Auger Motor: Have you ever seen this?

[ShaneR34]

I just took out the convection blower on my EF3 getting ready for a new one I have coming. After it was out, I glanced at the auger motor and new immediately that I had a problem.

The casing has collapsed where it meets the metal bar it rests on/where all the force is. What the heck? Anyone ever see this? The motor is only a couple of years old. This doesn't seem like something that should happen. (attached a photo. hopefully it works)

Man, I'm starting to get fed up with this stove. It's been working fine until this season.

 

[johneh]

I have never seen one like that !
Was the rubber cushion on the stop ?
If it was missing I can see it wearing on the case
If it is not there get a rubber hose ( heater hose from a car)
and slid it on the stop bracket

 

[ShaneR34]

No. The hose has never been there. It never affected the original motor from Enviro that was installed for 5-6 years before failing. This is an aftermarket I put on a couple of years back.

Would it still be ok to run, though? I never would have noticed if I hadn't looked as it's been running fine. Even with a hose installed, I can't imagine it lasting long like this? Guess I need to do a close inspection when I do my yearly clean...I just assumed the motor was fine.

 

[heat seeker]

I would think that as long as none of the bits got into the gear train, it'll work just fine. I do think it should have some cushion (piece of hose) where metal meets metal.

It appears to me that the auger may have hit an obstruction, which caused the motor to strain, and the gear case got pushed against its stop really hard, and it broke. It doesn't look like the gear alignments are affected. I'd run it as is, and shop for a good deal on a spare in the meantime. I wouldn't be surprised if this unit lasts a normal life span.

 

[ShaneR34]

I would think that as long as none of the bits got into the gear train, it'll work just fine. I do think it should have some cushion (piece of hose) where metal meets metal.

It appears to me that the auger may have hit an obstruction, which caused the motor to strain, and the gear case got pushed against its stop really hard, and it broke. It doesn't look like the gear alignments are affected. I'd run it as is, and shop for a good deal on a spare in the meantime. I wouldn't be surprised if this unit lasts a normal life span.

Sounds good and what I was thinking (hoping). Guess my main concern was it appeared some grease was seeping out (but not sure). Anyway, if it fails at some point, it fails and will do no harm unlike some other parts that would make me nervous (like the blower I'm replacing). I'll grab a radiator hose and go from there.

Is there anything else I should look at concerning the auger since I'm messing around already? As I said, based on the fires I've had going, I haven't noticed any other problems.

Thanks, folks.