Quadrature 7100 blower replacement

[jrm99]

Hello - brand new here and hope someone can offer direction.

I have a Quadrafire 7100 FP. Installed about 9 years ago. No problems until now.

Seems the blower/fan is dead. I tried the switches - which always worked fine. No matter what setting/position, there is NO activity from the blower. I opened up the switch plate and there is power. My guess (open for other ideas) is that the blower had died.

I looked at the owner's manual. Seems like a pretty big project to get at the blower. It states the doors and fascia need to be removed before removing the bottom bricks to reach the access panel. If that is the case, or can the bricks be removed without taking off the doors and panel? Once inside, how involved is replacing the blower?

If this is a relatively straightforward operation, I would consider doing it myself. If it is involved, I may just call the company that installed it. They are likely to be an expensive service call, but I can also tie in come regular maintenance if that's the case.

Any ideas?


EDITED TO ADD:
Seems the problem is more complicated. The blower started working again. Then it stopped.

This is all with a fire burning. It's plenty hot enough for the thermostat sensor to be on (although the manual switch has no affect).

Could it be that it's to hot and the blower shuts down?

 

[moresnow]

Guessing you will hear from others that 9 years is a loooong stretch without cleaning your blower/blowers in any install. Probably full of dust/dirt/ash residue. If the motor isn't smoked yet it may end up that way if it's starting/stopping etc.
Why not shut it down and take it apart for inspection/cleaning? Or hire it done. Sorry if that's not exactly what you wanted to hear. Good luck!

 

[jrm99]

Guessing you will hear from others that 9 years is a loooong stretch without cleaning your blower/blowers in any install. Probably full of dust/dirt/ash residue. If the motor isn't smoked yet it may end up that way if it's starting/stopping etc.
Why not shut it down and take it apart for inspection/cleaning? Or hire it done. Sorry if that's not exactly what you wanted to hear. Good luck!

FWIW, this is in a second home. The fireplace gets limited use... maybe 4-6x/year. I spoke to the company that installed is about 1-2 years ago, and they weren't too insistent that service was needed.

I have no problem asking someone to look at it. If it was simply replacing a part, I'd consider doing it on my own. For a full "review" and any necessary maintenance, I'd rather someone who knows what they are doing.

As to the blower... it's very strange. Seems to cut out when the fire is very hot and works when things cool down a bit. It this proper behavior? I've never noticed it cutting out before. I'm going to call the service people anyway, but would still like to know if the blower is shot.

 

[moresnow]

For peace of mind call in the pro's. Welcome to hearth also.

 

[jrm99]

For peace of mind call in the pro's. Welcome to hearth also.

Thanks for the welcome.

I'll give the service guys a call to have some scheduled service done. I'll also reach out to the manufacturer to see if the fan cutting off at high temps is normal behavior.

Thanks,

 

[dBrad]

I have the 7100 and the fan cutting out when things get hot is not normal behavior. You have a problem but it's probably one the pros have seen before.