Auger Problem US Stove 5660

Hello, I noticed today that my stove was not as hot as usual and was not dropping pellets like it should. I was observing the auger motor and it sounds like the motor was straining. The auger does turn, whether or not like it is supposed to im not sure. I emptied the hopper to see if it was jammed in the hopper, but it wasnt. I also looked up the chute and it also didnt appear to be jammed.

The first thing is to verify that the auger motor is securely connected to the auger, it isn't unknown for the connection to come loose and the auger doesn't turn all of the time that motor does.

If the connection between the auger and its motor is good then you can do what is described next.

For a test and only for a test, jump your vacuum switch and run the stove. See if it feeds more pellets. If it does remove the jumper, clean the vacuum hose, the barb it goes onto at the stove end, and the entire exhaust path witch starts just above the burn pot and ends outdoors on the other side of the vent termination cap. Then give it another try.

If jumping the vacuum switch doesn't change anything then remove the jumper and have a chat with USSC.

Keep us in the loop no matter how it goes.

Thanks for the help Smokey,

I checked the connection between the motor and auger, and everything was good. I also jumped the switch and I still was getting the noise from the auger motor and auger. I took the old motor off and rotated the auger backwards and forwards. I reinstalled the motor and still have the same issue. I called USSC and explained the issue. I asked them if I could remove the cover over the auger in the hopper to check to see it if was jammed and they said not to remove it. They said it sounds like a auger motor issue and they are sending me a new motor. Unfortunately the stove is 13months old and out of warranty. The new motor should be here in 3-5 days....back to the heat pump....ouch...

Sorry it came to that.

Has anyone removed the auger cover? It just appears to fastened with two screws and sealed with hi temp sealant....

Just curious....what's the new replacement gonna cost you? Might have been cheaper to buy aftermarket.

$130

OUCH! New ball bearing Gleason Avery goes for under $80.

And if they have one of the correct RPM the surplus center has them from time to time for under $20.00 .

Ill have to check them out....Ill send the ussc one back..I thought the price was kinda high. The shaft on the auger has a hole in it for the cotter pin, I dont see the gleason avery ones with a hole in the shaft. My current auger motor is a 1rpm .55amp int duty...

The last I looked they didn't have any 1 RPM motors.

#A901 - 1.2 RPM. But the hole in the shaft is a problem if the OP can't drill it out.

Hey guys, I have an update....I received the auger motor from us stove. I installed it and still have the noise it seems to be coming from the auger itself. USStove told me to remove the auger. I have the auger loose, but how do i remove the bushing from the bottom of the auger in order to slide it all the way out. Thanks

Is there an exploded diagram in the manual?

Sometimes things like that are pushed unto the auger and can be pulled off with the correct tool or some times even taped or pushed out with a tool.

Given how some stoves are assembled you may have to remove the air intake tube to get it out you might want to send Don2222 a PC, IIRC he has been inside that model stove doing a reconditioning job.

Hey Smokey,
I pulled the auger out as far as I could and twisted it back and forth. Nothing seems to be jammed in there. I do have a hard time turning it by hand when it is screwed into the bracket. I put the motor back on the auger, and it is quieter. Still some noise from the auger, could it be a bearing issue? Thanks

Hello

You are correct Smoke, this stove is very similar to the Saranac and yes you do have to pull the air intake tube to yank the auger out.

I got everything apart and cleaned the auger up with Don2222 direction. Got everything put back together and fired the stove up. Ran perfect in the startup mode, and just as it went into normal mode i hear a "pop". The auger wont stop feeding even after hitting power button. I had to unplug stove, and get on the phone with USSC. They are sending me a new control board....

That's good.
With a new control board you should be all set.

Hey guys, just an update on my issue..USSC sent me a new control board, and I installed it today. So far all is well. I did notice a little smoke smell at startup so i may have to reseal the appliance adapter...Thanks for all your help...