Firepot/Flameout

steve6224Member

Hi
I have a new to me 2009 FEC 100 with a flame out/pellet overflow issue which I am working on with Cookshack. This unit has a history of this with its previous owner which is why I now have it. Its the weekend and I would like to continue troubleshooting so I have more info for Bill/Tony Monday when I call them back. I've been through the airflow system with Cookshack and so far all seems normal. I did swap out the firepot with my older 2006 Traeger controlled FEC as the firepot fits but is different. Ive attached a picture of the firepot from my 2009 FEC which is giving me the problems. Is this the latest and greatest design?
I did meter the temp sensor reading at the circuit board Saturday per Bills suggestion and at 200 deg indicated (240 actual), Im getting 3.5 millivolts and not the 3.82 I should be getting. Also the temp indication has now started fluctuating +/- 15 degrees every few seconds. Any suggestions on what else I should be testing so I can pass all of the results along to Cookshack Monday?

Thanks

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11/22/157:05 AM

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nordyMember

I dunno about the volatage readings... but...

If your temp is reading 15 degrees different every few seconds you probably have a bad temp probe. Sometimes where they enter or exit the Hopper assembly/cooking chamber they can get little nicks or shorts in the wiring and that would/could cause your issue.

Its a bit of a pain but not too tough to swap out the thermocouple. I think the newer versions either use some electrical wire shrink wrap in these areas or a grommet to help protect the wires.

This area can be a common problem as many of us slide our electric cord between the hopper and the pit to hold it when not in use. If the cord pushes down on the thermocouple cord that can cause these shorts and bad probe readings. Also sometimes just use or bouncing down the road to competitions can cause this issue.

Hope this helps.

Nordy

11/22/158:42 AM

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steve6224Member

Thanks Nordy.
I had checked the wire where it comes out of the cooker and moved it around hoping to see some change in temps but all was stable when I moved it. This was also something Tony had suggested.
The temp fluctuations is intermittent and I cant figure out why it comes and goes.

11/22/158:47 AM

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nordyMember

Put another independent probe in the pit... I think you will find the temps aren't fluctuating as is showing on the display.

You need a new thermocouple.

In the meanwhile... make sure the thermocouple connections are tight on the control board...

11/22/157:37 PM

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steve6224Member

Thanks again.
The actual temp is steady but out by 40 plus degrees from indicated at times which I think is contributing to my flame out problem. I've already removed and reinstalled the probe terminals and I've confirmed they are tight. I'll see what cookshack says Monday with the info I can give them from Saturday's troubleshooting.

11/22/1510:27 PM

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nordyMember

FIgure anything out?

11/25/159:39 AM

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steve6224Member