Posted by Dave Gault on Thu, Aug 06, 2009
Q> My pellet stove is not feeding pellets.
I have a question about my Erin Waterford Renaissance pellet stove. It was working great until this spring when the auger motor stopped dropping pellets. The auger motor still has a sound, but not the turning sound. Would this only be a auger problem or is there something else I need to look at before I order a new auger. Thanks for your help Debra, La Center WA
A> Response from Wood Heat - "Diagnose with deductive reasoning step by step"
Hi Debra,
I wish I could analyze all the possible reasons that your stove is not feeding pellets down the chute from your description but I am afraid that there are lots of possible reason and solutions and further examination would be necessary to avoid "throwing parts at the problem" which might not resolve it and create further frustration.
We cannot offer an analysis program thru email or over the phone but I will give you a few ideas to pursue and you or someone with some mechanical skills needs to dig in and evaluate what is occurring. I hope this helps. I have attached the guide to finding parts which can help you find the resources you will need and the parts list for the Renaissance pellet stove from Whitfield which is the same inner workings as the Waterford Erin. Some but not all of these parts are still available on this older model. Some of the parts can be rebuilt to repair those that are not available any longer.
Do you have a manual for the stove? Often troubleshooting symptoms is covered in these. There may be a technical manual that goes beyond the owner's manual. All of our manuals are listed in the category under documents.
Have you emptied the hopper to see if there is a pile of sawdust on the bottom? The auger cannot feed sawdust only clean pellets. This is the simplest solution and most common problem. Were pellets left in the stove over the summer? That is not advised since they can swell with moisture and make the auger seize up. Have you taken the back off of the stove to watch the auger movement? The auger on that model only runs for a few seconds then stops. Watching the auger to see if the motor is moving it during operation is the place to start. Removing the motor to run it under full power to see if you can hold it from moving with a vice grip pliers will tell you if the gear box in the motor case is stripped out. Removing the auger and clearing out jammed pellets turned to sawdust might be the solution.
See if these ideas lead to a conclusion or further questions. The factory technical department at Whitfield is available if they can talk to someone who is willing to go thru procedures like this and if necessary we can put you in touch with them once the more simple solutions are exhausted.
I hope this helps you get a clearer picture of what you are dealing with and the possible solutions.
Let us know if we can help you further in any way.
Thanks, Bruce
Bruce Beeley - owner
Nevada City, CA 95959
530-265-8618
Fax 530-265-8656
bruce@woodheatstoves.com
http://www.woodheatstoves.com/
Link to our blog @ http://blog.woodheatstoves.com/
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Posted by Dave Gault on Fri, Jul 17, 2009
CASTILE PELLET STOVE SERVICE FEED MOTOR TROUBLE-SHOOTING
For a full list of Castile Parts, click HERE
for the service manuals, click Castile Insert Castile FreeStanding
Pellet stove service can be dangerous and complicated, use this information safely
1) TURN ON THERMOSTAT CIRCUIT AND MAKE SURE THAT THE CALL LIGHT IS ON
2) CHECK FOR POWER AT THE VACUUM SWITCH:
A. IF NO POWER FROM RED WIRE-----CHECK CONTROL BOX OR WIRE HARNESS
B. POWER ON RED BUT NO POWER ON ORANGE-----CHECK VACUUM SWITCH OR VENT SYSTEM
3) CHECK FOR POWER AT THE ORANGE WIRE ON THE #2 SNAP DISC:
A. IF NO POWER FROM ORANGE WIRE----CHECK WIRE HARNESS OR RESET THE SNAP DISC
B. IF POWER IS PRESENT-----REPLACE FEED MOTOR OR CHECK CONNECTOR PIN OR CAPACITOR
NOTE: REMEMBER THAT THE FEED CIRCUIT INITIAL FEED TIME IS 60 SECONDS. PUSH THE RESET
BUTTON BEFORE EACH TEST.
CAPACITOR JUMPER WIRE. PART# 230-2150
JUMPER IS NEEDED IFCAPACITOR IN J-BOX IS BAD OR IF THE
MOTOR NEEDS TO BE TESTED WITH A TEST CORD.
FEED MOTOR TESTING USING THE TEST BOX:
1) UNPLUG THE STOVE, REMOVE THE CONTROL BOX, INSTALL TEST BOX W/ ADAPTER & PLUG IN STOVE
2) TURN ON THE EXHAUST BLOWER SWITCH. (THIS WILL PULL THE VACUUM SWITCH IN)
3) TURN ON THE THERMOSTAT (THE THERMOSTAT INDICATOR LIGHT SHOULD COME ON)
4) TURN ON THE FEED MOTOR SWITCH:
IF THE FEED DOESN'T COME ON: BAD FEED MOTOR, VACUUM SWITCH, OR #2 SNAP DISC
IF THE FEED COMES ON: REPLACE CONTROL BOX
USING THE COMPONENT TEST CORD:
1) UNPLUG THE FEED MOTOR FROM THE WIRE HARNESS
2) INSTALL THE FEED MOTOR ADAPTER ON THE TEST CORD
NOTE: THE NEW STYLE FEED MOTOR WILL NEED THE CAPACITOR JUMPER ADDED TO THE ADAPTER.
3) PLUG IN THE TEST CORD TO THE FEED MOTOR AND TURN ON THE SWITCH
Posted by Dave Gault on Tue, Jul 14, 2009
Major Component Removal / Replacement
Auger Motor / Auger System Removal / Replacement / Test
Tools: 1/4" socket w/ ratchet Multimeter
7/16" socket Mirror
1/4" Hex Allen wrench Flashlight
Power cord jumper w/ female spade receptacle clips
Spare Parts: Avail. at WoodHeatStoves.com
Auger Motor - PN 12046300
Gasket, End Plate - PN 61050003 Auger Kit - PN 12152202
Auger End Plate - PN 20950088 RTV (min. 500ºF) Pipe, replacement, if required
Power:
Identify set collar location. If re-positioning for access required, PowerOFF. Use Power cord jumper to apply direct power to Auger Motor andposition set collar for access. Attach jumper to Motor before plugging into wall outlet.
Power Off / Disconnected after set collar positioning.
Steps: REMOVAL - AUGER MOTOR
1. Remove rear Inspection panel w/ ¼" socket & ratchet. Five (5) points.
2. Identify Set Collar position for access. Apply power jumper if needed.
Disconnect power, "OFF", after step complete.
3. Remove wire leads from Auger Motor coil.
4. Loosen Lock Ring from Set collar w/ ¼" Hex Allen Wrench.
Cup motor in hand while loosening Lock Ring.
REMOVAL - AUGER SYSTEM
5. EMPTY HOPPER.
6. Remove End Plate w/ 7/16" socket & ratchet.
7. Remove Auger Shaft by pulling down and out. Take care to protect the End
Plate Gasket.
8. Inspect Shaft and weld locations. Use the Flashlight and Mirror and inspect
Auger Feed Tube for damage. Repair if required.
TESTING - AUGER MOTOR
9. Electrical test Ohm reading of motor coil.
10. Mechanical test Armature freedom of movement and "play." Replace if required