M55 problem

[Mark Majerus]

Had a M55 installed 3 months ago. Burned almost a ton of pellets without an issue till last night.
It starts fine (manual mode), level 3. Then agitator kicks on. Then the convection fan turns on. Which is all correct with good flames to this point. A short time later (either immediately or within 10 minutes) , the agitator stops running (I have the right side cover off to watch the chain drive). Then the flame dies down to below the typical level 1 amount. Pellets are still feeding but not burning well, probably as agitator is off. Pellets just glo red. When I hit the off button, the agitator immediately starts again. So my conclusion is that it isn't the inline fuze, as the agitator runs at the beginning and the end of the cycle. The burn pot, etc. has been cleaned. The agitator does rotate when the chain is moving so its not jammed (even in the hot mode when I turn it off). There are no warning lights on or blinking either.

Any clues?

 

[vinny11950]

sounds like it is running properly. the agitator turns more often at start up and shut down. in between those times, it turns according to the fuel type setting you have.

as for the setting 1 low flame, that happens on mine when i have certain type of pellets that don't burn too much.

try raising the level to 3 and see if the flame gets bigger. if it does, then it is the pellets.

 

[jtakeman]

Sounds like your in premium pellet mode. If you want the agitator to turn more often change the fuel mode to regular pellets and the agitator will turn every time the feed auger turns.

 

[briansol]

It may be a dirty sensor. it's time for a complete cleaning. airflow may be restricted. 90% of these problems are relatd to dirty stoves.

 

[Mark Majerus]

Its the same fuel from the same pallet. Level 3 is what it is on. Makes no difference going to level 4 or 5 either.
I am in premium pellet mode and have been for all use

 

[Mark Majerus]

Its the same fuel from the same pallet. Level 3 is what it is on. Makes no difference going to level 4 or 5 either.
I am in premium pellet mode and have been for all use

I will try changing to regular pellet mode tonight and see if that works differently

 

[Mark Majerus]

I will try changing to regular pellet mode tonight and see if that works differently

By the way manual indicates agitator should turn with auger feed, which it does until convection fan kicks it

 

[jtakeman]

You might find this chart handy. It has the differences of each fuel mode.

 

[Mark Majerus]

This chart is great. Too bad it isn't in the owners manual. So the only difference between the premium and regular mode is the on/off of the stirrer. I thought there would be a difference in feed rate, but apparently not. Will try it tonight with the regular mode and see what happens. I guess one can get a bad bag in the middle of a pallet as well? The only other change is that its 20F here and blowing 25mph. First time we have had that combination. It worked fine through Sandy though, so it can't be the wind only condition.

 

[flynfrfun]

Make sure the switch is still in manual mode. What you describe is how it operates with the thermostat in hi/low after the thermostat's temperature setting has been reached. If I remember right you have to shut the stove off, change the setting (auto/off, manual or hi/low) and then restart for the change to take effect. You may have bumped the switch when filling the hopper.

 

[Mark Majerus]

Well it ran through the night just fine on the 'regular' pellet mode. I did flip the breaker, made sure the switch was in the manual mode, and re-started it. I have not re-tried the 'premium' mode.
It looks as though there really is no difference between the two modes other than the stir cycle rate. Still feeds at the same rate. So if there any penalty for burning premium pellets in the regular mode? I can't really hear the stirrer running anyway over the TV

 

[Wachusett]

So if there any penalty for burning premium pellets in the regular mode? I can't really hear the stirrer running anyway over the TV

The only penalty I have found is the frequent stirring in regular mode pushed unburned pellets out the end of the burn pot.
May need to adapt some guard rails on the end of the burn pot liner. Seen some around here somewhere

 

[Mark Majerus]

thanks, will keep an eye on the ash tray to see what its up in it. Too many pellets in the fire now, sorta speak.
The addition of the M55 has led to a whole room renovation.
Pulled out the original fireplace insert (tired of splitting wood and daily clean out).
Added a stone surround, repainted last weekend, bought a new HD TV, and now am building in wall cabinets.
Next month will be hardwood floors, costa rica teak.
Will never want to leave the room then.
(broken image removed)

 

[Mark Majerus]

Yes I live in an upside down world? Not sure why it got flipped on upload or how to fix it afterwards