Help -weird mechanical, plastic smell from my insert

Hey all,

I used to be quite active in the wood forums, but have been off for awhile. I'm having an issue I could really use some help with.

I have an older Avalon insert that I don't really know the model of as it came with the house I bought 4 years ago; I have attached a pic.

I had the liner professionally replaced 2 years ago and have had the insert cleaned, serviced regularly, but the issue is the insert now produces a mechanical, almost plastic smell when I burn. It fills my whole living room and my family can't stand it. I've called 2 different chimney companies and nobody seems to have a satisfactory solution.

Help! Does anybody know what might be causing this, and more importantly, what I can do about it?!? Thanks!

 

Did this happen for your first or second burn of the season, after sitting idle all summer?
The reason I ask is that all 3 stoves we've had stunk like burning dust (even after cleaning & dusting first) for the first couple of burns of the season. I sort of recall some others having the same happen. With ours, it always cleared up after 2-3 burns.

 

Do you have stink bugs in your area? They could create an awful smell if they got in the blower chamber. There was a bunch of them crawling around inside the stove on our first burn.

 

I'd be checkin the blower out

 

During the learning curve on my old stove (Buck 27000) we had accidently left the draft doors open too long and got too Hot, Then Every time we burned we would get a smell, it was where the fan motor had been over heated and it would blow this plastic/burnt epoxy smell into the room. I replaced the motor and didn't have the smell again..

 

Unfortunately, it persisted past a few burns; seems to be an ongoing issue.

 

The sweep did, nothing found

 

Because you have an insert, I am assuming that you use your blower, most or all of the time, is that right?

 

Thanks. Sorry, it took me so long to reply. Been recovering from a little unexpected surgery this week. A couple things that made most sense to me here is the fan and/or fan motor. Def need to check that out I think.

I appreciate everyone's ideas and will let you know the outcome. If anyone can think of anything else, let me know!

 

Yes, that's correct -almost all the time

 

Hope you have a speedy recovery from your surgery there

 

bit of a long shot, but the latch on my insert needs lubrication several times each season, and I once changed to a teflon bike chain lube, which lubricated fine, (i though I was so smart). But, there was a definite burning smell, and I finally realized it was the teflon lube. (After the second application, of course). Switched back to ordinary oil...smell gone.
Like I said; long shot.

P.S. "unexpected surgery" can't be too good.

 

Does your glass stay that clean while burning??

 

And the insulation jacket on -all- the wiring inside the stove, needs a complete, thorough, visual inspection, just to be safe Bill. Sending good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery.

 

Guys, thanks so much for the tips.

And thanks for the thoughts, prayers for recovery I appreciate it. A simple procedure against all odds went wrong and required surgery and now a week recovery. Stinks temporarily, but I should be golden soon. Certainly gives me greater empathy for those with long term illness, injury and pain. Must be much tough without seeing recovery on the near horizon.

 

So sorry to hear man; hoping and praying you're well soon

 

It does most of the time. Sometimes it gets a film. Not black but still a film