Hello. I have an Enviro EF3 pellet stove. No issues, just regular maintenance over the last 8 years or so, since new. This evening, while stove was running, I noticed no noise, and that the blower fan was not running. It was running when I first got it going and adjusted the fan speed to high. At this point when I noticed the fan not running, the stove was getting quite hot. My only choice was to shut it down. After turning auger control off, the fire went out, and mysteriously, the fan kicked on again, as it would in overheat mode (high temp sensor) and ran until the stove reached a cool enough point (as it always would upon normal shutdown). I left it for about half hour then switched the stove on again, and with no problem, tried the fan speed knob and the fan started up with no problem. Cycled thru the dial from low to high speed and it works fine. Stove is running as I type and fan still operating. I read up a bit after this happened and figured maybe the fan motor was done or the fan speed control knob was bad, but it's working normal now. Maybe this was a fluke when the fan quit? Does anyone have any ideas what it could gave been, what I should check, or should I call my a Stove Dealer to send a repairman to look at it? Thanks for your help!
Enviro Fan Issue?
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I forgot to add that when fan stopped running, control knob had no bearing. I moved it from low to high and snapped it off then on, and fan wouldn't start up. Only started up after I turned auger knob off and fan kicked in 3-4 mins later to cool the stove down.
heat seeker
Minister of Fire
I haven't done that. I know when the service tech did an end of season cleaning last year, he said the fan wasn't blowing out as much air because of dust and pet hair (dog) getting in there. The air certainly blew out more freely after that. How do I access this area you speak of? I have an air compressor just need to know where I should be blowing out. Thanks
heat seeker
Minister of Fire
Sounds like the tech cleaned the squirrel cage. I refer to the motor itself. Blow air through the motor windings (outside is best, since dust will blow out). The first time I did mine (used stove) the amount of dust was incredible. It had probably never been done. I do it every year, and a fair amount of dust comes out. Same with the convection blower motor. Both motors now run as cool as possible, since their little fans can push air over the motor windings and keep them cooled.
This is an often overlooked chore.
There is a thermal switch next to the windings inside the motor. If the windings get too hot, it shuts the motor off. When the windings cool down, the motor can start again.
This is an often overlooked chore.
There is a thermal switch next to the windings inside the motor. If the windings get too hot, it shuts the motor off. When the windings cool down, the motor can start again.
Ok, by motor windings do you mean the slats on the cover over the motor? Not certain where you mean. Thx.
you need a new rheostat. motor is fine. 160 degree switch kicked it on when it got to hot which bypasses the rheostat. $12 part online. rheostats that aren't OEM must be calibrated when installed. ever oiled that blower?
I believe Heatseeker would suggest that you try to get any cover on the motor off before blowing the actual motor out. You should be able to tell if it's a cover or part of the motor. Look for screws or nuts to remove to take said cover off. Should be done with both convection and combustion motors. Be aware that you very well may need new gaskets if you take either motor and fan assembly out. It's not a big deal just something you will need to have on hand when you do this.
By the way it would be a very good time to oil the bearings in these motors while you have them out. Lots of people use 3 in one oil in the blue can. Sometimes it can be trying to get oil into said bearings as most are sealed. Turn the motors on end and put oil on each bearing surface while slowly rotating the shaft. Do this on bothe sides of each bearing and when your do clean up any remaining oil so it doesn't attrack any dust.
By the way it would be a very good time to oil the bearings in these motors while you have them out. Lots of people use 3 in one oil in the blue can. Sometimes it can be trying to get oil into said bearings as most are sealed. Turn the motors on end and put oil on each bearing surface while slowly rotating the shaft. Do this on bothe sides of each bearing and when your do clean up any remaining oil so it doesn't attrack any dust.
heat seeker
Minister of Fire
My motors have slots in both ends, and you can see the little fan inside. I blow air through these slots. No need to remove the covers (on mine, anyway).
http://enviro.com/custom_content/docs/manuals/C-12145 Instruction PELLET Service Manual.pdf
Here is the link to The Teck manual It tells you what where and how to repair
the Enviro Stoves With pictures have fun
Here is the link to The Teck manual It tells you what where and how to repair
the Enviro Stoves With pictures have fun
Thank you folks for your help. I will try blowing out first and oiling. I liked it myself a few years back but not sure last spring if the service tech who did my cleaning at that time, oiled it at all. I'm thinking not.
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