Hopefully the picture attached is viewable as that explains most of it. It contains my cost comparison for the auger motor(s). Remember, my purchase consisted of 3 auger motors for less than the cost of a "new original" auger motor from the manufacturer. There were two auger motors for $10 each, and one auger motor for about $84 each. The total, before shipping, is $104. The $84 auger motor is brand new while the two $10 auger motors are used, but in good visual shape, no leaks, and clean. Ordered this many as I had no clue if any of them would work.
If the used auger motor lasts for 10 years, and a new auger motor lasts for 10 years, I could save $12/year, so my total savings could be $120.00. If the new "generic" auger motor lasts 10 years versus 10 years for the manufacturer's auger motor, my savings would be $46.00.
In terms of cost savings over a new auger motor straight from the manufacturer, if the $10 used auger motor lasts 1.5 years (1 year 6 months), then it will still save money compared to an auger motor straight from the manufacturer that lasts 20 years.
If I was successful in my original quest, then the motor itself would be repaired for $25 or so and should last as long as a new auger motor, unless gears wore out. I would have liked to replace just the motor and not the whole gear assembly as I try and shy away from the throw away society that we currently live in. Keep something as long as it's serviceable, less pollution in landfills, less energy required to make a new gearbox or recycle it, etc etc. Even though this is a small item, small items do add up.
Created the range of yearly costs in the picture as did not have any type of data on how long they last, other than my limited experience. And, with anything mechanical and/or electronic, there is no way to tell exactly how long the life expectancy will be.
If, for some reason, I have to use all 3 of these auger motors, the total savings could be about $286 based on a 10 year life span and auger motors staying the same cost. As it is now, if I only use the 1 auger motor currently installed, still save $26 (counting cost of all 3 motors).
Thankyou for all the helpful tips and support!! Although I am a noob at this board, I would like to share some of the "unique" insights I have, even if this is not the proper place. No disrespect to the manufacturers of any pellet stove as they put out a good high quality product and I support the ones I have good experience with.
**Begin rant**
Some of us heat with alternative fuels, alternative meaning not fuel oil, natural gas, or electricity, due to cost savings, better for the environment, less reliance on foreign suppliers, all of these, or others un-named.
Part of my original research into trying to find an auger motor was searching to determine if someone else did the same. I dislike paying retail for anything and always look for alternatives (such as alternative heat) while trying to think outside of the norms of a throw-away society. Not finding anyone else who went with an alternative auger motor (alternative being not a direct replacement from manufacturer) was like Christopher Columbus and going into uncharted territory. As part of this, there is a learning curve. If had a motor specialist I coud call up and say, "Hey, where can I get a replacement for such n such", then time spent might have been less than an hour instead of the many hours I spent going around to motor shops (they looked at me quizzically), combing the internet, and reading books.
Regardless, I was somewhat successful in my crusade by saving money, and can only hope that someone else will feel the desire to use the preliminary research done, expand on it, and possibly present a better list of alternatives.
Regarding my "junk" used motor, do not know of anyone who has bought everything brand new. They all have bought varying used items at one point in time or another. If haven't had the chance yet, will sooner or later. This goes from buying a house, shopping for a car, renting a hotel room (yes, they're used), to looking for a propylactic (ok, even that's my limit). So, there is no sense to the "new is better" thing (except for propylactics). From what I personally have seen, the older items typically are made much better (not specifically auger motors) and typically last far longer than modern Walmart type items. So long as it's cost effective in the long run then I am happy.
**End rant**
Again, many thanks to everyone!
