Rebuilding a Harman Pellet Stove
Rebuilding a Harman pellet stove is a straightforward task. The combustion fan is secured with three screws, and the impeller is held in place by a single Allen screw—a simple swap. The burn pot is fastened with four bolts, but you must first remove two brackets (each with two screws) and disconnect the ignitor (two wires). The distribution fan, on the other hand, is secured by four bolts.
The actual labor involved in repairing a Harman stove is not the issue; the process is fairly straightforward, and you don’t even need the manual. The real challenge lies in sourcing the right parts.
The Issue with Parts
Ordering parts using the OEM number can be a frustrating experience. While the distribution blower was an easy replacement—I got the right one on the first try—the combustion blower was another story. It took two attempts before I received the correct one. The first blower, despite being advertised as OEM, was a universal model with a single paddle fan, which is not suitable for a Harman stove. The second one was correct, but instead of a standard hex set screw, it came with a proprietary design from China, requiring either a new wrench or reusing the old screw. No big deal, but still an annoyance.
The burn pot was another surprise. Even though I ordered the correct OEM part number, the new burn pot had slightly larger burn holes, which I assumed was an upgrade. However, it didn’t include the necessary gasket. The Harman manual does not mention a gasket behind the burn pot, but without one, airflow is lost, and the stove won’t function properly. Fortunately, after some online research, I found the gaskets available on Amazon.
Testing and Adjustments
Once I assembled all the parts, I started the stove. Initially, the burn pot only showed a flame on the left side, and excess pellets spilled into the ash tray. To fix this, I reduced the pellet feed rate by 20% below the manufacturer’s recommendation. This adjustment allowed the burn pot to fully ignite.
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, I let the stove run at full open for the required four-hour break-in period. Over time, the burn pot settled in, producing a solid flame across its entire surface.
The next morning, I restarted the stove, and it followed the same pattern: the flame began on the left side before spreading across the burn pot. This behavior made sense, as the ignitor is positioned toward the left. Within 10 minutes, I had a full, steady flame.
The Benefits of the Rebuild
Rebuilding this stove has extended its lifespan by at least another 10 years. The only component I haven’t replaced is the pellet auger motor, which is still running smoothly. After cleaning the ESP sensor, I confirmed that the exhaust temperature is perfect.
Beyond longevity, the rebuild has also improved efficiency. I am now burning 20% fewer pellets while maintaining the same heat output of approximately 45,000 BTU. This improvement is directly related to the upgraded burn pot—whoever designed it clearly did their homework.
Tools and Labor Required
This is not a difficult job. Most parts are secured with 8mm, 9mm, and 13mm bolts, along with flat-head metal screws:
- The distribution fan is held in by four 8mm bolts and has a single electrical plug.
- The combustion fan is secured with three 9mm nuts. The paddle fan must also be removed, which is attached with a set screw that requires an Allen wrench.
- The burn pot is held by four 13mm nuts, while the metal flue plates are secured by four 8mm screws.
This repair requires minimal mechanical skills, and a manual is unnecessary.
Cost Savings
Had I hired a pellet stove technician, this rebuild would have cost around $2,000. By doing the work myself, I spent only $240. The distribution fan only needed cleaning, and the total labor time for the repair was under an hour.
Final Thoughts
If you own a Harman P43 Accentra stove, I highly recommend doing the rebuild yourself. However, if you’re not confident in your mechanical abilities, hiring a professional is always an option—just be prepared for the cost.