In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Cleaning Pellet Stove W/Leaf Blower

Discussion in 'Pellet Stoves, Pellet Fireplaces, Pellet Furnaces' started by SKEETER McCLUSKEY, Sep 25, 2015.

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  1. SKEETER McCLUSKEY

    SKEETER McCLUSKEY

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    Anything that has to be unhooked first in the stove??? wouldnt it over speed the fan???
     
    SKEETER McCLUSKEY, Sep 25, 2015
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  2. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    Some people unhook the vacuum switch. And no on the rpm of the combustion motor.
     
    IHATEPROPANE, Sep 25, 2015
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  3. Papelletman

    Papelletman

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    I also leave the door to the stove opened!!
     
    Papelletman, Sep 25, 2015
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  4. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    You will get much better results if you close the door. At least I do in the firebox area
     
    IHATEPROPANE, Sep 25, 2015
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  5. jtakeman

    jtakeman Moderator

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    If you leave the door cracked open, You won't need to disconnect the vacuum switch. I close the door once the blower is going and Then open the door, Then close it again. get an extra boost out of it and some more crap will come out. But because I let the blower build a vacuum in the stove, I do disconnect my hose from the switch. Plus the air going through the hose helps cleans any crud that might be stuck in it.

    My combustion blower doesn't spin while the blower is running. Stove is off and unplugged while I do the Leaf blower trick!
     
    jtakeman, Sep 25, 2015
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  6. bogieb

    bogieb

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    Lots of people advise unhooking the vacuum switch. I have never figured out how to, and never remember to research it until ready to perform the VBT, so I just make sure the stove is unplugged. So far (KOW), haven't had a problem with any stove. but then again, this will only be my 3rd season, so accumulated damage could show up. Oh, and just like stocks, past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
     
    bogieb, Sep 25, 2015
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  7. Papelletman

    Papelletman

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    I leave the door open and also use a air compressor with a long blow tip to clean the heat exchanger tubes. I do disconnect the vac switch, so next time maybe I will close the door for awhile after I'm done with the air.
     
    Papelletman, Sep 25, 2015
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  8. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    Sometimes I disconnect the vacuum, other time not. So far so good.
     
    IHATEPROPANE, Sep 25, 2015
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  9. Papelletman

    Papelletman

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    Might have to remove a side panel and look for a vacuum hose, will look like a windshield washer hose.
     
    Papelletman, Sep 25, 2015
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  10. imacman

    imacman

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    If you have a steel back wall on your stove, giving it some good sharp raps with a mallet or small hammer while the L B is going will dislodge a LOT of stuck-on crud in the ash traps. DON'T do this with cast interior walls.

    Obviously, if the back wall is some sort of fibreboard "bricks", that needs to be removed beforehand too.
     
    imacman, Sep 25, 2015
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  11. slvrblkk

    slvrblkk

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    I NEVER disconnected the switch until it blew out one time (had a spare on hand though). Now I disconnect it :D
     
    slvrblkk, Sep 25, 2015
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  12. MtDew

    MtDew

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    What brand of leaf blower works better than others. Is there a go to brand, or one not to buy?
     
    MtDew, Sep 25, 2015
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  13. SKEETER McCLUSKEY

    SKEETER McCLUSKEY

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    IDK Mt Dew but im thinkin some little electric pos so i can scamper off the roof and plug in the cord from below
     
    SKEETER McCLUSKEY, Sep 25, 2015
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  14. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    I would suggest one with the leaf vacuum attachment.
     
    IHATEPROPANE, Sep 25, 2015
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  15. SKEETER McCLUSKEY

    SKEETER McCLUSKEY

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    HA!!
     
    SKEETER McCLUSKEY, Sep 25, 2015
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  16. MtDew

    MtDew

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    yeah I figured an electric unit. I was just asking so if I see a used one on craigslist, I know what to look for.

    Get some pics when you do your LBT!
     
    MtDew, Sep 25, 2015
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  17. bogieb

    bogieb

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    A CL special is best. I got an almost brand new Craftsman for 1/2 price, with attachment thrown in (which are extra if bought new). Mine is gas powered. A bit heavier than electric but I don't have to try to get the electrical cord to cooperate in going around all the mounds of snow in the middle of winter.
     
    bogieb, Sep 26, 2015
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  18. imacman

    imacman

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    Just saw a Black & Decker unit on CL in like new condition for $30. Bargains CAN be had:

    Leaf blower/vacuum
     
    imacman, Sep 26, 2015
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  19. will711

    will711

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    Lot's of stuff on you tube this is our own Smoke Show ,posted by dex.

     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2015
    will711, Sep 26, 2015
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  20. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    This can usually be had for $40 at Harbor Freight with a coupon. I have a Toro but this should work the same.
     

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    IHATEPROPANE, Sep 26, 2015
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