Bad bag of pellets in my quad.

[Fitter 73]

Hi all. First post in this area of the forum, looking for some help.
I have had my quad. Mt. Vernon a.e. Insert for about a year now and knock on wood (no pun intended) No issues so far until today. Not a mechanical failure, more self inflicted...
So I was going through my normal routine this morning before heading to work and I dumped in a bag of pellets. I didn't notice that the bag had been wet until I hit the clumped up mess down in the center. By the time I saw it the damage was done, swelled up pellets and fines in my fuel bin.
So I got home this afternoon and the stove is a mess, scooped out everything I could by hand in the bin, and trying to burn the rest of what is in the auger channel before I tear it apart for a good cleaning. I am trying to run the feed auger at the highest speed in the user settings to burn what is left quickly.
I think I read here before that the different fuel types as well as the flame height adjustment have an impact on the auger feed rate. Have the stove on highest flame height setting and Cannot remember which fuel (sunflower seeds or wheat) will give me the higher auger feed rate?
Anyone know for sure?
B.T.W., this will be the last time natures choice pellets go in my stove.... Premium pellet my a@!, not real impressed...

 

[Bioburner]

I know the volume of sunflowers per pound is very large.

 

[rona]

Hi all. First post in this area of the forum, looking for some help.
I have had my quad. Mt. Vernon a.e. Insert for about a year now and knock on wood (no pun intended) No issues so far until today. Not a mechanical failure, more self inflicted...
So I was going through my normal routine this morning before heading to work and I dumped in a bag of pellets. I didn't notice that the bag had been wet until I hit the clumped up mess down in the center. By the time I saw it the damage was done, swelled up pellets and fines in my fuel bin.
So I got home this afternoon and the stove is a mess, scooped out everything I could by hand in the bin, and trying to burn the rest of what is in the auger channel before I tear it apart for a good cleaning. I am trying to run the feed auger at the highest speed in the user settings to burn what is left quickly.
I think I read here before that the different fuel types as well as the flame height adjustment have an impact on the auger feed rate. Have the stove on highest flame height setting and Cannot remember which fuel (sunflower seeds or wheat) will give me the higher auger feed rate?
Anyone know for sure?
B.T.W., this will be the last time natures choice pellets go in my stove.... Premium pellet my a@!, not real impressed...

I had that happen a few years back and swore never again. LOL this is a good reason why you should dump a sack of pellets in a couple of 5 gallon pails. then you will see a problem before it gets into your stove. One side benefit is you never have to worry about a plastic bag sticking on a hot surface either.

 

[Skier76]

My insert has a narrow fill opening. I bought a coal hod at the big box store and use that to fill the stove. Bonus, it's easier for my wife to refill with the coal hod vs heaving the entire bag.

 

[CygnusX1]

I had that happen a few years back and swore never again. LOL this is a good reason why you should dump a sack of pellets in a couple of 5 gallon pails. then you will see a problem before it gets into your stove. One side benefit is you never have to worry about a plastic bag sticking on a hot surface either.

So true, and if you've ever had to clean a melted plastic bag off your glass, you won't do it again.