Feeder Issues - Stops Turniing

kkresge · Post by **kkresge** » Tue. Dec. 16, 2014 10:34 pm

I had a rock get stuck in the feeder, removed it rather quickly as the noise the motor made alerted me to the issue. tried to start the fire and had problems keeping the fire going. The motor that turns the feeder seems to work partially, stops turning at the same point each time, all I do is give it a little turn (remove the play) and starts turning the feeder again until the next turn. Strange when the motor is turning the feeder I can't stop it from turning with my hands, I would think if the motor was bad I would be able to stop it from turning manually. Any suggestions on how I can fix this issue.

I originally thought the shaft was bent on the feeder but realized the issue is at the motor end. I have a Alaska Channing III stove if that helps.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Tue. Dec. 16, 2014 11:14 pm

Gearbox might of been the weak link since you say motor seems fine.

Might be best to order/get a new motor assembly and get stove back in service.

Afterwards, if so inclined, you can try splitting the old gearbox open to see if it is a total loss.
If you get Lucky and fix it you now have a spare for next time.

Ed.A · Post by **Ed.A** » Wed. Dec. 17, 2014 7:13 am

Gear box would seem to be the culprit all right.

gregszustak · Post by **gregszustak** » Wed. Dec. 17, 2014 7:20 am

I had the same problem, Alaska Gnome.
Gearbox has a 2 year warranty.
If you purchased it within previous 2 years don't take it apart, return it to the dealer.

stovepipemike · Post by **stovepipemike** » Wed. Dec. 17, 2014 8:30 am

My guess is a broken tooth/teeth in that gear box. Get on it now before it really gets cold. You don't want to hear the word "backordered" when it comes to a bad gearbox in the winter. Mike

Mikeeg02 · Post by **Mikeeg02** » Wed. Dec. 17, 2014 3:36 pm

I have an old Alaska Stoker II which is basically the predecessor to what you have. My gearbox did the same thing. I ordered a new one, and took my old one apart. I found that one of the shafts that holds one of the gears was not being held at both ends. So I have one for a carpet style feeder if you cant find one. Its brand new, and I can sell it for a just a little under what I paid for it if you cant find one. But it may pay you well to shut down, pull the motor and separate the transmission. I found I had to put some metal to fill each end that the shaft goes into to keep it centered. Not a problem since.

Ed.A · Post by **Ed.A** » Wed. Dec. 17, 2014 5:29 pm

Mikeeg02 wrote:I have an old Alaska Stoker II which is basically the predecessor to what you have. My gearbox did the same thing. I ordered a new one, and took my old one apart. I found that one of the shafts that holds one of the gears was not being held at both ends. So I have one for a carpet style feeder if you cant find one. Its brand new, and I can sell it for a just a little under what I paid for it if you cant find one. But it may pay you well to shut down, pull the motor and separate the transmission. I found I had to put some metal to fill each end that the shaft goes into to keep it centered. Not a problem since.

Different mechanism, he has the newer half-moon paddle set-up ( same as mine).

That said, I like the fact the carpet feed system is not susceptible to a rogue bit of coal/stone getting jammed up and breaking a tooth...I have both versions. I've yet to have an issue with either, 7yrs on the Channing III ...knock on wood.