Agitator hitting burn box?

[zmedic]

Ok so to start off, I am new to the world of pellet stoves. I have an American Harvest 6039, which in itself has been a learning curve, now that I have it going good every now and then I hear a little pop and when I look inside best I can figure is the agitator is hitting the burn box.? Is this anything to worry about? Any suggestions?
Thanks
Z

 

[zmedic]

I should say it doesn't seem to be getting stuck.

 

[Mr. Spock]

I occasionally when I hear a "pop" it's a pellet getting crushed by the auger. Sometimes they get in between the auger and tube. You hear the motor work a little harder and then "pop". Pellet crushed.

 

[zmedic]

Ok thanks! I wasn't sure cause it's not constant.

 

[Mr. Spock]

No problem. Just sharing my experiences.

 

[Brewer]

Hey z,
Welcome to hearth.com
What i found on my 6039 (and the 6041 also) was that after burning long periods on lower settings, the carbon builds up on the burnpot and on the ends of the agitator fingers, as the agitator spins, the high spots of carbon come in contact....POP....

 

[zmedic]

Brewer,
Thanks! I have it running wide open as this is an old house but that maybe it too! Should I shut it down and clean it? I have thought about going to the 5500M seeing as how a buddy has one that needs a new auger motor and went back to wood. He wants $300 for it and covers more sq ft.

 

[Brewer]

When mine starts clunking and popping alot, usually a sign it needs thorough cleaning, actually it means it is past due.
Cant speak for the 5500, but i dont think it is rated any higher as far as btu's go. It does however hold twice the amount of pellets.
Maybe someone that has or has had the 5500 will chime in.
Oh yea, i would be leary of running any pellet stove wide open for any length of time, but thats just my 2 cents.