Keystoker Furnace Buzzing When Pushing Coal

This just started last night, when the stoker is pushing coal it buzzes. I've only had this unit for a year so I really don't know much about the workings of it. I did perform the suggested seasonal maintenance before this burning season. Could it be possible that a piece of something from the coal bag is caught in the stoker causing this problem? I guess I might have to take it apart this evening, as much as I don't want to since it's going to be quite cold outside. Just wondering if anyone has any specific suggestions before I go tearing stuff apart.

Thanks.

Could just the be motor gearbox getting dry. Maybe unbolt the stoker motor/gearbox and run it off the stove to see if you can determine if it's motor or gearbox, probably just needs some oil on the bearing.

Ok thanks, I'll give that a try this evening. I turned the thermostat down for the day so hopefully it will cycle a little bit less and stress it less. Also, what kind of oil do you put on there?

Ok.... upon further inspection the "buzzing" I described is actually the nylon cam rubbing against the pusher bar when all the way forward. It's like the pusher bar is stopping near its furthest point forward. It's 0 degrees out right now, so I hate to let my fire go out and clean the firebox/hopper out. It's supposed to be 40 this weekend so I might try and hold out until then. Any idea what could be causing this to happen? I squirted some oil on the shaft that drives the nylon cam, but it didn't seem to make a difference. Am I going to cause a big problem if I let this be as is for a couple of days? The cam doesn't appear to stop at the forward point, but the motor might be a little bit stressed if the cam is pressing tightly against the pusher bar.

Manually move the pusher bar with your fingers or a tool.. Often an oversize piece of coal wil jam in the mechanism and it needs a bit of help to get through,

Or, empty the hopper, down to the top of the stoker mechanism.. no need to put out the fire if you are quick,, check that there isn't a piece of wood, rock or large piece of coal causing the mechanism to jam. Remove the offending piece and refill the hopper.. The fire should stay lit.

Greg L

Good thinking, I'll give that a try. In the mean time I've squirted some 3-in-1 oil on the nylon cam itself and at least it quieted the annoying sqeal for the time being.