Quadrafire Mt. VERNON AE stuck start-up

[Rockingf]

Our 2007 Mt. Vernon AE insert is stuck in start-up mode. It is not feeding pellets. We had a sound coming from the exhaust blower, so we cleaned it (it wasn't bad) and it would then sporadically feed pellets, blower was continuously spinning. Then it quit feeding all together., blower runs, startup mode goes for about 30 minutes and then goes to auto clean. No error codes on control panel.
*cleaned blower
*cleaned interior back vents, baffles, etc
*removed auger, cleaned (not very much in auger chute)
*checked the optical switch, was not flipped
*everything seems to be closed as should
*If we manually place pellets in the pot, ignitor lights them, but auger not feeding new pellets in, so then of-course get minimal fire pot temperature error.
Called service center and was told without codes, not much they can do other than start replacing random parts (if they can even get them) and they are 3-4 weeks out on repairs.

Thermocouple?
Blower?

Suggestions of where to start? We are trying switches, checking wires, etc. Thank you!

 

[rickwai]

Hopefully Kappel Will se this. He is the Mt Vernon AE master

 

[maraakate]

Did you bench test the auger when you had it out? If not, you can push 120V to it and see if that forces it to move. If it does, you need to trace back the wires going to the auger to see where the connection is failing.

 

[kappel15]

If exhaust fan is running, sounds like a firepot thermocouple could be bad, or not touching the inside end of the cover. Carefully loosen bolt that holds ceramic cover and remove. Make sure it is clear of any ash or debris. Then check wire ends of tcouple for breaks. Put cover back on and make sure tcouple is touching the inside end of the cover when you tighten bolt back up. kap

 

[kappel15]

Did you bench test the auger when you had it out? If not, you can push 120V to it and see if that forces it to move. If it does, you need to trace back the wires going to the auger to see where the connection is failing.

All of the components on the AE are 12 volt, except the igniter which is 120. kap

 

[maraakate]

All of the components on the AE are 12 volt, except the igniter which is 120. kap

My mistake did not know it was a 12v motor

 

[rickwai]

All of the components on the AE are 12 volt, except the igniter which is 120. kap

I cant remember. Are they 12 AC or DC?

 

[kappel15]

DC

 

[Rockingf]

Thanks everyone. In troubleshooting, we decided to replace the auger motor, as we had read that was often the culprit, even though the auger itself moved freely, and that got it to feeding again and out of start-up. After 14 years of being well used, guess it is time to have to replace a few parts.