Trouble with a Harman pellet stove

[Agrippina65]

Hi everyone,
I inherited a Harman pellet stove from my mother. She showed me how to use it and I've successfully used it for two winters, but for the last two I have not been able to get it going. I've used a hose-type vacuum at both ends repeatedly, but the feeder tube between hopper and basket is badly clogged. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get it clear so the pellets will come through. I was considering trying to use something like a bent wire hanger to try to poke out the obstruction. Can anyone suggest a solution for me that doesn't involve calling in a professional for a grand to tear it apart? I understand how they work and how to maintain them, but this is beyond me. Thank you very much in advance.

 

[jackman]

I'm not sure if your model is the same as mine. I have to remove the auger and clean out the feed tube. It does get gummed up and will eventually clog. I usually clear mine about ever 2 years. It's an extra step to the annual deep clean and it might add an extra hour to my effort. I have a variety of brushes that I use.

 

[Agrippina65]

Thank you! I definitely wouldn't mind the extra labor, but I don't know how to do it. I do have brushes for the stove on hand. What part is the auger?

 

[Washed-Up]

Which model Harman? Do you leave pellets in it over the summer and moisture got them? Compressed air may be able to free it up, also a few shots of dry moly once you’ve cleared them may help keep it clean

 

[Agrippina65]

Thanks for the reply! It's a model PP38 according to the panel on the back. I don't leave pellets in it over the summer, I generally empty it out once the season is over.

 

[Agrippina65]

I've also noticed that when I turn just the blower control on, I don't hear anything. Only when I turn the speed knob on do I hear the motor start. I don't know if this is significant or not.

 

[ARC]

feeder tube between hopper and basket is badly clogged.

Have you cleaned the fines box, shows around 5:02 in first video. If not the fines box jammed you might have to remove auger see second video.

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[Agrippina65]

I will try that, thank you very much. I think the back panel is riveted but I'll have to double check.

 

[ARC]

I think the back panel is riveted

Never seen one from manufacturer that was riveted. Usually 8MM hex sheet metal screws.

 

[Agrippina65]

I think I mistook them for rivets. I checked them out with a flashlight and they're actually hex-shaped flathead screws. I think I can get it open. I'm going to work on it tomorrow morning.

 

[ARC]

I think I can get it open. I'm going to work on it tomorrow morning.

Pretty sure your going to find the "fines" box stuffed full of saw dust and tiny fine pieces of pellet if this is the first time you are accessing that area. Should add that as part of end of year cleaning.

 

[bogieb]

I think I mistook them for rivets. I checked them out with a flashlight and they're actually hex-shaped flathead screws. I think I can get it open. I'm going to work on it tomorrow morning.

You just have to loosen the screws then slide that panel off towards you. When you reinstall, just snug down the screws - don't leave them loose (as you will be tempted to do) as then the panel will rattle

 

[Dataman]

When you take out the screws get some Butterfly Head. Ace HW. Save the trouble next time. Then just twist it and you can remove the panel. Saves Time and Effort for Very Little Costs!

 

[Agrippina65]

Thank you, I'll try to do that. The space is a bit of a pain anyway because the stove is set up in the kitchen with the back about 18" from the wall, so it's a tight squeeze. But I was able to get the panel off and clear out the box. It was full of pellet dust as expected. I'm going to try to get the stove going today.