Englander 25-PVDC Burn Issue

[Knollb52]

Hello- had a 2014 Englander 25-PDVC that has given me no issues other than an occasional vacuum switch. Last week, I encountered a top auger issue shutting off after Start Up was complete. In the process of diagnosing, I removed both fans, cleaned out, and replaced gaskets, as well as replaced door gasket rope and window gasket. Additionally, I’ve replaced the top auger motor out of precaution while the device was apart, before landing on the temperature sensor being the issue.

The top auger motor is now spinning as it should (original issue), but I now have a very weak/inconsistent flame once the Start Up cycle is complete. It will often times drop down to lower than the glass window, but then will occasionally get to an appropriate flame level. There seems to be no issues with air intake, and the exhaust line is clean. The bottom 3 button settings remain the same, unchanged. Using the same pellets I was using previously with no issues.

*Note: the door and window gaskets were replaced after the 2nd issue was determined, as they had signs of wear, so although I’m not sure they were part of the issue, they needed replacement regardless.

Any ideas on what could be the culprit? I’m at a loss at this point.

 

[Ssyko]

Englanders are notorious for wanting to be clean !! When you change auger motors it is best to change both at the same time helps with timing, aftermarket are always a lil bit slower than advertised. Try putting your old auger motor back on the top and see if it helps.

 

[Washed-Up]

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[ericofmaine]

You could also try putting your bottom auger motor on top and your new one on the bottom. Anytime I've replaced a motor in my PDV I've done that as the bottom motor is spinning all of the time and the top one only intermittently. As Ssyko said mentioned it will at least allow you to check your timings / feed rates.

One other thing is are you on a thermostat? Is the jumper in place if your not? Not definitively saying its the culprit but something could have been bumped while you were in there changing the motor.

Eric

 

[Knollb52]

You could also try putting your bottom auger motor on top and your new one on the bottom. Anytime I've replaced a motor in my PDV I've done that as the bottom motor is spinning all of the time and the top one only intermittently. As Ssyko said mentioned it will at least allow you to check your timings / feed rates.

One other thing is are you on a thermostat? Is the jumper in place if your not? Not definitively saying its the culprit but something could have been bumped while you were in there changing the motor.

Eric

Eric, thanks for the suggestions. Not on a thermostat, just the standard control panel.

I replaced my previous auger, then rotated the top and bottom augers. This seemed to resolve the problem for a bit, but approximately 30-40 minutes into a regular burn cycle, the top auger seemed to periodically stop turning for 1-2 minutes, resulting little to no pellet feed, then would resume for another few minutes of normal feel before shutting out again.

I have confirmed both vacuum switches are working, and there are no obvious cracks in the tubing. Exhaust is clear, intake is clear and working, firebox is cleaned and clear.

The only thing I haven’t replaced or ruled out at this point is the control panel itself.

 

[Ssyko]

More than likely you will have to pull the infringement plate and double check it is cleaned behind, in the passages. Also pull the exhaust blower from housing and make sure it’s clean and housing is clean. If any horizontal runs in the exhaust vent will hold ash and close up the path.

 

[ARC]

Check which mode stove is in. Also you say bottom buttons the same as always what are the numbers, should be 6.4.1

Your stove has modes A,B.C and D should be in D mode. Make sure your Air on Temp is set on 1.

Have you checked what mode your stove is running in D is default C is hotter, A and B are for other stoves.

Could you check what mode your stove is set at: Should be D mode.

Unplug the stove
Plug power lead back in and press both the up and down blower speed buttons at the same time within 4 - 5 seconds and then release the buttons, you should now see a letter (A, b, c or d) in the left or right digital display under heat range or blower setting, you need to change this to 'd' using the up / down buttons below that readout once set to 'd' wait 10 - 15 seconds then unplug the power again and wait 5 seconds. (Sometimes the mode that you want does not set and defaults back to the mode that it was in before, repeat this step to make sure the mode that you want is set.)

 

[Knollb52]

All exhaust pipes, as well as the stove’s interior behind the impingement plate have been thoroughly cleaned. The only thing not done yet is the leaf blower trick, although the exhaust pipe is cleaned fairly-frequently with a dryer lint brush attached to a drill.

I did remove the pellet fire box today, and found a significant amount of buildup inside the double walls. That was completely removed today, and the stove was relit. I am running 6-4-1 on the bottom settings, as is recommended for my model.

Today, the stove lit, processed out of SU with no issues, and burned a strong, albeit higher than usual, flame for approximately 26-28 minutes, before the top auger would shut down and the fire would dip to just embers. The top auger would return anywhere between 3.5-4.5 minutes, and then resume for another 26-28 minute cycle, and the flames would return to a full flame. This continued for a full 2 hour cycle prior to shutting the stove off.

It seems as though the stove’s high temperature sensor is picking up high heat and shutting the auger down? I did not check which mode the device was in before turning on, but will check tomorrow once the device has had time to cool.

 

[ericofmaine]

Sorry, been away for a bit. If it were the high temp sensor, that shuts the stove down it doesn't pause the auger. I THINK that's an E-3 code but don't quote me on that.

Given what you describe, have you tried putting a multi-meter on your top auger motor? I'm curious if the motor is getting the 120 Volts from the board to intermittently cycle or not. If it isn't then it points to me to be a board issue. The first thing I would try is to do a board reset. You can search for how to do it on here.

If it is seeing the voltage then there's something screwy with the auger motor or perhaps the gearbox. I'd pull them and check that it runs connected to a cheater cord. I'd also look at the auger tubes and see if they're packed with fines. I've never had a problem with fines on my PDV but can't speak to the PDVC. All that said, I'm thinking its the board.

Eric