Need help fixing pellet stove - lopi foxfire 400

[Ms_Construed]

Getting cold and need to fire this thing up. Have read the troubleshootings and manuals etc. ( single mom determined not to call for help - i got this ) .. well, , hopefully with your help. ANYWAY ... turn on power light comes on - auger doesnt feed. NOT JAMMED ... so hot wired the auger and plugged it into the wall - turns on power works GREAT ... but not sure that I can operate it with the auger hotwired. Its somewhat of a pain because I cant adjust the feed as i used to but atleast it is working. did the bypass of the flow switch and the snap disk .. and with both those things it did not work. ONLY thing that makes the auger go is wiring it direct to and outlet. its a lopi foxfire 400 ... it does buzz loudly when i turn it on and i hear a light click ... but nothing else. I guess i'll just run to plugs one for the auger and one for the fan ?? or whatever .. PLEASE let me know if you have any simple ideas. Thank you so much.

 

[Bioburner]

Welcome, your not being ignored, just hopefully someone with experience in the stoves workings will chime in.

 

[pell it]

Does this stove have a vacuum switch?

 

[Ms_Construed]

No not that I can see or find in the manual - I believe this is my model (broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/TravisDocs/93508046.pdf) and this is one very similar what i have been using to help me diagnose and fix. http://www.hearthtools.com/parts/94peltsh.pdf

 

[pell it]

On page 40 of the first manual, it refers to a draft flow switch and on page 37 section I refers to the draft flow switch nipple. There should be a tube between that nipple and the flow switch. Check it is not clogged or split open. "MOST" stoves will not let the auger turn if there is no draft flow present. If nothing is clogged nor the line split, you can temporarily jumper the two wires on the draft flow switch to see if that is the problem. Do Not run extended periods with the switch jumped out.

 

[Ms_Construed]

Checked that hose and was fine -did the bypass ( jumped ) the flow switch and then also the snap disk .. and with both those things it did not work. ONLY thing that makes the auger go is wiring it direct to and outlet.

On page 40 of the first manual, it refers to a draft flow switch and on page 37 section I refers to the draft flow switch nipple. There should be a tube between that nipple and the flow switch. Check it is not clogged or split open. "MOST" stoves will not let the auger turn if there is no draft flow present. If nothing is clogged nor the line split, you can temporarily jumper the two wires on the draft flow switch to see if that is the problem. Do Not run extended periods with the switch jumped out.

 

[pell it]

Did you jumper the low temp snap disc or the high temp one? Or both?

I assume a full cleaning including exhaust venting was done already.

 

[pell it]

Do you know what year the stove is?

 

[pell it]

From looking at the troubleshooting guide, I would say the issue would have to be either the flow switch (jumped and still did not work), the hopper snap disk (high temp limit), or the auger control timer/rheostat is bad.

If you have jumpered the flow switch and the hopper/high temp snap disk and the auger still will not function, it points to the control electronics. You may be able to google the part number in the trouble guide and find a replacement.

 

[Ms_Construed]

Did you jumper the low temp snap disc or the high temp one? Or both?

I assume a full cleaning including exhaust venting was done already.

Yes has been thoroughly cleaned. Only found one snap disk and jumped it and no change. Just buzzing

 

[Ms_Construed]

Do you know what year the stove is?

I believe it is a 1991 - lopi foxfire 400.

 

[Ms_Construed]

From looking at the troubleshooting guide, I would say the issue would have to be either the flow switch (jumped and still did not work), the hopper snap disk (high temp limit), or the auger control timer/rheostat is bad.

If you have jumpered the flow switch and the hopper/high temp snap disk and the auger still will not function, it points to the control electronics. You may be able to google the part number in the trouble guide and find a replacement.

I think you got it right there ... unfortunately - Yes, i think it is in the electronic controls. was hoping i could fix it on my own ... anything but that would have been better. I don't think they make that anymore and don't know if i need to replace the whole box or just one bad component.

 

[Ms_Construed]

jumped the flow switch no change - tube looks fine and then goes into a metal tube ... should i be able to blow through or suck through anything . lol. ... sounds bad .. but should i ? ANYONE want to come to missouri and fix this thing ?? lol

 

[Bioburner]

Not till the dogwoods bloom again. Sorry

 

[pell it]

I think you got it right there ... unfortunately - Yes, i think it is in the electronic controls. was hoping i could fix it on my own ... anything but that would have been better. I don't think they make that anymore and don't know if i need to replace the whole box or just one bad component.

http://www.primetechnology.com/ItemList.aspx?timerId=1&catId=1004&catInfoId=1056

This is the page for the auger timer. You would need to find the exact part number from the one in your control box. Looks like an easy fix just swap a few quick-disconnect electrical terminals.

 

[Ms_Construed]

Chances are it will still be broke when those dogwoods bloom. lol. This thing is really heavy to keep pulling in and out of the wall plus the way it is built in it is almost impossible to get the flue hooked back in .. not much room to work unless I pull it out and set it on the floor ... My girls and I are pretty tough but that thing is HEAVY.

 

[Ms_Construed]

http://www.primetechnology.com/ItemList.aspx?timerId=1&catId=1004&catInfoId=1056

This is the page for the auger timer. You would need to find the exact part number from the one in your control box. Looks like an easy fix just swap a few quick-disconnect electrical terminals.

Thank you Pell It for that link - you think that it is just the auger controls ( wires ) ? I can't remember what the usual noise it makes when I turn it on and it was running right. It just buzzes now .. a slight click now and then ... but no blower or fan sound. BUT i'm thinking the fan never did click on until it got hot. I just know there is no " action " when turned on.