VC Winterwarm Large Fans Running Slow

[Dave Jenkins]

Our Vermont Castings Winterwarm Large was placed in service 18 years ago and we have been very pleased with it. The catalytic combuster has been replaced once, as have the iron throat-pieces, and the gaskets have been replaced two or three times.

Recently, the fans on each side of the firebox have been running slowly and with seeming difficulty. They both seem to run at the same low speed, and I wonder if the problem could be with the fans themselves, or with the rheostat. Any advice about this would be greatly appreciated.


About the photo: This is the Winterwarm installation in our great room. The mantle is hard pine and was taken from an old house on our property which was built about 1850.

 

[Jags]

Most stove fans have a need to be lubed on occasion. Have you ever pulled the fans off and give them a drop of oil? You might also be surprised at the build up on the fan blades. I would check these first. If that is not a fix, I would meter the voltage at full throttle to see that the fans are getting the full load of zoomies. If voltage is low, you may have a rheostat problem, if it is normal, you may have a fan problem.

Edit: being an insert, I realize that this is probably gonna be a pain in the arse.

 

[piejam]

Hi Dave,

I too have a Winterwarm Large for the last 18yrs..Just had the dealer replace some parts...I was able to get a fan replacement but not the rheostat...My fans seemed to be running slower like yours..I just decided to replace whatever I could due to age...we no longer have a warranty prior to I think 2007(Majestic takeover)...

The new fans are workin just fine..I was impressed to see the old ones were made in Germany..I did keep the old fans for emergency spare parts...The new rheostat that the dealer secured were not compatible..Don't know if it was his screw up or if there was availability problem for original parts...

+1 to Jags for the good troubleshooting advice..Good luck Dave with your repair.

PS..Again Jags hit the nail on the head...The repair tech had to remove the surround kit..PITA..When they put everything back together, they did not align the columns back to the original spot..I made they repaint the affected areas...

 

[Dave Jenkins]

I have cleared away some of the side-pieces so that I now have access to the fans. Both of them spin freely at a slight finger-touch. Yet, when I move the lever to turn the fans on they run slowly and there’s a groaning sound.

Could the problem be with the rheostat?

Dave Jenkins

 

[Jags]

Could the problem be with the rheostat?

Dave Jenkins

Yes, it could be, it could also be a weak motor. If you feel comfortable in doing it, by pass the rheostat and see how they run.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Yes, it could be, it could also be a weak motor. If you feel comfortable in doing it, by pass the rheostat and see how they run.

How do I bypass the rheostat?

 

[Jags]

Yes, it could be, it could also be a weak motor. If you feel comfortable in doing it, by pass the rheostat and see how they run.

How do I bypass the rheostat?

You have to get at the contacts on the back of it. I would use a couple of jumper wires and go from the feed side to the output side, BUT, you asking that question would make me stop and reflect. This really isn't something that should be done with no electrical knowledge (not an insult, I have no idea where you stand on electricity/electronics). You will be dealing with LIVE electrical wires.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Thanks much for the suggestion. I bypassed the rheostat and the fans ran perfectly. Can you recommend a source for a replacement rheostat?

 

[Jags]

Thanks much for the suggestion. I bypassed the rheostat and the fans ran perfectly. Can you recommend a source for a replacement rheostat?

Your gonna have to take a close look at it, probably a part number or specs on it. Google is your friend.