Thanks for the replies. Tfgrower, I just add powdered graphite from the top as the augur turns. I'm not sure about the bearing. I'll try that tube behind the flute tip the next time I add the graphite. I tried 3 different kinds of pellets but didn't like any of them so I'm back to the corn. Pellets were too messy and too much ash and some of them were too long. Thanks again for the tips.

I on my 4th year of using the negative-draft kit with a 4100 and suddenly this morning the fire went out. I started it back up and noticed that the corn seems to be feeding more erratic than normal. The auger sounds normal and corn does drop out but it will go several cycles with nothing falling out. Then a few cycles will look normal. I've got the feed knob turned up to 8 but its only burning like it does when I usually have it at 2. I haven't done any auger maintenance before other than using graphite every year. Any ideas?

Thanks again tfgrower. I should have given you credit in my previous post.

I never even knew that the hole to the left of the burner box needed to be cleaned out. It would be nice if there was a more detailed owners manual for this stove.

I had the exact same problem earlier this season with my 4100 and someone on this forum recommended this:
"With exhaust fan running try a leaf blower in the clean out hole being sure all air goes in hole. Start slow and increase to high gradually and run maybe a minute or two. Let someone watch out side and see what happens. It's probably time. I blow mine out weekly. A good cleaning will fix a lot of problems and prevent many."
Worked like a charm.(Although I used a shop vac) You can read the whole thread here:
www.iburncorn.com/new-forum/32-nesco-ama...5-4100-burning-issue

Ever since I added blowing out the cleanout hole to my regular cleaning routine things have been fine.

I've seen stoves by other companies that look EXACTLY like the Amaizablaze (Snowflame and Corn Flame are 2 examples) but don't see them listed here as manufacturers. Are they made by Nesco as well? Are they of the same quality? Are their parts interchangable with Nesco stoves?

I've read a few times on this site that people thought Nesco was about to declare bankruptcy. Did it happen? Will I have trouble getting parts for my stove (4100 w/ negative draft kit)? Any parts that maybe I should stock up on just in case? Love my stove and can't bear to think of not being able to use it.

Thanks for the advice tfgrower. I tried the things you mentioned and my stove has been burning great, non-stop ever since. I will add blowing out the exhaust to my regular maintenance.

Thanks for the replies. I've been running the auger on 2 or 3. I'm afraid to go much higher for now because of the corn lava problem. It would be nice if there was a comprehensive maintenance schedule printed somewhere for these stoves. I've just been doing the few things (cleaning, oiling the motors, etc) that were mentioned in the owners manual. The owners manual doesn't mention half of the things that I've read on this website.I've never taken the exhaust apart. Unfortunately I'm not very handy so I proceed very slowly when it comes to taking things apart. When my dealer installed the negative vent kit he said there was no documentation with it so I have no idea what maintenance is needed for that. Tomorrow when I do my weekly shut down and clean I'm going to try to do more cleaning behind the baffle. Thanks again for all your help.

This is my 3rd year of using the 4100 (with negative draft kit) and things have been great up until now. This year, flames seemed kind of weak and I keep getting a build-up of corn lava that would eventually back up the corn into the hopper and shut the stove off. In addition, the glass would get dirty quickly and much harder to clean than usual. From reading the posts in this forum (thanks everyone) I got the impression that it wasn't getting enough air so this past Sunday I thoroughly cleaned out the cleanout tube to the left of the burn box and for a few days the stove was burning great and hotter then it has ever been. But today, the flames seem kind of weak and it looks like the corn lava is building again. I take a clinker out every day and shut down the stove and vacuum and brush it out once a week. Anything else I should be doing?
I've read on this site about an air adjustment that can be done but I'm not really clear on where that is and how to do it.