Top Auger Jams Constantly on Englander Pellrt Sove

[Ticked off Englander Owner]

I am just about ready to toss my brand new Englander pellet stove out into my drive way.

I have not been able to get through to the customer service line at England Stove Works Inc. I have a desk job and have tried all day long for the past week and a half. I just about have my redial button wore out on my phone. This is the number I've been dialing (800)-245-6489

I have had to remove and realign the top auger six times now. I have even switched motors from top to bottom thinking that maybe there could be a problem with the motor itself. The top auger continues to jam.

The sail switch seems to functioning as advertise. I have ran the test as posted in the manufacturers troubleshooting PDF and all seems to be working as advertised.

I know this is a jam issue anyway. It jams hard. I am unable to break the jam by shaking the motor up and down. I have had to remove the auger six times out of ten jams. I have not yet burned six bags of pellets.

This is beginning to look like a design flaw to me. Have others had this problem persist.

I am a licensed heating tech. Although have had no experience with pellet stoves before now.

The top auger continues to jam after around 12 hours of operation.

I am using Premium 100% recycled hardwood pellets. I do not believe that these pellets have ever been wet.

CAN SOMEONE HELP ME! It is going to be cold up here soon.

Thanks

 

[sydney1963]

I haven't had any problems with mine. Currently using Pennington pellets. A few long ones but most are ok.

 

[orangecrushcj7]

what brand are you burning? have you tried a different brand? also, have you tried to remove the restrictor plate at the bottom of the hopper? that may help prevent jamming

 

[Ticked off Englander Owner]

I got to speak with a representative from Englander this morning.

It is looking as though my problem is with the length of my pellets. This is one case were longer is not better. I have purchased a different brand of pellet to see if I have better luck.

The pellets that I am currently using are up to two inches long. I am told this is probably the problem.

The folks at Englander were great, (once I was able to get through).

I will keep posting as I figure this issue out.

 

[webbie]

There is a spec for pellet length. Ideally there should be very few longer than 1", with 1 1/2" being the absolute longest.
What brand, BTW, is too long?
Ask the factory (pellet) about that......it appears they do not meet the standards - and most claim to.


From PFI:
There are five fuel characteristics prescribed for both grades:

1. Bulk density per cubic foot (0.028 cubic meters) shall not be less than 40 pounds (18 kg)
2. The diameter shall be 1/4 to 5/16 inch (635-794 mm)
3. Maximum length shall be 1 and 1/2 inches (254-127 mm)
4. Fines (dust) of not more than 0.5% by weight shall pass through a 1/8 inch (317.5 mm) screen
5. Sodium content shall be less than 300 parts per million (ppm).

----------end quoted material---------

So, yes, 1 1/2" pellets should burn fine - if they don't it is the fault of the stove maker. But 2" is too long.