Quadrafire owners......

[Mr.M2]

What are your opinions on the "Start-Up Air Control" timer?

Do you use it or bypass it by setting it to "HI" and manually monitor?

Do you set the "Rear Air" setting to "Lo", "Medium", or "High"?

I know adjusting these settings effect burn temp and burn time and get adjusted differently for desired results.
I'm just looking for insight from experienced users of these features.

Thanks for any input.

 

[jtp10181]

These ACC stoves are fairly new, not many people are going to have them yet. I think maybe one or two people on here have them. Hopefully they will reply.

 

[Mr.M2]

I think I've got the hang of it now.
The manual could be a little clearer in how it's written.

I've been using advice from several sources, most of which don't have the ACC, and putting most of the fuel in
the rear of the box and sliding the "Rear Air" control forward to nearly closed for a long burn while thinking the timer regulated
the rear air damper when in fact the timer operates only the front air damper. One lever has two functions and I got mixed up.

Basically, I put the fuel in the part of the box with no air and no fuel in the part with air.

Anyway, I love this stove.

It is amazing how different heat can feel from a wood stove compared to a forced air furnace.
With the furnace I couldn't turn it up past 68 degrees without the air being too hot to breath and at 80 degrees with the stove it is perfect.

 

[nshif]

Ive got a 4300 with ACC and think its great for start up. You engage the ACC set the 2 controls where you want them for your burn and your done. Where you set the air controls depends on the type of wood you are burning and the type of burn you want (hot and short or lower and longer ). Are you loading east west ( side to side) or north south (front to back) Loading N/S works better for me as the air flows through the wood rather then over it.

 

[savageactor7]

We have the manual start-up on our QF 4300st.

Call me lazy but with an established fire I just use the start up like I would with my old stove vent pipe. I push it in when I load another log...close the door...in less than a minute I verify the log is burning then I pull the start up all the way out.

The primary is almost always pushed in cause I like to burn hot and manage the coal/ash build up. The only time I pull the primary air out is after we max load the stove for the night or when we leave the house for the day.

Another time I push the start up in to get the fire going strong again like in the morning or when we return home...I leave the start up in a long as it takes till I see the flames. One thing I noticed is that even with the absolute minimum amt of coals we can restart our fire by leaving the start up pushed in for about a half hour. It's at this time I'll throw a jacket on and replenish our indoor wood supply.

 

[Cowboy]

We bought a Mount Vernon Quadra-Fire Pellet stove. We would not recommend it due to on-going issues including loud vibrating noise, electrical problems, software and hardware issues. At the current time, we are in season #2 and it is not operating at all. We would like to know if there is anyone else out there with similiar issues? The dealer has been less responsive than expected and promised. They are more interested in the initial sale and the follow up service has been poor. We are still under warranty and trying to return the unit.

 

[jtp10181]

We bought a Mount Vernon Quadra-Fire Pellet stove. We would not recommend it due to on-going issues including loud vibrating noise, electrical problems, software and hardware issues. At the current time, we are in season #2 and it is not operating at all. We would like to know if there is anyone else out there with similar issues? The dealer has been less responsive than expected and promised. They are more interested in the initial sale and the follow up service has been poor. We are still under warranty and trying to return the unit.

First of all, this is the wood section (not pellet). Secondly this thread has nothing to do with the Mt Vernon.

If your dealer has done all the available upgrades and you are still having problems they might have missed something. There are a few people who have problems and it seems to come down to dealer support. The people with good dealers are happily using their stoves. Anyway.... if your dealer is not helping call the Quad tech support with your serial number handy. Log in a case with your serial number and give them all your problems. The sales rep for your area *should* follow up with the dealer to make sure they are taking care of the problems. Explain to them you have had problems and are feeling like you want your money back, they should convey that message to the dealer.

 

[Redox]

What is the difference between ACC and ACT? My stove has two manual controls; one in front to control the burn, and the one in the rear that the manual says to only use for 5-15 minutes for startup. I only use it if I let the stove go almost completely out. Sometimes it will reignite with a puff, but I found that if you just help it with a BBQ lighter after it is smouldering, it will light right back up.

 

[jtp10181]

Redox you have the ACT then. The ACC has a timer that allows you to open the start-up air and then it closes automatically after 15-30 mins.

 

[GunSeth]

Hey all, I've a question about Quadrafire's ACC.

I have a 4300 Millenium. I'm having trouble getting my ACC to consistently turn on. I push the "Start Up Air Control" level back and then forward as instructed- sometimes I hear the tick-tick-tick and I know the timer is running. Most of the time I don't hear anything though and I assume that the timer isn't running. Can anyone offer any advice as to what I'm doing wrong? Is this tick-tick-tick not necessarily proof that the timer is running? I hate to keep pulling the level back and forth for fear of breaking it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[offroadaudio]

I'm convinced that the start up air control on my 4300I does nothing at all.
I like the insert and it heats my home well, but that control has never made the slightest difference in any fire that I've had in 3 seasons of 24 / 7.
The primary however works as per the manual.

 

[Ravenswood]

Hey all, I've a question about Quadrafire's ACC.

I have a 4300 Millenium. I'm having trouble getting my ACC to consistently turn on. I push the "Start Up Air Control" level back and then forward as instructed- sometimes I hear the tick-tick-tick and I know the timer is running. Most of the time I don't hear anything though and I assume that the timer isn't running. Can anyone offer any advice as to what I'm doing wrong? Is this tick-tick-tick not necessarily proof that the timer is running? I hate to keep pulling the level back and forth for fear of breaking it. Any help would be appreciated.

Sounds like it's not working right to me. Mine always starts ticking once I push it all the way back, then all the way forward. I would ask the dealer or contact Quadrafire.

 

[velvetfoot]

offroadradio: maybe it's disconnected or something. How hard is it to somehow take a look in there?

 

[jtp10181]

It is very easy to access, take a few screws off the back of the left side panel and lift it up and out. You will be able to see how it works exactly. If I remember correctly the front flap is the start-up and the read flap is the burn rate. I have seen a couple units where the slider rod dislodged binding up the whole system.

 

[offroadaudio]

Well, it's an insert so remove surround, lift heavy stove, slide, try not to scratch tile hearth extension........
I'll just keep going like I am now - I just crack the door a little at start up - works well for me and wood consumption is not excessive.
I only go through 2 chords a season.

 

[Redox]

Well, it's an insert so remove surround, lift heavy stove, slide, try not to scratch tile hearth extension........
I'll just keep going like I am now - I just crack the door a little at start up - works well for me and wood consumption is not excessive.
I only go through 2 chords a season.

Probably not a bad way to go. I rarely use the startup control at all and found that the best way to get things going is to rake the coals up to the "jet" in the front of the firebox. When you put a split on top of those coals, it lights right off without having to adjust anything. The startup air seems to light off the fire in the back and when you shut it down, it may smoulder a little while until the front of the box gets going.

What I am concerned about is forgetting to close the startup control after it gets going. I'm not sure I would trust a timer to do this, but it is probably more positive than my memory!

Chris

 

[fishinpa]

Gunseth:
I have the 4300 step-top. I have the leg kit and noticed when we moved it into place the right front leg twisted about 1/4" and that was enough to stop the arm that runs (front to back) the length of the unit from moving freely. Not sure if you have the leg kit or not.

offroadaudio:
It's very easy to check and see if the holes for the startup air are at least opening or not. There's 2 screws on the back of the right panel. (3 actually, but the one in-between the other 2 does not have to be removed) once they are removed the front of the panel has notches in it and just has to be lifted 1/2" or so, walla the panel can be lifted out.

You will see there are two holes along the bottom and you'll notice the rear one is attached to the automatic closing spring and the one in the front directly reflects the position you have moved the handle to.(IE: 1/3 1/2 or full open) and is not connected to the timer at all. It operates independently.

I can not not guarantee that they are pulling air through there, as I question how correctly mine is working also, but at least you can see the physical workings on that system. I recommend letting the unit cool down a bit before anyone tries this.

NOTE: I am not affiliated with Quad. This is my first stove and had questions that could only be answered by 'seeing' how this works for myself.

EDIT_11/20/08 @ 7:01pm:_I made an incorrect statement... Due to thinking about someone else's statement I took 2 minutes and removed the cover from my 4300 again. The front air hole is the time activated one and the rear one is the manual one.

 

[Jolly Roger]

I have a 3100 flat top, I do not use the timer. I found it takes too long and let's the fire get out of control on my stove. On start ups, I just slide the knob back to the middle line and then once it gets going, I close it down. I never use it on reloads. Once and awhile if I see the fire dropping out in areas, I will slide it back to the middle notch and let it catch, but then I will shut it down.

 

[jtp10181]

Well, it's an insert so remove surround, lift heavy stove, slide, try not to scratch tile hearth extension........
I'll just keep going like I am now - I just crack the door a little at start up - works well for me and wood consumption is not excessive.
I only go through 2 chords a season.

Sorry, you do not have a timer system at all. My previous comment was geared at GunSeth.

offroadaudio, you should have two "shotgun" holes in the back. This is where the start-up air comes in. Check with a light and make sure they are not full of ash. Also when you push the lever in you should be able to see the flap door move back. I can normally see a huge difference with the fire going well, and then shutting the start-up air. Try with a decent fire going, open the start-up air and then shut the burn rate down all the way. Then close the start-up air after the flames stabilize. You should instantly see a change in the flames.

 

[bass7]

Boy, am I glad to find this forum! I bought a Quadrafire 4300 Millenium ACC after owning a Fisher Grandfather Bear for 30 years. I'm still learning. The ACC's about to throw me for a loop. Sometimes it ticks, sometimes it doesn't. Finally removed the cover by removing the two screws to see how this thing works. I never did see the timer shut the front air control after waiting for 25 minutes. Can't figure out where the air goes to inside the stove from that front hole. I shined a light in there, and I'm wondering if it's clogged. Wasn't able to see anything. Does the air from that hole exit at the front and center vent inside the stove??I'm understanding how the rear air works, without the timer. What is considered my primary air control? I'm guessing the control at the top? Almost wishing for my old Fisher back. I know it wasn't as efficient, but it sure was simpler! I also thought the manual could have been clearer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Redox]

Boy, am I glad to find this forum! I bought a Quadrafire 4300 Millenium ACC after owning a Fisher Grandfather Bear for 30 years. I'm still learning. The ACC's about to throw me for a loop. Sometimes it ticks, sometimes it doesn't. Finally removed the cover by removing the two screws to see how this thing works. I never did see the timer shut the front air control after waiting for 25 minutes. Can't figure out where the air goes to inside the stove from that front hole. I shined a light in there, and I'm wondering if it's clogged. Wasn't able to see anything. Does the air from that hole exit at the front and center vent inside the stove??I'm understanding how the rear air works, without the timer. What is considered my primary air control? I'm guessing the control at the top? Almost wishing for my old Fisher back. I know it wasn't as efficient, but it sure was simpler! I also thought the manual could have been clearer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You sound like where I was 3 years ago. Trust me, after you get it figured out, the Fisher will be a distant smokey memory! I have the ACT, which is the same model without the timer. I rarely use the startup control, but we burn 24/7 and rarely have to relight the fire.

The primary air comes in through the damper in the front at the center and goes into a channel at the bottom and up the sides around the door. Above the door, it comes out in a curtain of air that washes down the glass and helps keep it clean. It also comes in through that triangular thingy I call the "jet" which has one hole in it pointed straight back into the stove. This gives it some velocity and helps keep the coal bed glowing hot. You can see if it is working if you rake the coals evenly across the front of the firebox and then close the door. The jet will heat up the coals right in front, just like a blacksmith's forge.

The secondary air comes in the back and goes through the box channel inside the firebox to the manifold at the back and sides. The perforated tubes slide into this manifold on both sides and squirt the preheated air out in a sheet under the ceramic baffle that is laying on top of them. This is where the light show happens. The secondary air has no damper on it.

Not to change subjects, but relevant: our stove developed a crack in the manifolds at back where the horizontal and vertical channels meet. Several others here have reported the same thing. I found it only after looking for it but decided to just keep an eye on it this winter. We have been burning for several weeks now and I haven't really noticed any difference in the way it burns. If it were allowing a significant amount of air in, I would expect it to disrupt the secondary burn and it doesn't seem to be causing any problems. I have watched it for hours on end, usually with the new dog and a cold beverage! :coolsmile:

The Quad is the first modern stove we've ever had and I find it actually simpler to use than the Fisher. After you get the fire started, close it up and set the primary air about 1/2 way open and just let it go. It just seems to take care of itself. I only adjust the air if I want more or less heat. I marked the damper rod by sighting straight down from the ash lip and put a little dot of Wite Out at 4 points on the rod. That way, you can throw it full open when you reload and get it reset back to wherever you like. The WO was supposed to be temporary, but has lasted for 2 years now and you really can't see it unless you are up close. Just a hint for all you methodical types out there...

I'm afraid I'm becoming a Quadrasnob!

Chris

 

[bass7]

Wow! Thank you so much. You've given me a lot to chew on. I will be printing out your post. And studying it! Probably with a cold drink, as well, wishing I had a dog. I want so badly to be a Quadrasnob, or at least understand the Quadra better, instead of wishing for the good ol' days with the Fisher. My manual said that I should be resetting the ACC every time I reload???? and this is what's been driving me nuts. Just went downstairs after the night burn. Got a huge bed of coals. So huge that only two logs will fit in. What is the correct thing to do now? I'm sorry I'm at such a loss. I'll get back to you. Thanks again.

 

[Redox]

I'm staring at a big 'ol bed of coals right now. I usually rake them around, open up the primary air wide and let it simmer for an hour or so. Then rake it around again, stuff it for the day and damp it back after the fire is well started. Your wood should light right off if it is seasoned adequately. The startup air (ACC) isn't really necessary if you have a good coal bed and dry wood.

I can be a wealth of useless knowledge...

Chris

 

[bass7]

Not useless to me, Chris! Thank you so much.

 

[granpajohn]

I want so badly to be a Quadrasnob...

"Quadrasnob"?
I've never heard that one before.
(Don't worry...I take everything from Hearth.com with a smile.)