cant stop pellets from burning in the pellet box

[Todd day]

So I bought my Traeger from Costco during a demo special probably 1 1/2-2yrs ago. I cant remember the model and there has been so much smoke in the last yr that has entered the pellet box that I cant read the serial #. Because when I tried to clean the residue off with a clorox wipe it also removed the printed numbers (should be a stamped tag IMO). I've tried to clean out every nook and cranny I can and STILL this thing runs the fire back into the auger and into the pellet box. So what happens is, I can never reach high temps because the pellets are burning in the auger before they get to the pot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Next option is the dump and a different brand.

 

[RemE]

I would remove the fan and be sure that the air channel that surrounds the auger is clear. I would also remove the 4 screws around the top of the firepot, gently lift it and be sure the holes in the pot are all clear as well as the space around the pot.

The auger is cooled by the airflow around the auger and into the firepot. I would suspect poor airflow is allowing the fire and heat to go up the tube.

That's my best guess.

 

[Todd day]

Ill check all that but i do know there is airflow across the firepot.

 

[Mattycs]

My ~6 yr old pro 34 has been backburning into the auger tube during every use the past 3 months or so. It happens on smoke, low temp, and high temp. It’s one thing to clean out the auger tube after every use but recently I can’t even get through a cook. I’ve called customer service multiple times and here’s the advice summary:

1) Bad pellets. I’ve tried fresh bags from multiple sources and it doesn’t matter.
2) bad fan. I replaced my fan even though it appeared to be working fine and didn’t have any impact.
3) bad temp rod. My temp rod needed replacing anyway, but had zero impact with a new one.

I did just notice that my burn pot had developed a hole on the side closest to the cook. I think it’s possible that the air from the fan would blow the flame towards the pellets that are still in the auger tube, but the new hole is 90 degrees to the auger tube.

If this replacement doesn’t work, then I think I’m done. I’m blown away how Traeger customer support doesn’t know how to fix this with all the grills they’ve sold and the many back burn complaints online.

 

[Slimpicker]

Ill check all that but i do know there is airflow across the firepot.

Then do you know you have a clear auger tunnel??
And does your auger sound like it might be jammed or stuck or maybe it's the controller only running at 1 speed and never changing...
Do you have PICS of your grill??? Please include them
Take a pic of your controller please.

Do you have a "primer" setting... I would run that without any pellets to see if it sounds right, runs right, and visually watch the auger

 

[RemE]

I think that most of the Traeger models don't have variable speed augers, they are just turned on and off at different intervals. The on vs off duty cycle is how they control the fire temp.

If the firepot is rusted out and has more holes, that could cause auger tube fires for sure. I'm not surprised that support could miss that.

 

[Slimpicker]

I think that most of the Traeger models don't have variable speed augers, they are just turned on and off at different intervals. The on vs off duty cycle is how they control the fire temp.

Cool, so is it turning on and off like it should. Hard to tell but I'd wanna watch it with an empty pellet hopper and tube at least to hear for grinding or some of the other noises that Traeger Support talks about.

 

[JamesB]

I also vote for the rusted out fire pot. Way to much air…

 

[JamesB]

Cool, so is it turning on and off like it should. Hard to tell but I'd wanna watch it with an empty pellet hopper and tube at least to hear for grinding or some of the other noises that Traeger Support talks about.

I agree with checking the auger, but I would think that if the auger weren’t cycling correctly (not cycling off), that the grill would have an overfire, and a high temp alarm.

 

[Mattycs]

Circling back to this thread…

Replacing the rusted out burn pot made no difference. The fire simply keeps “jumping” into the auger whether it be on smoke or high temp.

Has anyone had success with scrubbing out and degreasing the auger tube? Customer support actually said they do not recommend using a wire pipe cleaner, but I’m thinking that carbon or grease deposits in the tube or on the auger could be the issue.

I think the last thing I could try is replacing the entire feeder unit. I’m thinking there is little to no chance that the controller is the issue, right?

 

[Timmy]

Make sure the chimney cap is all the way up. While you are at it, when was the last time the chimney was cleaned?

 

[RemE]

My opinion at this point is lack of sufficient air flow. Air flow prevents fire backup into the auger.
Fan and clear airways.

 

[magoo40]

Circling back to this thread…

Replacing the rusted out burn pot made no difference. The fire simply keeps “jumping” into the auger whether it be on smoke or high temp.

Has anyone had success with scrubbing out and degreasing the auger tube? Customer support actually said they do not recommend using a wire pipe cleaner, but I’m thinking that carbon or grease deposits in the tube or on the auger could be the issue.

I think the last thing I could try is replacing the entire feeder unit. I’m thinking there is little to no chance that the controller is the issue, right?

For fine pallet dust i empty the hpopper and run the purge to clear the tube of pallets, close the grill lid and use a leaf blower in the hopper at the auger entrance to blow the auger tube clear. Stand back as you will be amazed at the amount of crap that comes out.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

I'm having the same problem on a brand new Ironwood. Purchased it Friday evening. Today, Sunday, I cooked 5 hamburgers (2lbs) per Traeger's recipe. 25 min at 225, then 4min/side at 500. First the grease grease caught fire on the aluminum tray. I shut it down, allowing it to cool for 24 min, then I looked up while eating and saw this. Quickly emptied the hopper and tried to empty the auger by going thru the ignite process without luck. I was afrid it may melt something. The smoke just got worse so I shut it down again and let it smolder.

Question: Should I demand my money back... it's less than 2 days old.

Trvlngnrs

 

[Slimpicker]

I'm having the same problem on a brand new Ironwood. Purchased it Friday evening. Today, Sunday, I cooked 5 hamburgers (2lbs) per Traeger's recipe. 25 min at 225, then 4min/side at 500. First the grease grease caught fire on the aluminum tray. I shut it down, allowing it to cool for 24 min, then I looked up while eating and saw this. Quickly emptied the hopper and tried to empty the auger by going thru the ignite process without luck. I was afrid it may melt something. The smoke just got worse so I shut it down again and let it smolder.

Question: Should I demand my money back... it's less than 2 days old.

Trvlngnrs
View attachment 6692View attachment 6693

Did you properly "SEASON" your grill before any use???
Also, I would NEVER take my grill to 500° for hamburgers... people need to STOP obeying Traeger recipes!!!!!
And if you PANICKED and didn't do a "shutdown" the right way then you left a fire in the pot and YES it will travel in the auger...

Next time open the lid and do a normal shutdown cycle... grab your heatproof gloves and start taking things OUT of your grill

I wasn't there but at 500° you cannot just turn the switch off with that firepot still burning!!