Sulfur Smell Co Detector going off

By: **Ryan** On: Thu Nov 17, 2005 2:58 pm

OK, so I had my magnum stoker running for atleast 4 hrs with the detector in the basement stairwell. No sulfur fumes and I had a pretty hot fire.So I assume my chimney is/was drafting well. Then out of the blue the detector went off and when I went to check the situation the basement definately had a sulfur smell. When I got close to the stove I could definaetly smell the odor the strongest just above the hopper in the back. Could the wind be a problem? Could the chimney cleanout be blowing back? Seel on the stoker end? It just seems weird to be working fine then have the Co go off after 4 hrs. Why not right away? thanks

WNY · By: **WNY** On: Fri Nov 18, 2005 9:04 am

CO Detectors use a PPM (Parts per Million) vs. Time, once it gets to a minimum level over a certain period of time, the detector will go off.
I would suspect a backdraft if it is extrememly windy.
Check your chimney for obstructions, bee's nest, etc...check all your exhust joints and put new sealant on.

Our CO did the same thing, but had it plugged into the same outlet as our humidifier and when it cycled on/off, it set off the CO. I moved it and works fine now.

We have direct vent on our stove, so it is alway drawing a vaccum in the stove via the exhaust fan. You Always need to check the draft every year to make sure.

By: **Guest** On: Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:20 am

Thanks for the reply. I ran the stove all weekend with no problems. I blocked the bottom of the flu/cleanout with a rag. Got a new Co detector with a digital reading on it. I had no problems. But it was also a calm weekend, no wind. We'll see how she runs now. i did run a brush down the chimney but there was almost nothing that fell through. Looked clean.

By: **Guest** On: Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:29 pm

I HAD THAT STOVE AND GOT RID OF IT. ALWAYS HAD A SULFER SMELL.
DEALER TOLD ME THE COAL WAS WET. IT DID IT WITH DRY COAL WET COAL
SO I DUMPED IT AND GOT A HARMON SF250 HAND FIRED. ITS 19 OUT SIDE NOW AND THE BASEMENT IS 79

By: **Ryan** On: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:34 pm

Update! The magnum's been running great since I last posted. I've noticed the sulfur smell only when I turn the feedrate down on the stoker motor. Seems to wanna run a hot fire. Which is OK with me. I keep the basement at 77 with the optinal Hot air duct into my living room floor. On 4 minutes off 14 minutes. 1st floor 70 2nd floor 66. My hot air furnace has had to turn on once this last week. Think I'm gonna probaly burn 3 ton of rice this season.