QuadraFire 1200 Classic Bay Startup Issue

[Brad Jahnke]

We have a QuadraFire Classic Bay 1200 that wont seem to start up properly. When we start it up, the auger turns about a half turn, then we hear two clicks and the auger turns off. About 10 seconds later the auger will turn another half turn and turn off again. We clean the stove daily before starting it up, but may have missed something. I read about a vacuum issue that will turn the auger off, but cant seem to figure out exactly what needs to be cleaned. Any amount of insight would be appreciated. It's 33 degrees outside and only 60 inside, and we really cant afford to have our dealer come out and take a look at it.

 

[begreen]

How handy are you? First thing is to check #2 snap switch for continuity. If it's good, check the vacuum switch. Start with the door seal to be sure that it's not sucking excess air through a failed gasket. Then check that the switch is closing when the combustion fan is running. If that all checks out, the next thing is to clean out the feed tube and make sure there isn't a jam in the auger.

 

[rparker]

Could be something as simple as a clogged vacuum tube? Take the tube off of the vacuum switch (stove OFF) and blow through it back into the firebox. Vacuum switch on the CB1200 is attached to the back of the stove on the left side.
This has become part of my cleaning procedure.

 

[Don2222]

Hello

I had a CB1200 FS. Those stoves are built like a tank so it must be something simple like what they said above! Good Luck.

 

[DexterDay]

If its turning and clicking. I would put money on the collar not be tight.

Tighten the set screw on the auger.

Might be vacuum related. But don't think it would be intermittent

 

[Brad Jahnke]

OK...Just an update - and no, we still don't have heat. My father called the dealer and he suggested we start with cleaning the heat exchanger. Done. No Heat. Also suggested replacing the door gasket. Done. No Heat. Also suggested bypassing the vacuum unit. Done. No Heat. Just tried tightening the set screw on the auger. Done. No Heat. Our dealer is quoting us no earlier than CHRISTMAS for a service call. *AnGrY*...Any other suggestions please let us know, it's really starting to get cold

Nothing seems to have changed. We light it manually, throw the switch, and nothing. About 1 full turn from the auger...and it puts itself out.

 

[DexterDay]

Where abouts are you located? Are you handy with video? Can you upload to YouTube?

The call light comes on? Correct?
Then ignitor glows? Correct?
The combustion blower is running? Correct?
There is no bridging in the auger flight or drop chute (long pellet stuck sideways)?

Unplug the stove, then plug it back in. What color was the light in the control box? And how many flashes?
(The control box light will be seen inside the right hand side of hopper/look through crack/pic below)

 

[DexterDay]

Is the stove plugged into a good surge protector?

 

[Brad Jahnke]

We're located in Michigan. I'm quite handy with Video, and can upload to Youtube.

Here's the thing, we've been through 3 igniters in 2 years, my dad is too cheap to buy a new one so we light manually (which we were assured by the dealer that this was okay).

Normally here's what happens,

Open Door, throw in a few pellets, little lighter fluid, light the fire, shut the door, wait 45 seconds, turn thermostat on high, everything works.

Here's whats happening now...

Open Door, throw in a few pellets, little lighter fluid, light the fire, shut the door, wait 45 seconds, turn thermostat on high, combustion fan comes on, auger wont feed.

Unplugged the unit, plugged it back in, auger turns 1/2 turn. stops. Auger turns another 1/2 turn, stops. Looking inside the control box, i saw 3 individual flashes of a blue light.

Let me know what other information you guys need. Currently the vaccum box is bypassed.

 

[Brad Jahnke]

Yes, it's plugged into a great surge protector.

 

[tjnamtiw]

Could it be the infamous auger turning backwards???

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

Auger motor or the capacitor on it is one possibility.

Dexter does this version of the quad use a capacitor in the auger circuit.

Also make certain there is nothing that is jamming the auger.

 

[Brad Jahnke]

I guess i failed to mention that i removed the auger motor cover, cleaned in there, cleaned the auger, cleaned the drop chute, and everything else i could think of. Nothing was jammed in there, it just seems like there's something in the initial startup cycle thats not allowing the auger motor to turn? IDK but if anyone near Grand Rapids Michigan wants to come trobleshoot this thing, you'd be doing us a huge favor lol! I'm about done with our current dealer and service provider.

 

[DexterDay]

What year is this stove?

Yes Smokey it is a model that would need the capacitor? ( tjnamtiw may be spot on).

Just because your stove may have been bought X # of years ago? It may have been on the floor or stock room for X # of years?

 

[Brad Jahnke]

Its a 2008 installed in 2009.

 

[DexterDay]

The possibilities are down to several things. (But NOT limited to).

The capacitor (easy fix and cheap)
The auger (pretty easy but gonna cost ya)
The control box (easy to replace but hard on the pocketbook)

Have you tried hooking the auger up to a patch cord

****(Caution : This is dealing with 110v and can and will kill/hurt you if you are not careful)****
You can unplug the stove, then unplug the 2 wires to the auger. Then hook an old lamp cord with the ends stripped and corresponding connectors applied to ends)
This will determine if the auger is out to lunch? And its the board or capacitor

 

[mralias]

Is that the capacitor on the right hand side in this pic of the CB1200i auger that you are making reference too?

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

Brad,

I have one thing for you to try, with the stove off and unplugged remove and then reseat the controller, they have been known to have their contacts oxidize over time.

Retry lighting the stove after doing that.

Dexter is that control board giving the proper flash code for his stove?

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

Is that the capacitor on the right hand side in this pic of the CB1200i auger that you are making reference too?

It is in the wiring going to the auger.

 

[DexterDay]

Nevermind.... The stove should have the capacitor then. Mine is an 08 model and it is installed on mine.

Also. Looking at my auger wires. There are 4 wires. Does yours look like this?

 

[DexterDay]

Dexter is that control board giving the proper flash code for his stove?

Yes. If these flashes are seconds apart. If they are all rapidly? Then maybe not?

Its 3 flashes. One every 10 seconds or so

 

[Brad Jahnke]

Yeah sorry, one every ten seconds or so. And as far as the wires, that's what they look like. The only time we can get the auger to turn at all is when we unplug it and plug it back in.

 

[tjnamtiw]

Did you ever tighten the set screw on the auger motor/auger attachment point, as DexterDay asked? The one blink every ten seconds is correct according to the 'cheat sheet' I have.

 

[slls]

box light will be seen inside the right hand side of hopper/look through crack/pic below)

View attachment 84618

DD your stove didn't come with a view port?

 

[DexterDay]

DD your stove didn't come with a view port?

No... Now I am extremely disappointed I want one. Mine is an 08 model as well