Does the leaf blower trick damage the stove?

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M

madge69

Member
Nov 18, 2010
67
central ma
I've heard of the leaf blower trick and have seen the videos. Looks impressive, though I'm new to this pellet stove thing and haven't even burned 10 bags yet. I was wondering whether that would cause any damage to the stove? I can't think of anything it might damage except the combustion blower assembly or perhaps the vacuum sensor?

Anybody ever hear of any damage caused by the leaf blower trick?
 
I've used an elec Toro leaf blower for three seasons cleaning out the stove, at least two times per season. I've also found that the leaf blower is handy moving the oak leaves that are littering around the yard.
Better than sliced bread.
 
Never had a problem with two different stoves.
I blow mine out once a month for a couple of minutes.
Really helps the air flow
 
I use my Toro leaf blower after every ton burned. Stove runs like new and hotter after cleaning. I am more concerned about my stove being damaged if I didn't use the leaf blower. I don't have to climb to get to the end of the exhaust, so I only need to remove two screws, remove hood, and then connect the an adapter to the exhaust and the blower. Get away and power on! Takes longer to get the stuff out and put it back than it does to do the leaf bower cleaning.
 
Works fine....
 
no damage here
 

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I'm confused. I use my shop vac to vacuum the exhaust stack out but my leaf blowers (back pack and push around) blow but don't suck >:-( (no pun intended), so how, pardon the expression, in the H... does one "blow" out the stove?

I'm have no intention of bringing my leaf blower(s) into the house
00020459.gif
!!!
 
What's the leaf blower trick???? Sounds like a good time to me!
 
Not as tasty as a good apple pie.

But once a month it keeps the plumbing in good shape.

My stove has survived it just fine.
 
Ro3bert said:
I'm confused. I use my shop vac to vacuum the exhaust stack out but my leaf blowers (back pack and push around) blow but don't suck >:-( (no pun intended), so how, pardon the expression, in the H... does one "blow" out the stove?

I'm have no intention of bringing my leaf blower(s) into the house
00020459.gif
!!!
Click to expand...

See this link: https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewreply/753430/

It ain't done from inside the house.
 
Sorry Smokey, I must be absolutely dense. Is that a back pack leaf blower on top of that stack? If so how is it attached? And how does he keep the blower from toppeling the stack over? I wouldn't put one of those things on there without standing along side to make sure it didn't fall off.

Help, someone explain how this "trick" works,
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please, please.
 
Most of us are using a cheap electric leaf blower, one that has a means of being used as a leaf vacuum and mulcher.

The vacuum side of the blower is attached to the stack via a home made adapter. Then you turn it on and plug it in.

If your vent is horizontal you can use the vacuum snorkel, but you have to remove the blower nozzle, and press the snorkel against the thimble. This time you plug the unit in with it turned off. Then you hold it making certain it is going to vent away from you and turn it on.

It is a very good way to get the attention of your chickens even if they are some distance away.
 
Thanks Smokey

My back pack blower obviously doesn't fit your description so I'll just have to use my shop vac. It has a very fine filter so nothing comes out the exhaust side. Of course I have to remove the filter, bang it against a tree then use my air compressor to finally get the last crud from it. I've had it for many years and have never found a need to replace the filter.
 
The leaf blower that many of us are using is a Toro found at Lowes for about $40. Look at the instructions for setting it up as a leaf Vac. You can get an adapter right at lowes that will fit the the vac side of the leaf blower. Put in in place and duct tape it on. The adapter should downsize to what ever size pipe your exhaust is. I crimped the end a put so it just slips right in, The again I duct tape. Your blower isn't going anywhere. I keep the duct tape inside so when I go to use it, even in cold weather, it will hold in place. I leave the adapter on the leaf blower because I have two others that I use for leaf blowing. (no vac feature). I think you will find that it has a higher capacity to blow then that of your shop vac. Go to www.youtube.com and type in "Leaf BlowerVacuum Pellet Stove Cleaning" and you will see multiple examples of how this works.
 
Stove door open or closed when you do this? I think I remember it's supposed to be open but am not sure...
 
Big Jim, I have your same stove and use the leaf blower trick at least twice a season. Have your wife hold the leaf blower and go inside and open and close the door a few times. Also, use a refrigerator coil cleaning brush to push in and out through the exhaust port in back of the ash bin while the blower operates. It works great.
 
the only issue I can think of would be with an extremely powerful blower (high suction), you MIGHT possibly damage the vac switch....its got a flexible membrane in it...not saying this WILL happen, but maybe a weak link for the ole "leafblower trick"
 
Sawduster said:
Big Jim, I have your same stove and use the leaf blower trick at least twice a season. Have your wife hold the leaf blower and go inside and open and close the door a few times. Also, use a refrigerator coil cleaning brush to push in and out through the exhaust port in back of the ash bin while the blower operates. It works great.
Click to expand...

Wife hold the leaf blower? Sure, I could ask but........... There is a nice remote plug and switch that sell for about $15. Right now, it is available where the Christmas light accessories are found in the stores. I always have my blower duct taped to the exhaust, and the weight of the blower resting on cardboard box. Never moves. Allows you to get away from the whole thing. I turn it on while still outside so I can get a view of the old smoke monster, (now very faded) and then go inside where I can open and close the door, switching it on and off with the remote. I use to do it with the stove box still dirty, but now I vac out the stove first and empty the ash pan. Much less ash to be blowing out and about that way. I clean with the leaf blower with every ton burned. Very quick. Not so dramatic with frequent cleanings, but I'm betting my stove is giving me better performance.
 
Lousyweather said:
the only issue I can think of would be with an extremely powerful blower (high suction), you MIGHT possibly damage the vac switch....its got a flexible membrane in it...not saying this WILL happen, but maybe a weak link for the ole "leafblower trick"
Click to expand...

One of the reasons I disconnect the hose leading the vacuum switch while doing the leaf blower cleaning. Just don't need to damage it.

One other thing. The leaf blower cleaning should be done after the full stove cleaning. Some have the misconception that this is all you need to do. Much better to brush out the heavy stuff and clean what you can see first. The leaf blower is more for getting what can't be seen. Just my 2 on it anyway!
 
j-takeman said:
Lousyweather said:
the only issue I can think of would be with an extremely powerful blower (high suction), you MIGHT possibly damage the vac switch....its got a flexible membrane in it...not saying this WILL happen, but maybe a weak link for the ole "leafblower trick"
Click to expand...

One of the reasons I disconnect the hose leading the vacuum switch while doing the leaf blower cleaning. Just don't need to damage it.

One other thing. The leaf blower cleaning should be done after the full stove cleaning. Some have the misconception that this is all you need to do. Much better to brush out the heavy stuff and clean what you can see first. The leaf blower is more for getting what can't be seen. Just my 2 on it anyway![/quote

That was three cents worth!!!]
Click to expand...
 
krooser said:
j-takeman said:
Lousyweather said:
the only issue I can think of would be with an extremely powerful blower (high suction), you MIGHT possibly damage the vac switch....its got a flexible membrane in it...not saying this WILL happen, but maybe a weak link for the ole "leafblower trick"
Click to expand...

One of the reasons I disconnect the hose leading the vacuum switch while doing the leaf blower cleaning. Just don't need to damage it.

One other thing. The leaf blower cleaning should be done after the full stove cleaning. Some have the misconception that this is all you need to do. Much better to brush out the heavy stuff and clean what you can see first. The leaf blower is more for getting what can't be seen. Just my 2 on it anyway!
Click to expand...

That was three cents worth!!!
Click to expand...

Uh Oh, I can only afford 2, So someone needs to loan me a penny!!!!!! Please? :cheese: ;-P
 
I have an insert with about 20 ft of vertical liner. Will it pull enough at that distance?
 
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