Hello. I am trying to learn how to use the Harman P61-2 pellet stove in my new home. It heats well, but is blowing partially-burned pellets (and plenty of sparks) out of the throat of the burnpot and into the ash box. A few ashes pile up back close to the edge of the fire. This creates a narrow throat where the flames and draft shoot out with a lot of force, enough to eject burning pellets when the feed auger stirs them up. The ashes never get pushed away because the pellets don't stay in long enough. Has anyone else seen this? How can I make the pellets stay until completely burned?
Harman pellet stove wasting fuel
- Thread starter sstf.freeindeed
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Bioburner
Moderator
Bioburner
Moderator
I have a current downloaded manual for the p-series from Harman and on page 22 they give the parameters for the draft on the stoves.
Where did you get your manual? i have a paper manual and the one I found online matches it. P.22 shows options, not draft parameters.
(broken link removed to https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15289336/Harmon%20P68/P68%20Maintenance.pdf)
http://www.manualslib.com/manual/65585/Harman-Stove-Company-P61-2.html
I have had the feed rate set variously between 3 and 6. Running on Stove Temp set at 5. Stove is in the finished basement of house with open stairway. Also heating with two mini-split heatpumps, so stove is suplementary. When I initially ran at top output to set the feedrate as in the manual, it would push pellets up within an inch of the edge. But in operation it does not call for that much heat, so the burning pellets are only back in the throat of the burn pot. Ashes pile up with only about a 3/4 inch opening across the back of the burnpot opening where the flames are shooting out with whispy edges, obviously a lot of wind.
From what you describe, the stove is just in maintenance mode. That is it is putting out the amount of heat you are calling for so there is no need to feed more pellets. This in normal. Harman says periodically just scrape the ash forward into the ash bin. As you call for more heat, pellets will feed further into the pot. Feed rate should be set between 3&4.
My preference is to run in room Temperature mode, manual operation on cold days. This allows the stove to cycle bringing the room up to temperature then falling back to maintenance mode. In this configuration, you should have a wall thermometer to measure room temperature. Adjust stove to the thermometer reading and the stove will keep it there to + or - one degree. Thermometer should be mounted on wall opposite stove. You will need the external temperature sensor attached to the back of the stove.
Ok. Thank you for your help. I will scrape ashes out sometimes and/or run in room temp. I might also try fitting a heavy screen over the burn pot to keep at least the larger pellets from flying out.
Did you mess with the combustion fan using the set screw inset on the panel? Sounds like your combustion fan is set very high. Was this this a dealer install? Blowing pellets is really a surprise.
TonyVideo
Feeling the Heat
Bioburner
Moderator
Installed by a stove dealer, but not a Harman dealer. Exhaust pipe rises about four feet and then goes into a block chimney on the outside of the house. Chimney extends about 18 feet above that. Model P61-2 (mine) does not have a set screw on the control panel like the P68 manual shows. I do not have OAK.
Thank you for this page. I don't have a draft meter, so I can't measure it. Also, my P61-2 does not have the set screw.
F4jock
Minister of Fire
Turn the heat pumps down a degree or two when you run in Room Temp and do NOT put anything over the burn pot!
Bioburner
Moderator
Your stove not having the draft adjustment is a new one on me. How about posting a picture of the controls. Sounds like the pot may have become carboned up and is not burning right but need to get some pictures so we all can get on the same page or stove
F4jock
Minister of Fire
You don't have a recessed white screw in the control panel?
In your manual look for a section on Low Draft Adjustment.
First the screen will carbon/ash clog, and definitely affect the ESP sensor and computer parameters
F4jock
Minister of Fire
Because it will possibly restrict pellets when you finally get the thing functioning properly and you'll disrupt the airflow and flame pattern to the point that the electronic controls won't work properly.
I have a Harman. It's a great stove but the there is a learning curve. Don't try to redesign what doesn't need it. Let's solve your problem instead.
F4jock
Minister of Fire
They do.
As well, please tell us more. How long have you had the stove? Have you cleaned it THOROUGHLY? Homes many bags of pellets have you put through it? Have you THOROUGHLY read and understood the manual?
LuvMyPellets
Burning Hunk
I noticed mine was throwing a ton of embers when I was burning the TSC Pine stuff over the weekend. Have never seen it do that with hardwoods.
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