Just when I think we've got it all figured out, another issue with the stove

  • 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
Not open for further replies.

PelletGirl

Burning Hunk
Oct 25, 2014
184
Long Island, NY
We have solved the venting issue - no more smoke or smoke odor in the house. Now we have another issue. At the end of last season, my husband did a thorough cleaning and replaced one of the gaskets. It turned on automatically a few days ago when it was cold due to the temp on the thermostat. It hasn't been on at all today and not much in the past few days either. The stove is cold yet there is an odor coming from it - seems like from the blower vents and the vents on the back of the housing. It smells like a campfire that's been put out. You can smell it in the room where the stove is, and if its strong in the next room. When the stove is on, there is no odor. Any idea what it could be? We vacuumed all the ashes and tried again but after the stove was off, the odor was back. We need help please!
 
So what do I do? Clean the vents? Or this is just something you deal with when the stove is not on and its not a problem other than the odor?
 
Maybe try a different nozzle or tip on the end of your vent. Maybe that turbo nozzle. Or whatever it's called. Changing the angle if your current vent termination may help as well.
 
It is pretty windy out today too! Sounds really silly, but tape some streamers to the nozzle with the stove off. See which way the wind is blown along the house. Try to angle it so that the wind doesn't enter or blow across the opening.
 
Come on Warren. Say it. >>
 
  • Like
Reactions: bogieb
The wind or other air currents outside are somehow blowing or coming in your vent pipe. I had the same problem some time back with our pellet stove, made a shield that stopped the wind yet lets the exhaust flow smooth and free. Cleaning the pipe(s) probably won't do any good, all stoves have residue that will smell, the only way is to solve the inflow air or wind problem. Trees over vent pipes can do this, also other higher parts of a roof, or even it's shape. Hope this helps.
warren92
 
Our 1200 Classic Bay is over ten years old, our only heat in this house, it has worked very well until lately, it was time to ... fix it. First, it was getting slow to ignite a new charge, I ordered a new igniter, now that part is fine. In doing that installation we cleaned everything, used a shop-vac and really sucked the old dust and crud out. Then I noticed that the small bolt that's used as a lower dump slide disc valve stop was bent back, this was causing the disc to ride up on that, creating a loss of vacuum and burn rate. I replaced that with an aircraft grade # 10 bolt, hard steel and no more bending, this cured that problem. My exhaust, or vacuum fan didn't seem to be up to par, so took it out and made nine small pieces of light tin, welded those to the nine fan blades, making the fan 3/8" larger in OD. Made a new gasket and put it back in, the stove burns a tad better, a more robust flame and cleaner burning.
I don't advise anybody trying this, I am an engineer and have tools and equipment and 70 years of experience, this is not for a novice to try. A better idea for most would be a new exhaust fan & motor assembly.
Our control box was not working right anymore either so we ordered a new one, this will cure a few ills also. It gets cold here in central Minnesota, we'e had 44 below several time so we need our stove working well. My advice, take out all panels that can be removed, clean everything at least once or twice a year with continued use, this in itself can cure a lot of ills.
The best to all and ......... winter is coming ... !!!
warren82
 
  • Like
Reactions: kennyp2339
Is it possible to ask the installer if he would help by trying a different termination, some thing which would block the wind. Is the OAK connected ? If the Oak was connected that would help with the odor in the house but you would still have to deal with the back draft.

Dan
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pete Zahria
Is it vented directly through the wall? If so I would go up above roof edge at least 1ft,and cap it there.Had a problem with soot getting on the siding of mine,So I went up with it and it was the best thing I could have done.
 
Ours goes up about three feet, then out the wall and about 18" past an overhang with the turbo nozzle at the termination.

I don't think its the door seal. I smell it at the air vents, but when I check lower (by the door) no odor.
 
I got a surprise while doing this igniter replacement job, I discovered a piece of rubber gasket was missing in the ash pan. Take a look, make sure yours is all there and not leaking ... just an added idea ... :rolleyes:

warren
 
Status
Not open for further replies.