squeaking auger on St. Croix

[jxnsdad]

Hello, long time lurker and second time posting, finally got my St. Croix Prescott EXL installed over the weekend, it was a store floor model. My only issue with the stove is a squeaking noise I hear when the control board has the auger light lit. My manual says nothing about lubing the auger, any ideas? thank you!!

 

[woodsman23]

Check to see if you have a build up of pellet dust in the auger and vac as needed.

 

[jxnsdad]

Should I just let the stove run out of fuel to empty the hopper to attack from the top, or should I vacuum from the bottom after the fire is out?
thanks

 

[Xena]

Shut the stove off. If you have a full or nearly full hopper,
grab a container large enough and a big bowl or a collander
and scoop the pellets into the container. I'd suggest wearing
a mask when you do this. Lots of dust kicked up and you'll
be choking on it for hours if you don't wear a mask of some sort.
Once the hopper is empty you will be able to see the auger.

 

[jxnsdad]

I just cleaned out the hopper, vacuumed the auger and tried to start again but the squeak is still there, should I put some wd40 on the auger itself?

 

[tj11]

Not a good idea wd40 is flammable!

 

[woodsman23]

I just cleaned out the hopper, vacuumed the auger and tried to start again but the squeak is still there, should I put some wd40 on the auger itself?

Can you pin point the squeak??. It maybe the motor itself, that you can lube with WD. I would take some WD just a very short burst and spray onto the the beggining part of the auger (closest to the auger motor) and just give it a real short spray (light) and run auger for a bit and see if it stops, you could also try and spray a bit od water to see if it stops. One other thing is to use compressed air and give it a shot or 2 to clear the tube. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Sebastian]

I had the same problem. Have been burning the stove for two years, no issues. Then high squealing noise, I thought was the auger. Dealer came & didn't see a problem, then motor burned out. He came replace motor, cleaned auger & squealing started again. He pulled stove (fireplace insert) and took it all apart & all was well for 3 days. Squealing has started again. Will call him again today to avoid motor burn out. I think he's an excellent dealer & covering all possibilities, but this is making me nuts.

 

[wwert]

The squeak may not be the auger but the versagrate, take back of stove off and find the versagrate motor and cam. Remove and apply no seize high temp grease on cam, shaft and housing. Bet this cures the problem. I have a York and an Afton Bay and this cured my squeaks. Good luck.

 

[Sebastian]

I don't do the maintenance myself. Can't pull the stove out of fireplace.

Dealer will have to do it, but had to replace one auger motor already shortly after hearing squealing noise. Would hate to have to spring for another
Thanks