M55, need help fine tuning

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spencerdecoys

New Member
Feb 22, 2015
19
Maryland
Hi all,
I'm going into my first full year with my M55 and I don't think it's putting out the heat that it should. I've heard others say on setting 3 it runs them out of the house.
I just cleaned it, put the mag gauge on and got .015-.017 with it running on setting 5 for 45 minutes. The majority of the flame seems to be on the left side and doesn't look like the flame on the YouTube video of flame patterns.
I can take video with my phone but not sure how to post it on here.
Here are the specs:
It's an insert with approx 17' of 4" SS exhaust pipe ran up the chimney.
No OAK, I'm in a rancher with approx 1800 sq ft, with open floor plan.
I've used a magnahelic gauge and get a reading of .017
I have adjusted a auger plate cover to allow more pellets to feed.
I burn Omalley's ( just read reviews on them, a lot of people are saying low heat and a lot of ash, may be my problem???)
If you need more info, let me know.
Thanks for and and all help,
Jeff
 
Last edited:
Sounds like you have the air right, what mode are you running it in, and what pellets?
Level three should put out a good amount of heat, but I will run it in 4 or 5 when it is really cold, like last year. I've been running it on 3 mostly this year.
 
spencerdecoys said:
I usually have it on hi/low burning Omalley's.
i just read some reviews on Omalley's, not good, gonna have to try some other brands.
Click to expand...

Hi there! I have the same stove! How cold has it been generally when you have been running the stove? And what setting is the feed at? If it's cold out and you are on fan 3......and pellet feed 1 you probably aren't going to create enough heat to raise the inside temp much. If it's cold out, I have to bump the pellet feed up to level 2.
Bill
 
I never really had to mess with the air or feed trims after setting the draft with the damper, I have them both at 3, but if you have good draft and low flame, you can try bumping the feed up to get more fuel. I think you already moved the auger plate cover up too? That will help the fuel ( I did this soon after getting mine).
Not familiar with the O'Malleys, but you may want to try another brand. I am running Oki DF and the heat is great. I have been running hi/log on 3, and the stove is in lo for long periods and still puts out heat. I also have been shutting it off during the day when it is above 40.
Since you are running in hi/lo, is the stove having trouble meeting the demand? If so, I would not hesitate to increase the heat setting to 4. I only use 5 in the coldest weather like the vortex, because of the bump in fan noise. If the stove satisfies the thermostat, then increase the t-stat setting. I have found that you can't treat it like an oil thermostat by setting it at 70 and expecting the whole house to be warm. I set my t-stat at 72 to 74 depending on how cold it is, and there is a pretty quick drop off in heat to the other end of the first floor. I have a 2,300 sf two story cape, and a lot of my heat goes up the stairwell. I also use the stove as supplemental heat to oil, as it is impossible to get the heat to the master bedroom addition at the far end of the first floor, but your layout should be much better for the stove heat.
Another thing about the stove is that the heat convection creats drafts that can make it feel cool in front of the stove.
 
image.jpg
Bill L said:
I never really had to mess with the air or feed trims after setting the draft with the damper, I have them both at 3, but if you have good draft and low flame, you can try bumping the feed up to get more fuel. I think you already moved the auger plate cover up too? That will help the fuel ( I did this soon after getting mine).
Not familiar with the O'Malleys, but you may want to try another brand. I am running Oki DF and the heat is great. I have been running hi/log on 3, and the stove is in lo for long periods and still puts out heat. I also have been shutting it off during the day when it is above 40.
Since you are running in hi/lo, is the stove having trouble meeting the demand? If so, I would not hesitate to increase the heat setting to 4. I only use 5 in the coldest weather like the vortex, because of the bump in fan noise. If the stove satisfies the thermostat, then increase the t-stat setting. I have found that you can't treat it like an oil thermostat by setting it at 70 and expecting the whole house to be warm. I set my t-stat at 72 to 74 depending on how cold it is, and there is a pretty quick drop off in heat to the other end of the first floor. I have a 2,300 sf two story cape, and a lot of my heat goes up the stairwell. I also use the stove as supplemental heat to oil, as it is impossible to get the heat to the master bedroom addition at the far end of the first floor, but your layout should be much better for the stove heat.
Another thing about the stove is that the heat convection creats drafts that can make it feel cool in front of the stove.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the replys,
I borrowed an infrared camera from work and found a number of issues with windows and doors and missing insulation in the house. I'm going to take care of these issues and try another brand of pellet.
The house was built in 1958, we moved in last year. attic insulation was lacking, so I bumped it up to approx R-50. The house has newer replacement windows and doors, didn't realize they leak like a seive
image.jpg
 
Check the agitator. If it is not installed correctly after cleaning it could block the flame or split it. The agitator should be inserted with the two prongs facing the back while making sure it is not hitting or blocking the burn pot.
 
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