harman accentra 2 - new to me what tools to use for deep cleaning

[ian105]

Just scored a 4 year old harman accentra 2 for 1300.

Had been hoping to do a wood burner install, but the ROI of the project was just crap, to much cost in pipe (2 floors worth), and the unit itself, and not having a "free" wood supply would have left me scrouging....so decided pellet was a better option.

It was installed in a lake cottage and the new owners didn't want it as they are shutting the place down for the winter.

They had never fired it up and new little about it besides it retail price from google.

They were kind enough to let me open it up (had not been cleaned at end of last season) and inspect the combustion blower and other parts. It was dirty, but not caked on kinda dirty. Everything moved freely. Cleaned the burnt crap and carbon out of the burn pot and it fired right up. No noises from any of the fans.

Anything else I should check before I close the deal? I just gave a deposit and will give them the rest when I pick it up.

Going back this week to get it after they disconnect the venting that goes through the wall.

What are the recommended tools for giving it a deep cleaning once i get it home?
Would like to restore the interior to a like new look...the medalion and rear cast panels are slightly rusted. Is it ok to wire brush them and put a new coat of stove paint on them or is there a better procedure? Or should i just clean off the crap and run it as-is and then paint the back panels next summer.....is that something that is normal to do every year if you want a "new" looking stove inside in the off season?

The lower part of the door has some crusty, kinda what looks like creosote on it, whats the best way to remove that?

Outside of the unit looks great, wont need any attention.
Will follow the cleaning procedure from Harman. Let me know (or point me in the direction) if there are other things I should do before installing inside.

Ill be posting an install thread soon. I have large roof overhang in the area the stove is going, so will be asking for the best way to get out beyond that so I don't get soot accumulation on the underside.

Thoughts from a current owner on the above would be appreciated!!

 

[Bioburner]

I believe bob bare just got a used one and he can probably get you thru a good cleaning. Try good old dish soap first. Some stiff bristle brushes will aid in the project. That's a great deal. Someone got a similar stove in California early this year and we got him through the cleaning and install. Send us some pictures. We can guide you though some install issues and pipe suggestions. A air compressor and air nozzle will go a long way to chasing out ash and dust bunnies from everything, being done outside first of course.

 

[wmarazita]

I believe bob bare just got a used one and he can probably get you thru a good cleaning. Try good old dish soap first. Some stiff bristle brushes will aid in the project. That's a great deal. Someone got a similar stove in California early this year and we got him through the cleaning and install. Send us some pictures. We can guide you though some install issues and pipe suggestions. A air compressor and air nozzle will go a long way to chasing out ash and dust bunnies from everything, being done outside first of course.

That was me. Everyone walked me through the cleaning and install. It seemed simple enough to clean. Here was the thread on purchasing and cleaning. There were a couple good videos in this link:

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/fair-price-for-harman-accentra-pellet-stove.122989/

The install link was here, if this helps:

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/harman-accentra-pellet-stove-install-photos.129511/#post-1744216

These folks were all great! Thanks again. I just had the first fire last week to check all of the exhaust and everything works great.

Bill

 

[ian105]

That exactly what I was hoping for!
Glad someone posted about the Selkirk vent. I remembered reading last winter about someone making an integrated pipe/OAK setup and that since the incoming air passes along the same path as the hot exhaust, its pre-heated = somewhat better efficiency.

It comes with a duravent thimble, 45, and 6 ft pipe section. Not sure If im going to re-use the thimble/OAK or switch over to Selkirk.

My stove does not look as bad as yours, did you end up doing anything about the surface rust on the cast back panels? I know its just cosmetic, but after the season is over, I want to look at a "pretty/clean" stove on the off season.
How did you move the stove from the old location into your house? Appliance dolly?
.....I still have to go pick it up this week, has to go up 20 exterior stairs....

 

[wmarazita]

That exactly what I was hoping for!
Glad someone posted about the Selkirk vent. I remembered reading last winter about someone making an integrated pipe/OAK setup and that since the incoming air passes along the same path as the hot exhaust, its pre-heated = somewhat better efficiency.

It comes with a duravent thimble, 45, and 6 ft pipe section. Not sure If im going to re-use the thimble/OAK or switch over to Selkirk.

My stove does not look as bad as yours, did you end up doing anything about the surface rust on the cast back panels? I know its just cosmetic, but after the season is over, I want to look at a "pretty/clean" stove on the off season.
How did you move the stove from the old location into your house? Appliance dolly?
.....I still have to go pick it up this week, has to go up 20 exterior stairs....

Yeah, the Selkirk setup is nice. It wouldn't work with my brick hearth unless I wanted to start cutting a large area of brick.

I didn't do anything about the rust. It doesn't look as bad as the photos suggest. But, if you find a solution, I would probably try to clean it up.

Moving this stove is a bear. It is VERY heavy. It took four adult men to dead lift it into a pickup and onto the hearth. I didn't need to use an appliance dolly to move it along great distances. It may be a little tricky due to the curvature of the stove. I'm sure it is doable if you protect it well. The stairs will be a job (I'm glad you are in Michigan and I won't be there to help!)

Quick question for you: Does your stove have a "hi/lo" switch behind the control panel? If so, do you know what it is for? It isn't mentioned in the manual that I have. My stove is an older version.


Edit: Just saw that you haven't picked it up yet. Maybe you could check for the switch once you get the stove.

 

[ian105]

Ill check for it when I get it, but I don't recall seeing it there when inspecting the unit.

I think Ill make a couple calls today and see if i can get some movers to move it....sounds like it would be a few bucks well spent given the stairs involved.
Wish I had my hearth done so I could just move it directly there...oh well Once its in the house and I get the hearth built I can round up some help for final placement

 

[ian105]

just looked up local permit costs. 75 app fee, 75 final inspection fee, + variable fee for what is being inspected. 30 for solid fuel...
What a rub....

 

[ian105]

did a quick vac job of the burn chamber. Please comment on pics if you see anything I need to address besides cleaning....
Any additions or guidance to using this cleaning list?
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/yearly-clean-maintenance-on-harman-accentra-2.70398/
Is the crusty stuff on the door by the ash pan normal?

None of the venting was sealed with silicone or screws...seemed strange
Does the appliance adapter look right?
I saw a mention of a harman specific adapter for simpson.....not sure how to tell what I have....
When I fired it up before purchasing def did get smell of smoke from around venting.

Trying to figure out what I need, installation will be a corner install which it how it was previously.
I have the harman thimble kit 1-00-677177 I'm 99% sure. Are there any more detailed instructions on installation of this kit? Its mentioned in the manual but thats it.
Also have 3ft of the simpson pelletvent and the 45. Prior had the vent sticking about 2 feet out of the wall outside...

pics in next post....

 

[ian105]

 

[wmarazita]

This is the correct adapter for the Accentra stove.
(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Duravent-3PVP-ADHB-PelletVent-Pro-Harman-Appliance-Adapter-BLACK-/251379978846)
It fit perfectly for me.

 

[ian105]

This is the correct adapter for the Accentra stove.
(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Duravent-3PVP-ADHB-PelletVent-Pro-Harman-Appliance-Adapter-BLACK-/251379978846)
It fit perfectly for me.

So I am guessing by that comment the one on the stove is not the right one? Its on their tight but does not look like the one you linked to. SInce the flange on the stove is smooth, should any screws be used to secure the adapter to the flange? From there I assume the twist lock DV pipe is good, then silicone seal any joints which was specified in the manual?

 

[wmarazita]

Actually, I posted the reply before I had seen the photos. I'm not sure if it is the same adapter or not. To me, it doesn't look quite the same as the photo on eBay. Those indentations on the piece make it look like it is meant to twist lock onto somehting. The adapter does NOT twist lock on. I used silicon to attach it. No screws. Do you know if that venting is Simpson?

 

[wmarazita]

Ian,

Also, does your have that "Hi/Lo" switch behind the control board? I can't figure out what that switch does!

 

[ian105]

bingo. It is simpson, but its just a standard 45 elbow based on the sticker thats still on it. Looks like I need the adapter to get a better fit. Then into the 45.

...any bets on if silicone was used =) I'm betting not...

 

[ian105]

I do have the hi/lo switch. Whats the date on your stove? Mine is may 2006. Its a little older than I thought but only has 3 winters of use on it supposedly.

 

[wmarazita]

I think is is a 2004. Can't check right now because it is at a different location.
Mine didn't have the adapter when I bought it. The piping was attached like yours. The fit with the adapter was MUCH better.
Any idea what the switch does? Do you have the manual that came with the stove? I downloaded a manual but it doesn't mention the switch.

 

[ian105]

I do have the original manual. No mention of the toggle switch.
There is a wiring diagram on the inside of the back cover so figured it should be there....it is... I attached it in case yours was missing.

The toggle switch has red/blue/lt blue wires.
The toggle switch is in the wiring diagram as "blower speed range switch" inline with the distribution blower.
Looks like it controls the distribution blower speed.
How is speed of the distribution blower controlled on newer models if this switch was eliminated...or are they fixed speed?

 

[wmarazita]

Ah, great info. Thanks. My manual says the distribution blower is controlled by the Stove Temp knob. I guess I will have to wait till it is not 85 degrees outside and fire it up! Can't wait for Winter!

 

[frankie]

Ian,

Also, does your have that "Hi/Lo" switch behind the control board? I can't figure out what that switch does!

Have you found out what the rocker switch is for? I have that on mine as well.

 

[ian105]

it 100% controls the distribution blower speed. In test mode you can switch from low to high with the rocker (even tho in test mode all fans run at 100%). Its directly wired to the blower so even in stove temp mode Its going to have an effect.

Thinking something like

rocker switch on low will give (low-medium) depending on where stove temp dial is set
rocker switch on high will give (medium- high) depending on where stove temp dial is set

I don't have mine installed yet so cant test the interaction with stove temp for sure.