PE Vista Insert - Blower Not Working

[Jim Ignatowski]

Hi Everyone - Hoping someone can provide some advice. I have a Pacific Energy Vista Insert Series: D - probably about 14 years old. It gets a ton of use, it runs almost continuously from late October to May. Unfortunately this afternoon, the blower is no longer working. The insert has a thermostatic controlled mode and manual mode - In either position I can hear a slight hum indicating power to the unit. I tried vacuuming areas that are accessible - the fan had gotten louder over the years but the housing had taken a few hits a lot of the noise was caused by vibration. I can't figure out how to get into the unit and was hoping someone could provide some advice on how I can begin to troubleshoot. Attaching a couple pics - any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[begreen]

If it is not operating in manual mode, the motor bearings may have dried up. I think the blower on the Vista insert is serviced by lifting up the ashlip.

 

[Jim Ignatowski]

Thank you for the response. I agree - I think the blower is dead, it's been very noisy lately and I was thinking the bearings were worn. I removed a couple of screws on the sides but I can't seem to remove the ashlip. I'm going to try to make some calls tomorrow to see if anyone can provide some advice on how to get into the unit. Appreciate it

 

[bigealta]

Are you lifting the ash lip up? If the housing is Banged up or bent, maybe there is enough metal to metal resistance that you need to try light banging on it to see what it's hanging up on.

I'm just guessing....... but with the motor in that housing the ash lip has to be removable.

 

[Jim Ignatowski]

Appreciate the advice. I noticed two square drive screws on either side of the housing. I've been running the stove despite the blower not working due to how cold it is. I'm planning to let it cool down tomorrow and try to remove those screws and hopefully gain access. Thank you

 

[Whitenuckler]

Hi Everyone - Hoping someone can provide some advice. I have a Pacific Energy Vista Insert Series: D - probably about 14 years old. It gets a ton of use, it runs almost continuously from late October to May. Unfortunately this afternoon, the blower is no longer working. The insert has a thermostatic controlled mode and manual mode - In either position I can hear a slight hum indicating power to the unit. I tried vacuuming areas that are accessible - the fan had gotten louder over the years but the housing had taken a few hits a lot of the noise was caused by vibration. I can't figure out how to get into the unit and was hoping someone could provide some advice on how I can begin to troubleshoot. Attaching a couple pics - any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you

View attachment 345584

That bypass only bypasses the thermo switch, not the speed control. Bypass that too for testing. All you want is L1 white and a L2 black for direct AC. If the speed control is bad, you can get a fan speed control from the hardware store in a pinch.

 

[Dix]

I had this issue with the PE D1 insert.

After playing with some wiring, cleaning, etc, I just said the hell with it and bought a new blower assy. Up and running in less than an hour, and still cranking 6 years later.


And, just because I caught your handle here ( welcome to the Forums ) My fave Jim Ignatowski

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[Jim Ignatowski]

Again, appreciate all the responses. Before purchasing a new blower I wanted to look at the unit to verify the model number and positioning. I had not serviced the blower before and the few times I've had people here to clean the stove/chimney nobody to my knowledge ever cleaned it. Long story, I opened it up, vacuumed thoroughly, brought the stove back up to temp and the blower worked like new - no longer loud. So cleaning the blower will be part of off season maintenance going forward. Thanks again

 

[begreen]

Yay, we love a happy ending. Major dust accumulation can off-balance a blower, causing quite a racket in some cases.