Quadrafire won't power up

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NevadaBurner

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Oct 6, 2008
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Nevada
I have a Quadra-fire Mt Vernon, non AE older style pellet stove that will not power up. I have replaced the number 3 sensor, the auger motor, replaced the control board and tested the exhaust fan. All appear to be normal. I have jumpered the thermostatic control, but still no red light or start up of the fan. Please help, does anyone have any ideas on what to look for?

I am thinking to replace the thermo coupler, but not sure if that will fix it either. I have checked my outlets and I know that power is getting to the plug.

Need some good advice!

Ben
 
If the control box gets no power, you have already replaced parts that have nothing to do with it. Could be the fuse, or the snap switch #3 is tripped. Thats the only things that would cut power to the whole system.
 
thanks for the response. I replaced the snap disc number 3 and still nothing. I jumpered past it as well and still nothing.

Hoping you have some other ideas as I have run out.

Regards...
 
You need to check for power with a volt meter. The items before the thermostat screws are what needs to be tested, The fuse, the connecters and the plug. Don't forget to check your outlet too.
 
you've been a great help.

I took it all apart, traced all the power lines and jumpered anything I could think. I replaced all the snap discs. Making progress.

what ever it was I Now have power and I get the call light on, but nothing more. Auger feed does not start, etc. Just the red call light.

Now what?

Learning but not succeeding.
 
Snap switch #2 and the vac switch are both safeties that will cut power to the auger. They could be tripped or failed. I would stop replacing parts until you can confirm they are bad, you prob replaced unnecessary items already.
 
I agree, stop replacing parts unless you are sure they are bad. If you have a volt meter, check voltage before and after the snap disk and the vacuum switch. If you don't have a meter, jump both the disk and the vacuum switch . Take one step at a time and keep us updated.
 
Thanks again. Which is the #2 snap disc, the one on the outside of the auger chamber with the reset button or the one next to #3 without the reset button?

Nevada
 
I know the auger motor works... I just tested it directly to a power source and it turns just fine. So that is eliminated. I know the exhaust fan works as it starts up everytime I unplug and then replug it back in. I know the air intake fans at the very bottom work as I jumpered past the disk without the reset and they came on.

Not sure what to do next. I really appreciate all you experts out there willing to give me your time and advice.

Nevada
 
#2 is on the auger shaft.

Next you should jumper the vac switch, that is always my first guess for no auger problems. Obviously make sure disc #2 is not tripped (reset button).
 
maybe i missed it above, but did you jump the vacuum switch? If that doesn't sense vacuum, the auger won't turn at all.
 
That setting changes the feed rate / auger timings. It should run on any setting, but the stove might not burn correctly if its wrong. I don't know what all the settings are without looking it up.
 
update: Looks like I have at least one bad snap disc, the #3. I have have also bypassed the vac switch and #2 snap disc, but the auger will still not come on. I have bypasses on vac, #2 and #3 snaps. Still not turning on. I have let it sit and everything is off. Then when I move the thermostat the call button comes on, but no other activity. No fans, no auger..... If I unplug it and replug it in, the exhaust fan will come on for a time and then eventually turn off. The air intake fans never come on, unless I by pass the other snap disc that has no reset. Don't know what number that is, but it may be bad as well.

Does it matter which wires go on which prong for the vac switch. I have a Red and an orange. currently in bypass mode. I did blow through the rubber tub and it seems clear.

thanks for all the help,

Nevada
 
Vac switches wires do not matter. Test the voltage at the red wire to the vac switch when you call for heat. If no voltage there, the control box is probably bad. Its odd the comb blower will come on during power up, but not when you call for heat.

You can also try setting the control box to setting 0 and then restore power. This is test mode and the comb blower and auger should cycle on an off. If they do not work here then I would replace the control board.

You did check the fuse when I mentioned it way back when, right?

Did you have a lightning strike or power surge or something?
 
Set your thermostat to get the red light to come on.
Get yourself a voltmeter, set it to AC volts.
Put the black probe on a solid metal surface.
Then use the red probe on different points of the circuit.
Start at the plug, got power?
OK, move to the next point, the fuse, OK?
Then move to the next, snap disk #3, vacuum switch, disk#2, etc.
Once you find a point with no Voltage then you know all components before are good.
Now you can isolate that point on.
Be careful with live wires, take your time and follow the schematics if you have one.
Good luck!
 
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