Hi, I have a Whitfield quest 1993, the auger feed does not send pellets to the burn pot on every auger cycle. it appears to send pellets every two or three cycles. you can see the feed auger turn but no pellets on every cycle.I have tried three different types of pellet no difference in feed, can anyone give me some advice on what to do. Thanks . I just picked this stove up, so i do not know if this was a ongoing problem.
Whitfield Quest auger feed
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As long as the fire is good, no worries. This is normal behavior. Mine has done this since 1997!
Cheers.
Cheers.
The Whitfield Quest is a great stove almost bullet proof, there is a chamber behind the fire wall that must be blown out with a compressor since there are no ash traps to keep it clean to have a nice lively fire. 
What is the best way to get to this chamberThe Whitfield Quest is a great stove almost bullet proof, there is a chamber behind the fire wall that must be blown out with a compressor since there are no ash traps to keep it clean to have a nice lively fire.
An alternative to Don's suggestion is to use a leaf blower on the pipe outside. Read about it everywhere around here and disconnect the vacuum switch before so you don't break it. If that doesn't give you a great burn, continue the discussion here!. Unless the exhaust has been plugged, this should do it.
Of course if it's already burning great, don't fix it.
Of course if it's already burning great, don't fix it.
Wilbur Feral
Minister of Fire
Have also had good success with 3/8" tubing connected to Hepa shop vac for Quest insert, where leaf blower not possible. And agree, auger deposits pellets only every 2-3 turns.
Where do i go to find this chamber to clean it. if using a leaf blower can i open the stove door instead of unhooking vacuum tube.
I have quest of similar age. The two exhaust paths can be found on the top left and top right next to the heat exchange tubes. These exhaust paths can be very hard to clean and access. I called Lenox and their solution is to drill a hole in the back of the firebox the clean these passages. A much better approach is to attach a leave blower on the vent outside and use the suction of the leave blower to clean the passages.
I always disconnect the vacuum hole. It is very easy. Open the left side panel as you face the stove. The vacuum hose can be seen to the left of the control panel towards the back of the stove. Yes others just leave the door open but since it is so easy to disconnect the hose why take a chance.
Good luck
Rick.....
I always disconnect the vacuum hole. It is very easy. Open the left side panel as you face the stove. The vacuum hose can be seen to the left of the control panel towards the back of the stove. Yes others just leave the door open but since it is so easy to disconnect the hose why take a chance.
Good luck
Rick.....
I would think twice about the leaf-blower method in the vent pipe if the stove is located inside your house....But if you insist on doing this, please make a video (with the stove door open) and maybe you could sell the footage to "Americas Funniest Home Videos" ........
Smokey, sorry if unclear. If you read the leaf blower posts, the intake of the leaf blower goes to the vent pipe. Very important!
Thanks, Yes I read that the other day, If you reversed that you have some mess inside the house, I have a rubber adapter for the bottom of the tee and the intake on the blower which my vista flame is hooked to, my Whitfield is in basement and direct into main chimney of house so i cant use the blower on it,
Wilbur Feral
Minister of Fire
I think Ricks has you squared away. Just shove the tube up into those spaces up near the heat exchanger. I did not drill the hole in the firebox. It just takes a strong vacuum and some patience.
Another way to do it. Pull the combustion motor (easy) and get both sides of the exhaust with a strong vacuum in the hole where the motor was. I do this once a year for the start of season clean.
I also brush down into the tubes from the top near the heat exchanger with a long bottle/tube type brush. Please don't get the brush stuck in there. Then with the same brush, brush the horizontal part of the exhaust through the open damper to the left of the motor hole and into the pipe to the right.
Then more vacuum in the hole. Repeat as desired.
You'll need a new motor gasket if you do this. I have heard of reusable gaskets but I've never seen one.
Too bad you can't top it off with the leaf blower. It's the best. Stove burns like propane.
I also brush down into the tubes from the top near the heat exchanger with a long bottle/tube type brush. Please don't get the brush stuck in there. Then with the same brush, brush the horizontal part of the exhaust through the open damper to the left of the motor hole and into the pipe to the right.
Then more vacuum in the hole. Repeat as desired.
You'll need a new motor gasket if you do this. I have heard of reusable gaskets but I've never seen one.
Too bad you can't top it off with the leaf blower. It's the best. Stove burns like propane.
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