Quad Castilles and Ignitors

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Augmister

Minister of Fire
Jun 16, 2008
502
Socialist Republic of RI
I have noticed that if I don't vacuum around the ignitor loop and the sleeve it fits into next to the outside of the burn pot, I get ash build up which causes misfires (pot doesn't get hot and pellets don't light). Does anyone else have this issue? I think it is due to the design of the holes in the pot which must be cleaned out.... perhaps dumping the ash into the ignitor loop sleeve..... Any ideas?
I just have to be sure to vacuum every week.
 
The opening for the ignitor is actaully two slits if I recall, I have never had problems with those getting plugged up and causing misfires. That said, I do keep the stove pretty clean so maybe that's why I haven't had that issue? My misfires are caused by what I'm burning at the time. You mention 'the pot doesn't get hot' which is confusing a bit, regardless of the slits being open the ignitor (and pot) should be getting hot? I do not specifically vacuum the ignitor from the ash door side either, just vacuum the pot when cleaning (and the rest of the stove).
 
2 Quad Castilles, Awesome!

Are both stoves acting the same way?

I have had my Castille probably around six years and have never experieced any ash buildup around the igniter and or the holes in the firepot itself.

Could it be the type of pellets you are using?

Keep us posted
 
I have a Castile and they do get a build-up of clinkers and ash as do all stoves but the open slot(s) in the burnpot adjacent to the igniter can get blocked depending on several things. I always use a small toothbrush-sized and shaped stainless steel wire brush that also has a small added brush on the end to reach inside the holes and slots of the burn pot.

I normally give my burnpot a quick vacuum and cleaning (with the small wire brush) every 3 days and have had no problems.
 
Air should be pulled INTO the burn pot and past the igniter, which would preclude getting ash buildup on it. Yes, the holes are VERY important. Both the large and small ones. I use gun cleaning brushes for my cleaning. A .40 caliber and a .32 caliber on the end of a bent cleaning rod. Get those 4 small ones at the base of the sloped bottom too.
 
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