Harmon XXV esp probe stuck

[nectarologist]

Hi. I can't pull the esp probe out for the life of me. I used pliers without luck. I did remove the sheet metal screw and it's on there solid (the esp that is). I put the screw back in so I don't lose it but it was out when I tried to removed the esp. My stove starts fine but then has a lazy black topped flame (horrible soot on the glass within minutes). After 10 minutes the stove doesn't feed anymore and shuts down. I cleaned everything really good except the combustion blower (can't get that off either) and the flue. I want to remove the esp to clean the flue really good and to clean the esp. I suspect once i do that I'll be back in business. My stove was built in 2015 (red wires are connected to the esp as the pic shows, if that helps any). I suppose I could just use a flue brush and be careful but I really want to clean the esp too. Thanks, Chris

 

[Overfireinthehole]

Sometimes you just really have to pull hard. There’s not really a secret trick. It could be bent if pipe was ever brushed with it in it. You can pry with a flathead or worst case scenario, take the tailpipe off and cut the bent part off so you can replace it. Your definitely going to want to take that blower off.

 

[nectarologist]

Okay thank you. I will work it to get it out then. I was afraid to pull too hard. I haven’t cleaned the esp...ever so it’s overdue. Thanks again


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[nectarologist]

Wanted to write an update in case future searchers may find it useful. I couldn't get the probe out no matter what I did. But I got the stove working. I brushed up to the probe from the inside and took a small amount of ash out. When I went outside the flue was blocked with a nest! Took that out piece by piece and it's working like a charm. My venting is direct so I can see right to the probe from the outside. I should have started there, haha. I don't know what can get in there for a nest but it must be a small bird.