PelPro PP130 Problems

The PelPro PP130 pellet stove can experience several common issues such as problems with the pressure switch, hopper lid switch, control board, lack of cleaning, jammed burn pot, faulty igniter, and other component failures. Regular maintenance like cleaning the stove and venting, scraping the burn pot, realigning or replacing the igniter, and inspecting the door, hopper, electrical parts, and convection blower can prevent many problems. Understanding the troubleshooting steps for each issue along with monthly and annual maintenance recommendations can help resolve PelPro PP130 pellet stove problems.

Key Takeaways

• Pressure switch issues - check hose connections and airflow
• Hopper lid switch problems - inspect hose and switch
• Control board - check power connections
• Cleaning - clean stove, venting, scrape burn pot
• Igniter - realign or replace igniter
• Inspect door, hopper, electrical components, convection blower
• Monthly and annual maintenance

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No airflow through pressure switch	Blocked hose	Disconnect hose and check for blockage
Hopper lid switch not working	Issue with pressure hose or switch	Remove hose, check switch by blowing through hose
Control board issues	Power connection problems	Check wiring connections, power getting to control board
Poor performance	Dirty stove/venting, jammed burn pot	Thoroughly clean stove and venting, scrape burn pot
Ignition issues	Misaligned or faulty igniter	Remove igniter, realign or replace
Other component failures	Wear and tear	Inspect and replace door gasket, convection blower etc.

The PelPro PP130 pellet stove is a popular model known for its efficiency and convenience. However, like any complex appliance, issues can arise that prevent the stove from working properly. Being able to accurately diagnose and fix these problems is key to keeping your PelPro PP130 in good working order.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the most common PelPro PP130 problems customers face, the likely causes and solutions for each issue, maintenance tips to avoid problems in the first place, and when to call in a professional.

Checking and Troubleshooting Electrical Components

The electrical components are the “brains” of your PelPro PP130, controlling the auger feed rate, sensing temperature changes, powering the fans and igniter, and more. Issues here can shut down stove operation completely.

Control Board

The control board is the main computer chip that controls all electronic functions. If it’s not receiving power or connectivity, the stove won’t start.

Problem: Stove won’t turn on, no lights or fans activate.

Causes:

• Loose wire connections
• Bad fuse
• Issues with household electrical circuit
• Faulty control board

Solutions:

• Check all wiring connections - Control board wires, power cord, wires leading to igniter and other components
• Ensure wires have no breaks or damaged insulation
• Test voltage at power outlet
• Inspect fuses and replace any that are blown
• Bypass household circuits, extension cords, and power strips and plug stove directly into wall
• If all electrical checks are OK, the control board may need replacement

Problem: Error code on control board display

Causes:

• Sensor malfunction (room temp sensor, draft sensor etc.)
• Faulty component like igniter or blower motor
• Software error

Solutions:

• Note the error code number and check manual for code meaning
• Thoroughly clean stove and venting to remove accumulated ash, soot, dust
• Inspect sensors and damaged/disconnected wiring
• Test components like convection blower and igniter
• Update control board software if needed
• Replace any damaged parts triggering error code

Power Surge Protector

Use of a power surge protector between the PP130 and power outlet can prevent control board failure from electrical spikes.

Wiring, Fuses, Breakers

Check for electrical shorts, faulty fuses/breakers, loose wiring causing loss of power. Test outlet voltage.

Troubleshooting the Stove Pressure Switch

A small air pressure switch with a rubber hose is located beside the combustion blower. This switch confirms the stove has proper ventilation by detecting airflow before allowing operation. Issues here will prevent startup.

Problem: Stove won’t start up, pressure switch error message

Causes:

• Blocked or disconnected air hose
• Bad pressure switch

Solutions:

• Remove air hose from barbed fitting and blow through it - there should be no obstructions
• Reconnect hose, making sure it forms an airtight seal
• Listen for click or watch pressure switch indent when hose has air flow during startup. If no movement, replace switch.

Preventative Maintenance

• Use pipe cleaners to remove any ash/debris buildup in pressure switch hose
• Confirm hose fittings form airtight seals

Troubleshooting the PelPro PP130 Hopper Lid Switch

A small switch at the hopper lid disables the auger and feed system when the lid is opened for safety. Like the air pressure switch, this is required for startup.

Problem: Stove won’t start up, hopper lid error message

Causes:

• Faulty wiring to the hopper lid switch
• Defective hopper lid switch
• Loose lid with broken latch or hinge

Solutions:

• Inspect wiring leading to hopper lid switch for any loose connections
• Bypass switch by shorting connections to test if startup works. If it does, replace faulty switch.
• Check lid closes fully with latches/locks engaged. If not, adjust or replace.

Preventative Maintenance:

• Lubricate any stiff hinges or latches
• Verify tight wire connections

Burn Pot Troubleshooting

failure to correctly feed and burn pellets will lead to shutdowns from error codes or manual resets.

Problem: Stove stops feeding pellets and shuts down during operation

Causes:

• Dirty/clogged burn pot
• Jammed feed chute
• Loose burn pot components

Solutions:

• Clean burn pot thoroughly, remove all ash and clinkers
• Check feed chute and remove any stuck pellets or debris
• Ensure burn pot sits flat in cradle and no damage/warping

Preventative Maintenance

• Perform weekly deep cleanings of the burn pot
• Lubricate pellet slide/feeder components

Problem: Smoldering pellets, lack of robust fire, lazy flame

Causes:

• Insufficient air flow to burn pot
• Bad igniter rod alignment
• Low stove temperature setting

Solutions:

• Clean exhaust pathways and blower motor
• Position igniter rod correctly 1⁄2” from pellet trough
• Increase feed rate/stove temp settings

Preventative Maintenance:

• Check burn pot air intake slots are clean and unblocked
• Yearly igniter alignment check

Troubleshooting Ignition Problems

Hot surface igniters light the pellets during startup. Improper alignment or component failure can lead to ignition problems:

Problem: Failure to light/relight, smoking, smoldering pellets

Causes:

• Bad or misaligned igniter
• Igniter wiring issue
• Airflow problems

Solutions:

• Check igniter wiring for loose connections
• Monitor igniter during startup - should glow red
• Ensure 1⁄2” alignment between igniter tip and pellet trough
• Replace igniter annually
• Check pressure switch operation

Preventative Maintenance:

• Yearly igniter alignment verification
• Keep igniter wiring in good condition

Auger Feed System Maintenance

The rotating auger corkscrews pellets from the hopper towards the burn pot. Leaks, jams and undersupply can result here.

Problem: Insufficient pellet amount feeding to burn pot

Causes:

• Partially jammed auger
• Obstructed feed chute
• Worn out auger motor

Solutions:

• Thoroughly clean out feed tubes with vacuum
• Remove auger covers and remove any stuck pellets
• Test auger motor operation (may be overheating and shutting off)

Preventative Maintenance:

• Monthly removal of auger covers to clean.

Troubleshooting Convection Blower Issues

The convection blower circulates hot air from the stove through the heat exchange tubes and into the room. Failure here can lead to overheating shutdowns and inadequate heat.

Problem: Little to no air flow in room during operation

Causes:

• Blocked convection blower passages
• Malfunctioning convection blower motors
• Disconnected wiring

Solutions:

• Use pipe cleaners to loosen and remove debris blockages
• Test blower functionality and voltage
• Inspect and reconnect any loose wiring

Preventative Maintenance:

• Regular cleanings of blower and passages
• Oil blower motor bushings

Problem: Stove overheating and boiling pellets

Causes:

• No convection blower operation
• Severely restricted air passages

Solutions:

• Immediately turn off and unplug stove if overheating is noticed
• Test blower motor operation and replace if needed
• Thoroughly clean air passages and fins for blockages

Preventative Maintenance:

• Install automatic stove temperature monitoring device
• Monthly inspection of air passages

Troubleshooting PelPro PP130 Combustion Blower Issues

The combustion or exhaust blower pulls air through the burn pot, heating it, and pushes it out through the exhaust vent. Problems here can restrict air flow.

Problem: Lazy flame, smoldering pellets

Causes:

• Blocked combustion blower or weak motors
• Leaks in exhaust vent connections

Solutions:

• Detach venting and test airflow with tissue paper (should be strongly pulled in)
• Clean fan blades and exhaust passageways
• Plug leaks in exhausted piping connections

Preventative Maintenance:

• Yearly change of combustion blower gaskets
• Check all vent connections sealed

Troubleshooting Door and Glass Issues

The door must form an airtight seal for proper draft operation through the burn pot. Leaks here cause airflow problems.

Problem: Air leak warnings, unstable fire

Causes:

• Damaged door gasket
• Loose latch assembly

Solutions:

• Perform dollar bill test around door frame checking for leaks
• Adjust latch if needed ensuring tight close
• Replace worn out door gasket material

Preventative Maintenance:

• Lubricate latch assembly
• Verify door gasket condition annually

Problem: Soot buildup on glass

Causes:

• Low burn pot temperatures
• Poor airflow leading to incomplete combustion and sooting

Solutions:

• Increase feed rate/stove temperatures
• Check previous troubleshooting sections for airflow blockages
• Clean glass fully using cleaner and razor blades

Preventative Maintenance:

• Use highest burn pot setting 20 mins daily to “burn off” glass

Calling In A Professional

While the previous troubleshooting steps will resolve many common PelPro PP130 issues, some problems require specialized technical skill or testing equipment.

Signs it's time to call for service:

• Difficulty in diagnosing the issue
• Replacement parts fail prematurely
• The stove emits smoke or gas odors
• Electrical short is suspected
• Excess carbon monoxide measured
• Combustion chamber damage or corrosion
• Major mechanical repairs needed

Pellet stove technicians can perform detailed functional testing, correctly replace complex components like control boards, and determine if emerging issues exist. Investing in professional troubleshooting can often nip larger problems in the bud.

Preventing Future Problems

While even well-maintained units face occasional issues, most PelPro PP130 problems can be minimized by adhering to good maintenance practices. Here are helpful prevention tips:

Daily/Weekly:

• Empty burn pot and vacuum tobolthickness
• Clean glass viewing window
• Inspect door gasket
• Lubricate auger corkscrew

Monthly:

• Thorough stove vacuuming
• Clean fans and blowers
• Inspect igniter wiring
• Check air hose connections

Yearly:

• Replace air hoses
• Igniter realignment
• Replace gaskets
• Sweep venting

Remember that prevention is the best troubleshooting! By following both manufacturers maintenance guidelines and establishing good pellet stove care habits, you can add years of reliable operation to your PelPro PP130.

Complementary Troubleshooting Tips for the PelPro PP130

Advanced Electrical Troubleshooting

Intermittently working components like convection blowers and auger feeds often indicate a loose wiring connection rather than a failed part.

Tips to isolate loose wiring:

• Inspect all wiring harnesses and junction points for loose plugs, damaged leads, or disconnected wires
• Check wirings entering and exiting electrical components
• Wiggle wiring while unit is running to test for intermittent power
• Replace old brittle wire insulation prone to cracking
• Use a multi-meter to check for continuity of circuits

Loose wiring is often overlooked but checking thoroughly can save money on unnecessary replacement parts.

Troubleshooting Feed System Jams

While the main auger corkscrews pellets forward, a vertical auger drives pellets down the feed chute. Jams here are harder to diagnose.

Tips for freeing vertical auger jams:

• Remove cover plate giving access
• Repeatedly turn auger using specialty socket tool
• Carefully break apart compacted pellets
• Check auger flights for damage
• Ensure auger spins freely after clearing debris

Freeing vertical auger jams often gets units working again without disassembly.

Identifying Air Leak Points

Air leaks are difficult to locate by appearance alone. Here are methods to check:

• Close all doors/windows to isolate stove air leaks
• Light candle or smoke pencil and run along door frames and pipe joints slowly
• Flame flutter or smoke getting pulled indicates an air leak point
• Use high temp silicone sealant rated over 500°F to seal leaks

Performing this test annually finds minor leaks before they become operational issues.

Improving Combustion Efficiency

Low combustion efficiency means higher pellet usage, more ashes, and increased emissions.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Inspect burn pot holes - should be 100% open
• Use a magnehelic gauge to read vent restrictor setting - .05 to .07 range recommended
• Measure exhaust temp - optimal is 275°F to 325°F
• Tuning adjustments per manual if efficiency drops

This helps optimize settings as the stove ages for performance.

Maintenance to Extend Stove Life

Preventative maintenance keeps problems at bay and prevents premature part failures. Here are key areas to focus on:

Biannual Maintenance

• Thorough stove interior vacuuming
• Lubrication of all motors and auger drives
• Verification of door gasket seal

Off-Season Shutdown

• Touch up any paint corrosion
• Inspection of burn pot and liners
• Hopper and feed tube deep cleaning

Good maintenance slows the rate of wear on all moving components.

When to Consider New Stove Purchase

If the current PelPro PP130 is over 10 years old and experiencing numerous chronic problems, purchasing a brand new unit may make sense versus continuing repairs.

Signs it May be Time:

• Frequent ignition failures
• Corroded or warped interior parts
• Major mechanical issues (broken auger, catastrophic plugging)
• Parts no longer available
• Efficiency drops below 50%

Newer model pellet stoves are vastly improved in reliability, efficiency, capacity, and convenience. Avoid excessive repair costs by considering new purchase timing wisely.