Harman P61 hopper smoke, again

[freebird77]

The hopper seems to be getting smoke in it again. Last year they came out and installed a small hose somewhere in the back that was supposed to solve the problem, and I didnt seem to notice it any more but it was close to the end of the heating season and didnt run it much longer.
I only seem to notice it when its less then half full. The stove has free air and a vertical exaust, and was bought last summer. I keep the hopper door seal free from pellet pcs. Should I be concerned? Advice?

 

[Bxpellet]

Check to see if the hose they installed is clogged, I notice there was some build up in mine, I removed it cleaned it and put it back, When the Modification was done I did not get any more smoke in the Hopper, but this year I notice more smoke coming from my vent? go figure!

 

[freebird77]

Thats a good idea, but the mod was done at the end of the heating seaon and it wasnt used much more, and only a couple weeks now. Would it clog already, you think?

 

[Bxpellet]

My hose is clear so you can see there was something in there, take a look!

 

[freebird77]

Smoke from what vent?

 

[toastyinri]

Check to see if the hose they installed is clogged, I notice there was some build up in mine, I removed it cleaned it and put it back, When the Modification was done I did not get any more smoke in the Hopper, but this year I notice more smoke coming from my vent? go figure!

Smoke from your vent or from your hopper? the modification was to fix the smoke in hopper problem.

 

[Bxpellet]

Correct the modification was to correct the smoke in the hopper, and since it was done I have not had that problem again, But when I started my stove this season I notice that there was more smoke coming from my vent pipe. This is after start up.

 

[Alan]

Correct the modification was to correct the smoke in the hopper, and since it was done I have not had that problem again, But when I started my stove this season I notice that there was more smoke coming from my vent pipe. This is after start up.

What are you refering to by vent pipe? The exhaust from the stove & piping that connects to the outside? Smoke from the pipe outside the house?

 

[Bxpellet]

Exhaust Vent pipe outside the house

 

[toastyinri]

did you clean your vent pipes at the end of last season. some smoke at startup is normal.

 

[Bxpellet]

Stove is clean, vent pipe brushed clean at the end of the seson end, then when I called my dealer he asked the same question, took the stove apart gave it a good cleaning and ran the brush through the pipe again, gaskets are good, using same pellets as last year, it just seems that there is more smoke then usual

 

[toastyinri]

I will assume that the clean out tee was also emptied? The only other thing I can think of is maybe the pellets are damp? there was a little test someone posted on here a while back to check the moisture content by putting a handfull in a microwave with a glass plate over them,,,but I've forgotten the specifics of how long to micro.

 

[Bxpellet]

I have 2 brands of pellets Cubex and Newp both were purchased in the summer, stacked neatly in the Garage on pallets, they are in a area that stays dry, and when I got them the store had just received them, I will check in the Microwave tonight when I go home

 

[freebird77]

Dealer repairman is supposed to come out next Wed. Ill keep you all posted on this.

 

[freebird77]

Repairman came out and took pics to send to Harman, said the plate didnt look too bad but once again had a little discoloring on it. Im still burning it,(against his advice), and keeping a close eye on the hopper. I havent seen any more smoke in there. I dont get why this would be an intermittent problem?
They are supposed to talk to Harman tech. Im awaiting word, and hopefully hear something in another day or two, or Ill call.

 

[freebird77]

The repairman talked to Harman people and they said to (rebuild) the stove. Im not sure whats involved, but assuming he means the auger, slide plate, and whatever holds it all together back there. Said it might be a week or two, waiting on parts. Ill keep you all posted/ Especially you, Toasti.

 

[harmanhater]

The hopper latch can become loose with ordinary useage. To tighten it or check it, open the hopper lid & with your left hand hold the part of the latch in your fingers (located on the underneath side of the lid). Now grab the actual latch on the top of the hopper with your right hand and turn it clockwise to tighten it (if it's loose you'll know it.) The hopper lid should latch tightly (with some force to latch it). The hopper should be air tight. If this is not loose, maybe you have a damaged hopper gasket, and it should be replaced.

 

[freebird77]

Well, finally, the man came out yesterday and replaced,(under warrenty), The pellet feeder body, auger, slide plate, burn pot, and hopper. Have to keep an eye on things, hopefully this should take care of the hopper smoke issue. Merry Christmas, and a warm and safe winter to you all.