Melted upper auger pipe - how to replace?

Anyone know how to replace a melted upper auger pipe? See picture below. Thanks.

You'll have to separate the two feed pipes at the coupling by loosening the coupling screws and moving it. Unscrew the two worms; the worm coupling is left hand thread. Remove the cotter pin at the end of the short worm and pull it out of the unit. Remove the blue collar that holds the short pipe to the base (Possibly have to remove that jacket piece) Loosen the two set screws at the pot and pull the pipe out. You can't turn the pipe until you pull it out 1/2" to disengage it from the pin.

You could also have an alignment problem where the worm flexed and wore a hole through the pipe.

Stoker-man,

Is it okay to cut a piece of the old lower pipe I replaced to use for the upper section?

Thanks,

Dave

Dave, I wouldn't cut a lower piece to replace. You can make a new one from 2" electrical RIGID, not thin wall) conduit, 2" aluminum, 2" stainless steel. DO NOT forget to cut a top slot to align the piece(assuming the pin is still there, and the 5 to 7 1/4 holes to the sides of the top center for gas to escape.
Having said that, if your pipe is able to be removed (like those set screws are going to not break off...or the rust between the pot and the pipe can be freed up, you will be lucky) IF that can happen, soak the hell out of the screws with PB blaster OR heat them to remove them. A "Fire Wrench" may be necessary to have on hand, too. If you don't have any anti-seize, get some for the replacement journey. You may be able to remove the 'pot set screws' on the motor side and the fines lever, then take out the pot assembly if it proves to be impossible to get enough work room. If you have an older style base, the chances are 'slim to none' about unbolting the side panel.....but heating the nuts would sure help.
I'm guessing that the pipe rotten out, then was further destroyed by abrasion and acidic effects of some wet coal...WAG....or something is or was misaligned.....
It's not a great time to have to do this, and today will be a "Give a Gift of Skin" moment if yours is typical.

I may require an adult beverage or two to get the heart rate down after the stitches and transfusions.....

Dave, I was reading one of your first posts about the EFM coming with a bent auger: New Worm bent on shipment EMF DF-520

Did you ever get the auger replaced or did you run the one that was bent? If you ran the one that was bent, there is a good chance that is what cause your burner pipe to wear. I recommend that you install a new stainless burner pipe, and a new burner worm (if needed).

-Rob

Whistlenut - Thanks for all the information. I wrapped it with a piece of sheet metal and used a metal band with screw tightener as a temporary fix until I get the parts to fix it. Its 3 years old so hopefully I can get it apart. I think I'll just order the stainless part from EFM to make the installation easier. I did the temporary fix with a pot of red coals since it was midnight and didn't want to wait for it to cool. It was hot even with welders cloves on.

Rob - I did have a bent auger, and the reseller straightened it in his shop. I checked it out before installing it and it looked good. I am not sure how to check the alignment, but will do this when I replace the pipe. I also am not convinced it was due to melting after poking at it more.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave, it is unlikely that the burner tube was melted in that location. If the fire migrated into the burner tube, I think it would melt on the pot end of the tube first...not 12" away. My money is on the auger not spinning "true", and scraping against the tube in the spot that you see coal spilling out. As I said above, a new stainless burner tube and a new burner worm will get you back in business. Get the burner worm with a new bushing installed, and inspect the pot bushing when you have everything apart...hopefully the bent auger didn't "eat" the bushing.

Be sure to get yourself some penetrating fluid to help with the tear down, and use anti-seize on everything when you put it back together. Post back if you have any questions.

-Rob

If you have access to stainless, I would make my own pipe.

Go to ebay and punch in 2" stainless steel pipe then drill the holes and the slot yourself.