How to remove xxv combustion fan?

It is warm here in central Ohio so I shut the stove down to give it a good cleaning. I have yet to clean the combustion fan this season (first season with stove). I tried to remove it after loosening the wing nuts (per owners manual) and it was not moving, almost like it was "welded" in place. I did not want to twist or pull to hard in fear of damaging "something"

Is there a seal or gasket that can tear or break when removing the fan/motor? Nothing in owners manual about such.

Any xxv owners with experience removing this fan for cleaning? How /what did you have to do to sperate the motor from the stove so it can be cleaned?

Thanks

Once you have remove the wing nuts , you will have to twist the combustion blower mount counter clockwise to UNLOCK and pull the blower motor out.

This fan uses a steel lip which acts as a sealing flange and in turn is a tight fit. It will come out.
You may have to rock it slightly back and forth to remove while turning it CCW. Additionally, have
you also loosened the third bolt @ the bottom right of the fan? Mine is connected to a long shaft
for easier access.

Thanks!

I worked on it tonight. Took some prying to break the seal but it broke loose.

I was surprised how clean it was after 3/4 of a ton of pellets.

Next time I know to wait longer.

Thanks again!