Castile burning sloppy even after cleaning!

[scagger]

My Quad Castile insert has been running really lousy this year. The ash leftover in the burn pot are pelletized ash chunks along with large clinkers. It burns fine after a cleaning, but within a day or two, the pot builds back up with ash clinkers. It's like there's a large pile of embers when it burns, and they are left over when the stove turns off. I just cleaned the vent pipe yesterday and made sure all of the holes in the burn pot were clear. I noticed this morning that the flame was high again and a large pile of embers in the pot while it was burning. I'm sure they will be leftover when it cools down. I've played around with the feed level and it's pretty low right now.

I replaced the door gasket at the beginning of the season as well as the auger motor. Could it be that the auger motor is overfeeding? Are there different RPM speeds for different years of the Castile? It's not an aftermarket part either.

I'm burning Northern Warmth Douglas Fir Supremes.

Any insight into this would be very much appreciated.

 

[JRemington]

Are you able to check the draft with a mag gauge? We’re having that problem around here this year from dirty pellets.

 

[Wooden Head]

My Quad Castile insert has been running really lousy this year. The ash leftover in the burn pot are pelletized ash chunks along with large clinkers. It burns fine after a cleaning, but within a day or two, the pot builds back up with ash clinkers. It's like there's a large pile of embers when it burns, and they are left over when the stove turns off. I just cleaned the vent pipe yesterday and made sure all of the holes in the burn pot were clear. I noticed this morning that the flame was high again and a large pile of embers in the pot while it was burning. I'm sure they will be leftover when it cools down. I've played around with the feed level and it's pretty low right now.

I replaced the door gasket at the beginning of the season as well as the auger motor. Could it be that the auger motor is overfeeding? Are there different RPM speeds for different years of the Castile? It's not an aftermarket part either.

I'm burning Northern Warmth Douglas Fir Supremes.

Any insight into this would be very much appreciated.

Over the years I have had the same type of thing happen. At the time I was burning the same brand of pellet from the previous year. What I found was the pellet manufacturer's quality varied greatly. I've found that there are certain manufacturers that seem to know how to grade raw materials that give you a good end product year after year. Others, sometimes OK, other times, very poor.

 

[kappel15]

I would be cleaning the ash out of the pot at least twice a day. And make sure all the pot holes are clear, esp. the 8 little ones in bottom of pot front, and in in floor. Auger motor is the same thru the years. Only issue is if it is not a Quad part. Lots of after market parts leave a lot to be desired. Rpm's are not the same etc. And as others have said, it could be the pellets making the stove not run right. Try a bag of another brand to see.kap

 

[scagger]

Great feedback from everyone, thank you! I'll guess I'll have to keep on keepin' on with what I have since I have another 2 tons in the basement. I'll take another look at the pot tomorrow and make sure it's as clean as can be. Thanks guys. I love this forum.

 

[kappel15]

One bag of pellets is cheap for peace of mind. lol kap

 

[scagger]

One bag of pellets is cheap for peace of mind. lol kap

Very true. Quick question...what side should the airwash be on for the Castile? It is currently on top, but maybe it is supposed to be on the bottom side?

 

[kappel15]

It used to be on top, in the older models. They moved it to the bottom around 06 I believe. kap

 

[scagger]

It used to be on top, in the older models. They moved it to the bottom around 06 I believe. kap

Hmm...okay. Mine is a 2004 with metal tabs that hold the glass in. I had the airwash on the top, but spun it around today to the bottom just to see if that makes a difference. I'm definitely seeing a lot more fly ash coming out of the pot with the airwash on the bottom. I might just keep it like that if it keeps to pot clean(er).

 

[kappel15]

There is something about some slits in the corners of the metal frame opening for the air wash, if memory serves me right. It may be forcing more air thru the pot, since it isn't drawing any to keep the glass clean. See how long the glass lasts. kap