Another Magnehelic Question...

Happy September everyone.

We fired up the Koker just yesterday and all is running well, though, I can't seem to get my magnehelic to show any readings.

I received great advice last season on the install, though, the gauge just sits at the zero mark.

The port in the back is plugged by the rubber piece provided by the manufacturer.

If I breath in, as if drinking from a straw on the copper end, the needle moves up, so, I do not think it's a faulty gauge.

The unit is level.

The tubing is installed to the bottom port of the unit and the top is left open.

I've tried moving the damper rod on top of the direct vent housing to a few different positions, though still no movement on the gauge in the slightest.

The restrictor plate on the combustion blower is affixed, covering about 3/4 of the opening.

All pipes were thoroughly cleaned last season inclusive of underneath the grates.

I'm out of ideas!

A fresh perspective would go appreciated.

Respectfully ,
Michael

Usually the draft gauge is installed in the exhaust pipe to the chimney. It is usually installed before the Barametric damper. Could you also post a close-up of your Gauge so we can see the numbers.

Here is a close up of the gauge and the vent housing.

It is my understanding that on the Koker the draft is taken from a factory drilled hole on the side of the ash pan door. It is supposed to measure the "Over the fire draft."

It measures difference in pressure from one area to another. There has to be a port open to the room in order to register a difference. I suspect that plug you mention should be open to the room pressure.

When you tested by sucking on the tubing, it should have been super sensitive and require almost no suck to move the needle halfway.

All fixed!

Franco, you were on the right track with what the issue was.

I had the second port open as it should have been, though, when breathing in on the tubing (I'm trying to avoid saying "Sucking on the tubing...") I could hardly get it to half way up the gauge.

On the back of the gauge there were a few ports that were open. I put my finger over each one and when the proper one was covered, the gauge was ultra-sensitive, as described.

I plugged that one up with a screw that was included in the box and voila, she works. I don't know if the screw included in the box was already installed on the gauge and I took it off or if it was shipped loose. Either way...we're back in business now.

My thanks to you guys for both replying so quickly and for putting me on the right track for a solution, fantastic.

Respectfully,
Mike.