Jotul C350 blower speed

[sixminus1]

Hi all, I have an issue with the blowers on a 6 year old Jotul Winterport. This insert has been going strong since 2008, but recently I've noticed that the blowers just slow down by themselves after a while, even though the knob is on the highest setting. I can get them back up to speed by backing off on the knob a bit, but I'm wondering if there's a way to fix this without buying new blowers (a total cost of about $1100 - half of what I originally paid for the whole unit!). Could it just be the potentiometer? Anyone else run into anything like this? Is there a way for me to replace just the pot without replacing the whole fan unit? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jags]

If adjusting the control speeds the motors back up, I would venture a guess that the motors are fine and that the issue is with the control. $1100 for fan and control?? That sounds a bit wackadoodle to me.

 

[sixminus1]

That's what I'm hoping. And yes, multiple places quoted me $450 for the left blower, and $650 for the right. Insanity.

 

[sixminus1]

Update: Problem should be fixed soon. I looked through the parts diagram, and found the "rheostat" kit. Found a local place that handles Jotul. Guy I spoke to (who seemed knowledgeable) confirmed that the rheostat is likely the culprit. He quoted me $75 for the replacement kit. Also, better news on the blowers. He said that he's seen ridiculous prices for them, but his store can get them for $250 and $290, respectively. So, still pricey, but since I don't think I need them right away, I can save up for a while, buy them when I'm ready, and keep them stored until the originals inevitably wear out.

 

[Jags]

Keep the pm up (oil, clean) on the blower motors and they should last until you are old and grey.