Quadrafire CB 1200 FS Auger Not Moving?

[Gman12]

Hi,

We've been noticing lately that the auger seems to be having trouble feeding pellets. It would make grinding and other sounds or even sometimes get jammed randomly after a few bags and shut down. Usually I can get it working each time. Tonight I tried to get the stove going after we noticed stove shut off, but the auger doesn't even move or do anything like it usually does. I cleaned out all the pellets, but still can't get it to move or hear any noise from the auger area.

Do you think that my Auger or Auger Feed Motor has died? Or do you have any other things that you might know what is wrong with it so we can get it back up and working. Weather is getting cold and it's our main source of heat as our whole house is run on electric. Thanks to anyone who can help me find out what the problem is and get it running again.

Fingers Crossed.

 

[Mt Bob]

Sounds like auger motor is dying,or the capacitor.But,to be sure,you would have to check the voltage at the motor,when it is calling for feed.

 

[Gman12]

Sounds like auger motor is dying,or the capacitor.But,to be sure,you would have to check the voltage at the motor,when it is calling for feed.

How would I go about testing the voltage and where exactly do I place it on the auger motor? Also, which capacitor to check? I've never tested and done that before. Not sure what I'm going to be looking for.

This is a link to the Tester I have. Will it work to test what I need? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G9J3JDQ/?tag=hearthamazon-20

 

[Ssyko]

Yes you can test most of the stove with that DMM. You can’t test a capacitor properly without capacitance tester or equivalent. If the cap is bad your motor will run in reverse. Set the DMM to 200vac. Unplug the auger motor and insert the test probes in the plug and turn on the stove. You should see 120v on the meter.

 

[Gman12]

Yes you can test most of the stove with that DMM. You can’t test a capacitor properly without capacitance tester or equivalent. If the cap is bad your motor will run in reverse. Set the DMM to 200vac. Unplug the auger motor and insert the test probes in the plug and turn on the stove. You should see 120v on the meter.

Hi, Sorry to sound dumb. But what spot do I put the tester on the motor to test it? I've included a pic of my Auger Motor. Also the tester I have has multiple spots for 200 on it. Any chance you could let me know what spot to put that on too? The bottom has 2 spots to plug wires in also, a 10a/250v or 250mA/250v. Which to use on that? Thanks again.

Update: Also want to note I just removed the cover where Auger Motor is and started stove and nothing moves on the motor I can see or the auger itself doesn't turn. I do see a light pattern from control box that has red light that flashes 3 times for pattern. Is motor dead or could it be something else causing it?

 

[Ssyko]

Your going to test the power coming out of the control box. Unplug (circled) one probe in each hole. Set your meter to AC 10amp 250v, with the stove running on high you should see 120v-125v

 

[Gman12]

Your going to test the power coming out of the control box. Unplug (circled) one probe in each hole. Set your meter to AC 10amp 250v, with the stove running on high you should see 120v-125v

View attachment 237737

Question, before I test this. The light pattern is actually 3 blinking orange/amber lights and not red which from what I read and a repair tech said should indicate that the thermocouple has the issue where it's not sending signal to control board. Which in turn is making the control panel not allow the Auger Motor to run as its showing an issue. Does this sound right? The end of my thermal couple did have the protective beading from factory missing due to the thermocouple cover wearing down and getting a hole in it. I ordered a new thermocouple cover and it's been working fine a couple months ago, but maybe thermocouple finally went? It's original to the stove. Thoughts?

 

[Ssyko]

Yes the thermocouple failure will do just that. I would put the stove back together and get a new TC. I assumed you had allready ruled that out.

 

[Gman12]

Yes the thermocouple failure will do just that. I would put the stove back together and get a new TC. I assumed you had allready ruled that out.

Great. I ordered a new Thermocouple and it'll be here Thursday. Will follow up with results. Thanks for your help so far.

 

[Gman12]

Ok, so what is the best way to get the new Thermocouple installed. Is there directions anywhere or best way to come at it from? The bottom little plate under the burnpot I can barely squeeze my hand under to get the thermocouple through the tiny hole to get it up near the top of burnpot. How do people get this changed in 10 minutes tops????

 

[Ssyko]

When i changed mine i had some construction twine/string i tied the string to the old tc on thend and wrapped up with electrical tape. Pushed pulled swore pushed pulled out the tied the string on the new one and pulled it back through

 

[Gman12]

Ok, I got it all fed and set. How much over burnpot should I put thermocouple cover? Here's a pic of where I have it all at now. Is that good enough?

 

[Gman12]

Stove is back up and working. It was the Thermocouple that definitely went bad on me. Glad it's fixed. Thanks!

 

[Mt Bob]

Stay warm!

 

[Gman12]

Stay warm!

You too!

 

[Ssyko]