Fuel Stirrer Metal Material

[timberwolf5480]

Hi,
I have an American Energy Systems Magnum Countryside 3500P, and my fuel stirrer has now finally lost 3 "teeth" after 2 seasons of burning. I am totally happy with the stove, and so far haven't had any major issues with it.
My question is however, what type of metal are they using for the fuel stirrer rod in the burn pot? It seems to be some sort of stainless steel, but I can't tell because of all the corrosion, (I tried the magnet test). I am just wondering this for my curiosity.

 

[hossthehermit]

Stainless don't corrode .............

 

[FirepotPete]

Stainless don't corrode .............

Well, actually, many years ago when I started mixing corn in my pellets I found that agitators made from stainless broke down faster than the high carbon steel ones. Also since going 100% corn and making clinker forks, I tried making them from stainless wire and they would break down as fast or faster than the cheap 3/8", 4' long wire in the bin at the hardware store.

 

[funflyer]

Stainless don't corrode .............

Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion but it certainly does corrode.

 

[rickwai]

Stainless steel in a very generic term for corrosion resistant steel. There are many different alloys.

 

[NYBurner]

I just replaced my burn pot stirrer/agitator this weekend as well. I have an Enviro M55C....same thing 3 of the 'fingers' vaporized and the middle of the rod was wearing away rapidly. It says it is stainless steal, but as mentioned above there are many different blends of stainless.

On a side note, I actually shut my stove down last week because the burn had gotten so poor....output air temp dropped from an avg of 335-358F to 220F and I could not get a clean looking burn Put the new rod in, and temps are back up to normal and tbh I dropped my feed rate down 2 trim levels because it is burning so much better. Amazing to see how much that one component affects the burn.

 

[Watcher1]

Hi,
I have an American Energy Systems Magnum Countryside 3500P, and my fuel stirrer has now finally lost 3 "teeth" after 2 seasons of burning. I am totally happy with the stove, and so far haven't had any major issues with it.
My question is however, what type of metal are they using for the fuel stirrer rod in the burn pot? It seems to be some sort of stainless steel, but I can't tell because of all the corrosion, (I tried the magnet test). I am just wondering this for my curiosity.

They are stainless but you can use cold rolled. You can also make the connector on the drive end with a grinder, just takes a little time.

 

[timberwolf5480]

They are stainless but you can use cold rolled. You can also make the connector on the drive end with a grinder, just takes a little time.

Or i could mill the end. I am going to try an experiment, instead of welding the "teeth" on, i am going to drill and tap, and bolt the teeth on. I have no idea how long this will last, but i am going to use grade 8 socket head cap screws, worst thing that could happen, they break off.