Possible air leak on my two year old Accentra-2

Just wanted to share something I found on my Accentra while doing my second cleaning of the year. I found a seam at the very bottom of the stove, behind where the ashcan would sit that grout was cracking out of. Of course, I didn't have any grout, so I used super high temp black silicon to try and seal it if it was leaking. The stuff that was cracking out of the seam looked like something a Mud Dauber(sp) wasp would build. I assume it was grout. I don't know how much air this would leak but sealed it just in case. The stove is burning fine but I have been thinking it doesn't put out as much heat and burn as efficiently as last year. I have been thinking it is the Cleanfire Supremes, but it might be air leaks. The Cleanfire Supreme aren't what I would call a bad pellet at all, but also not as good as last years Lignetics, or Hamer Hot Ones. Both of those where very clean and consistent from bag to bag. Next year, I will buy Cleanfires again for the convinience.

Upon initial start up, I did notice a whistling noise. If I have a problem later I will check into the door gasket, but for now it burns fine.

To summarize, everything is fine, just wanted to share what I found and provide pics.





Mark

anka said:

I would try a bag or three of barefoots if any local suppliers can get them... they seem consistant, hot and clean, have a smaller die and are hardwood... I have the same stove..

I don't imagine a tiny air leak would make a huge difference if your flame looks good and your not smelling smoke, esp under the ash can. Def want to seal it though... bummer...

anka

Click to expand...

There are definitely more consistent pellets. However, I don't have a truck so getting them ends up being more money and definitely more hassle. The cleanfires aren't bad. Definitely worth it considering how much less effort they are since WoodPellets.com delivers them for a reasonable fee.

I did seal it, although I don't know how much difference it made. I would say the gap was about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch.

Mark

Just to update, the stove does seem to be burning much more efficiently, even than it did the last cleaning. I don't know if that was leaking but I do know you want the air to come out right under the pellets and not through a seam behind the ashcan, or through the door. It will be interesting to see if the stove is less dirty when I clean it in a month.

Thanks, I'll try that.

Mark