Stove spring cleaning and had a small issue

[pourlepayssauvage]

Spring cleaning the stove and ran into a small issue - when I took off the exhaust fan I removed the ground wire on the top (pictured) When I went to put it back the screw won't tighten - leaving me worried that the vibration from the stove will back the screw out and lose the ground connection - probably when it's 20 below out next winter. Any thoughts on a fix would be greatly appreciated. My first thought was maybe to put a piece of high temp tape over it.

 

[will711]

Try loctite or a lock washer.

 

[heat seeker]

That looks like it might be a self-tapping screw - you could just get another one and "install" a new hole for it. Just make sure there's nothing behind that the screw will interfere with. Or, even better, if you can get at the back, use a machine screw and nut with a star washer for good electrical contact.

 

[will711]

Or, even better, if you can get at the back, use a machine screw and nut with a star washer for good electrical contact.

That's a real good idea

 

[pourlepayssauvage]

That looks like it might be a self-tapping screw - you could just get another one and "install" a new hole for it. Just make sure there's nothing behind that the screw will interfere with. Or, even better, if you can get at the back, use a machine screw and nut with a star washer for good electrical contact.

Great idea! Thanks -- I can reach in and get at the back of the screw so I can make that work. I appreciate it.

 

[heat seeker]

Glad to help! On thinking further, I'd run the screw in from the back, and put a nut on. Then I'd put the ground lug on, using another nut. That way, when you take it apart again, it'll be a bit easier.

 

[slvrblkk]

Unless I'm looking at the wrong thing...that's your exhaust temp sensor and not a ground wire...

 

[Don2222]

Unless I'm looking at the wrong thing...that's your exhaust temp sensor and not a ground wire...

X2, what Make and Model Stove do you have there?
Englanders use Heat Sensor wire instead of snap discs to shut down the stove if there is overheating. Check your owners manual. If it is loose it can stop the stove from operating.

It does look like a heat sensor. Where does the other end of the wire go?

 

[pourlepayssauvage]

Unless I'm looking at the wrong thing...that's your exhaust temp sensor and not a ground wire...

You're probably right -- I just made a quick assumption that it was a ground as it was a bare wire attached to metal -- but it does have insulation on it so it makes sense that its a temp sensor.

 

[imacman]

Unless I'm looking at the wrong thing...that's your exhaust temp sensor and not a ground wire...

That is correct. It must be tight for the sensor to get a good reading. Either drill another hole right next to it, or try "buggering-up" the existing threads with a pin punch or something like it so the screw has to cut "new" threads again, and it will be tight.