It may just be coincidence kap, but it seems like there have been allot of CB auger motor failures this year, more so than other Quad models it seems. I wonder if the auger location and design of the 1200's makes a difference, as it would seem if it were just a bad batch of motors that we would be seeing a proportionate # of motor failure issues in the Castile's, Santa Fe's, Contour, non-AE MV's, etc, given that all those Quad models use the same replacement auger motor.
Maybe the CB's auger design being enclosed inside the hopper, as opposed to models like mine where the motor and most of the auger tube are more exposed, and thus get more 'cooling' air ? The CB certainly puts out allot more BTU's than my 1st gen Castile, so it will logically have hotter operating temps in the guts of the stove, and thus a shorter motor longevity ?
I've had the right side panel off my stove since I moved it into the main part of our farmhouse, and I'm thinking that has maybe helped prolong the lifespan of my now 15 y/o auger motor, being able to vacuum the sawdust and dirt regularly and having it get more 'cooling' room air exposure than if the panel were on. Or perhaps they don't make motors now to last as long as mine has.
Cheers, DK