Mt Vernon AE issues
- Thread starter wilmaitfam
- Start date
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DrewAtFPS775
New Member
When you had the firepot thermocouple out of the cover to test, did the end look good? No cracks in solder, or metal? Sometimes if the wires are bent too much when installing or removing a firepot thermocouple, it can crack the insulation on the wires, and it will cause the thermocouple to read wrong at times. If everything else is working and testing right, it may be time for a new firepot thermocouple. kap
Highest reading was -.022 mv on the fire pot TC, then the min fire pot temp code appeared briefly, then stove went into shutdown mode again. No codes yet. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
I didn't notice any visible on the TC, I did observe the porcelain cover shows signs of wear (chips)
Yeah Kap, she started slow, went to start up then ss low, ss med. then I walked away. Then my wife said the thermostart displayed min fire pot temp. It went away, went to shutdown. Just checked and the Bad TC fire pot code made a brief appearance. Reset it....now it's clear. I think I'm going to order a fire pot TC and cover.
The cover would only be bad if it was cracked or end was broke off. It is hard sometimes to diagnose a stove over the internet with not being able to put hands on it. As far as I can see is possible, and cheapest route, is needing a new firepot thermocouple. It can get expensive just throwing parts at it. What is disturbing is a good thermocouple will read 15 mV or higher. kap
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Hey Kap, going to do the fire pot upgrade too, the studs for the fire pot are they removable? The new one shows replacements, but mine are pretty rusty. Do they drop down into the metal plate?
They are riv nuts. I would reuse them if you can get your bolts out. If you can't, you can chisel the riv nuts off and use just regular nuts and washers. It takes a special tool to install the riv nuts. Whatever you do, make sure to put some high temp anti-seize grease on the threads to make easy removal down the road. And you can modify your old pot to make it like a newer model. Just pm me your email address, and I will send you pics of what to do. kap
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smg64ct
Member
I had a mount Vernon AE and it was a nightmare. I think everything was replaced at some point. It was always throwing codes and I was tired of waking up to a cold house. I sold it and replaced it with a jotul gas unit. Never been happier.
When they first came out, if you didn't have a good dealer, that didn't keep up with the updates, they were a royal pain in the backside. It was put on the market too soon, before all the bugs were worked out of it. I have an 06 model, and enjoy it very much. kap
smg64ct
Member
Mine was built in 2009 and I agree with you. On the other hand my classic bay 1200 built in 2002 runs like a champ and is still on its original igniter.
The one thing they seem to refuse to do, is deal with the igniter being on too long. That is why they burn out. kap