the tube and wire brush the first few turns of the auger blade which does have some 'sote on it.