Hampton air intake issues

Hi everyone,
I'm having a bit of a problem with my HI200 insert. I can't seem to get a fire going, even with very seasoned old pallet pieces. I'm pretty certain that there isn't enough air getting in. I looked in my manual and it doesn't specify where the air intake is, does anyone know???

Thanks,
John

I can't say I know, but here is an interesting link from SmartStove that takes apart a HI300:
http://inveninc.com/SmartStoveForum/index.php?topic=19.0

wow, thats really interesting thanks!

I agree.

I have an HI300, clean flue and cap. I always leave the door just barely ajar during startup.

Me too. Maybe crack open a window and get the draft going in the right direction if the stove is totally cold, which hasn't happened in...months.

My stove is just like yours. I have a pretty secured up house now, and I never have any problem starting a fire. I used to crack a window to start the draft, but with supercedars, I don't even have to do that. When I use pallet wood, it starts up almost too fast. It must be a blocked up chimney. When was it cleaned last?

Or, does the air control move really easily? With mine, there is some resistance. Especially with a cold stove. if it moves really easily perhaps the air intake plate broke off and that is the problem. Doubtful though