Leyden question

[Mury]

We have been using our new Lopi Leyden for two months and have been through about 1.5 tons of pellets so far. In the last few days the pellets have been overflowing the burn pot every day. The glass is getting black faster and soot is building up in the burn pot. I removed the brick panels and everything for a thorough cleaning but it still does not seem to be burning efficiently. By the way, the air (outside) has been wide open while we have had this problem. Temp has mostly been set on 3 or 4. Any ideas?

 

[Burn1]

I had the same problem that you describe after going through approx. 1 1/2 ton and I ended up finding the exhaust vent VERY clogged with ash. Cleaned it out and just like new again.

 

[Mury]

That is what I kind of expect might be the problem. Of course the manual doesn't say how to do that because I think they want you to hire someone to do it. I assume you go from outside as the pipes inside are caulked together? Do you use a large brush or just a vac? Saw something about a leafblower, but we don't have one and that looks complicated.

 

[imacman]

.....Of course the manual doesn't say how to do that because I think they want you to hire someone to do it. I assume you go from outside as the pipes inside are caulked together? Do you use a large brush or just a vac? Saw something about a leafblower, but we don't have one and that looks complicated.

No, I don't think the manufacturer of the stove cares one way or another who cleans the exhaust pipe, as they don't sell it.

I don't think you need the leafblower trick, just some normal pipe cleaning with a brush and vac.

You didn't give much info on what type vent setup you have, so it's hard to say what is the best way. Do you have a cleanout "T" on your pipe anywhere? Is it a direct vent straight out the back & through the wall? These are the things we would need to know to be able to help you more....pics of the setup would help a lot too.

 

[Burn1]

That is what I kind of expect might be the problem. Of course the manual doesn't say how to do that because I think they want you to hire someone to do it. I assume you go from outside as the pipes inside are caulked together? Do you use a large brush or just a vac? Saw something about a leafblower, but we don't have one and that looks complicated.

I did it from the inside and outside. I don't have a cleanout T. I used a brush, a vac, and an air compressor. I could not believe the amount of crap in that pipe for only having been burning since late October.

Page 36 of this pdf shows how to remove/clean the exhaust blower-

(broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/TravisDocs/100-01184.pdf)

 

[Mury]

As you can see, there is not a clean out T. The stove is on a 45 angle in the corner so the pipe bends and then vents horizontally out of the house. Apparently the installer had to use the 90 and 45 in order not to hit a stud with the wall thimble. Perhaps in the future we could instead put a clean out and use a flexible vent, if there is such a thing. Any advice on how to clean this would be appreciated. Do you use the ash vac? Does it need attachments? Thank you guys!

 

[muss]

I use a dryer lint brush to clean my outside exhaust which is only a couple feet . I bent the long brush & it does a great job . I've cleaned it twice in 2 months & had a hell of alot of s@#$ come out of there. But i have the Athen pellets which are very inconsistent from bag to bag ,none are very good , but i purchased them back in early summer so their not the best by a long shot. I have a ton of ash every 24 hours when i clean & still have to run it at at least medium-high & up . Good luck to you . Keep us posted . Muss PS. Wait till you have to clean the side where the exhaust blower (impeller) is.

 

[richkorn]

Wait till you have to clean the side where the exhaust blower (impeller) is.

Muss,

Did you ever successfully clean out that exhaust blower area behind that full gasket?

 

[thoude3]

Question for you guy? I did a good cleaning of the stove the other day and I took out the top "bottle caps" and brushed them out. I didn't realize the bottom panels came out too. Are they hard to take out? I was amazed by the ash behind the brick. However, I too am blessed with the Athens bewties. Ash we have it. How ofter do you clean the exhaust blower. Is this a once a season type of thing?

 

[Mury]

If you stick a brush in from the outside, it seems that that would just push the ash farther into the stove. Am I wrong? Or do you push the ash in and vacuum from the exhaust fan access? Please forgive the ignorant questions!

 

[Dr_Drum]

Mine is almost exactly like yours and I did not need the 90 degree elbow. Yours looks closer to the walls. If you are willing to pull your stove out a bit you could remove that 90 degree elbow. Here's mine.