Keystoker Refurb... Maybe

Hey guys,

I've ambitiously purchased a Keystoker in need of overhaul. Being new to stokers, I didn't quite know what to look for, but now that I'm trying to understand it's workings, I'm hoping that I didn't buy too big a project . So I'm leaning on the good folks of the NEPA board for some assistance.

When I plug the stove in, the combustion fan starts up, and the feed motor is trying to turn. It seems like the feed motor is getting hung up on the bearing (near the fan), which is stopping it from turning (I can give it a flick, but it will quickly stop). Other than the fact that there are only 3 blades on the plastic fan (looks like one broke off- is this a big deal?), a small metal piece came out when I was disassembling it. It's the small piece to the right of the motor/fan in the picture. Where does this go? If I keep "assisting" the plastic fan to move, I do see the nylon cam at the end of the feed motor slowly rotating (only noticed because the set screw location is changed).

Also, any advice on how to go about checking out components?

Thanks!

I would replace the fan blade. Otherwise it's out of balance and will cause problems later.

More members will be along to help.

If the motor is binding to the point it is stopping, it's time to replace it. These can be repaired but your only buying yourself a little bit of time. IMHO replace the motor assembly.

Thanks guys... I'll look into changing out the feed motor. It appears to be a Gleason-Avery motor. Any chance they still produce the same one?

Another question- should the pusher bar (or the piece that actually contacts the coal) be easily movable, or can it only be moved by the nylon cam? I can turn the coal feed adjustment screw, for what it's worth. I'm just trying to get an idea of what is still working or not, and wondering if it hasn't "seized" or otherwise.

Thanks for the help in understanding stokers.

Gleason Avery makes motor/gearbox units for contract orders to the buyers specs.

You can try, but G_A doesn't need to stock every model it has produced.. You may need to go to Keystoker for a replacement..

After a successful first season, thought that I'd share the finished product! It was a great learning experience and I must say it feels rewarding to turn this former hunk of junk into a proud performing stove. I don't miss my VC Vigilant, not one bit (well, it was pretty...)!

- Replaced the feed motor through Keystoker
- Replaced convection fan through amazon.
- Was able to find a "new" old low temperature limit control on ebay, so instead of ponying the money for a timer I simply replaced that one.
- Replaced gasket material around doors and seal points on rear of stove
- Replaced the cracked glass through fastreplacementglass.com for $70, which seemed to be the best bargain around.
- Had weld shop affix new weld studs to feed slide to attach side walls
- Wired cheap thermostat to feed control
- Picked up large galvanized steel bin and cut/bent to size for ash pan

Coming up on time for starting her up again for the winter season! Thanks for all the help from the board.

Good job! Must heat nicely.

Are the smoke pipe connections screwed together? Three screws at each connection is the general rule...just in case.

Wood'nCoal wrote:Good job! Must heat nicely.

Are the smoke pipe connections screwed together? Three screws at each connection is the general rule...just in case.

I think I need to add some screws!

Nice job...it's good to see someone rescue a stove from the scrap pile!