Harman p43 5 blink status light

Really sounds like a venting / air flow / vacuum issue. D-Mac when you do get the stove running, does it seem to run properly, meaning do you have a nice lively flame like you did before this issue started, or is the flame weak/lazy? You really need a draft reading and also check and clean the full venting run, and verify the typical air leak spots like firebox and ash pan doors, hopper lid, fines box cover. Sounds like you already checked and air inlet flapper is good.

 

Just got everything today. On the burn pot gaskets do you punch out the holes right where the flame guide goes?

 

Also I got the exhaust gasket does that just unbolt and you put the new one on? Are the gaskets easy to get off and is there any certain torque they have to be?

 

X2 this is a concern. Without a tee there is nowhere for fly ash to collect. It just stays right there accumulating in the 90 elbow where air flow is critical. I suppose if it is cleaned out very diligently, it’s not a huge issue, but still not ideal.

 

I tap the pipe and vacuum it out every time I clean it.

 

This is the set up

 

That’s red high temp silicone not rust or anything

 

The flame seems good it’s just starting it. It won’t start on its own right after I clean it and it won’t start on its own at all right now. I’m going to have my father in law put his draft meter on it this weekend.

 

This is LW territory. I’m not sure if anyone else here has done what you are about to do. If I can make one suggestion, wait until you get a draft reading before you start swapping out any parts or gaskets. The draft reading may tell you that it’s a different issue entirely and save you swapping out a bunch of parts that don’t need swapping out. LW has hinted at this a couple times already, it could be something like a dying combustion fan.

 

I know. I just haven’t had a chance to get the draft meter. I hope it’s not the combustion fan. I just replaced that like 2 years ago with a stock one

 

I don't have a clean out T on my P61a and never have any issues with it (that one was professionally installed). I do a brush out and LBT every once in a while. I do look down thru whenever I take the exhaust fan cover off just to make sure I'm not missing any build up but haven't noticed anything of concern.

My P43 I did put a clean out on since it is a very short vertical.

 

That’s my maintenance burn

 

The ashes must be accumulating in the chimney part of the venting. Is there a cleanout door? If not, that could be the problem! After all those years it finally caught up to choke your stove.
Just a theory

 

Last season was the only time I didn’t take the pipes off and clean them. I mean I only have 3 pieces of pipe so it’s pretty easy to clean. Those pipes go up into an 8x8 block chimney that’s only like 7-8’ from the flute to the top of the chimney.

 

what the heck, D-Mac, why not put a tee where that elbow is? Some people do, some people don't.....but I can think of no good reason NOT to.
See, my suggestion would be not to monkey with ANYTHING until you get a draft test.....don't replace gaskets, parts, etc. Pull the draft plug, hook up the meter, CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCALE ON THE METER (in), and throw it in TEST mode....record the high draft (maybe 30 secs after the test mode starts), then it will drop to low draft after a minute....record that one. Also watch the draft gauge and make sure there isn't a lot of fluctuation in the readings.....if there is, that could be ash in your elbow.

No torque spec I am aware f on the tailpipe gasket.....tight is the ticket. I don't know that Id replace it unless I had to, you know, if you were feeling guilty about having that 90 there instead of the correct piece, a tee.

 

This should be done on a clean stove to right?

 

When youre troubleshooting a problem....no. When the stove is new and youre setting low draft, yea....and a cold stove as well!

 

Ok so check it like it would normally be running (dirty) and make sure it's on a cold stove? I think I can do that. I'm going to try and do it Saturday morning. What is the right scale and what is a good reading?

 

you want inches of pressure, not psi or mbar.....good reading differs......id say -.40 in or more.....don't forget, your vac sensor shuts your feeder down in the mid teems....if youre anywhere near that, its bad

 

Hey do you know what size bushing I’ll need for the draft meter? What size plug is the draft test hole?