Inspecting the Combustor

Encore Woodburning Stove

If this test indicates a problem, consider other possible factors as well, such as the time of year or a change in the quality of your fuel. In spring and fall, draft is weaker than it is in colder winter weather, and ﬁres can burn sluggishly. Small, hot ﬁres are a good solution under these conditions.

Burning “green” (insufﬁciently seasoned) wood will re- sult in poorer performance than when burning properly seasoned fuel. You may have to run your stove hotter (more air) to achieve good performance with green or wet wood.

Also, consider any changes in your operating routine.

Once you have ruled out any other possible causes for a decline in performance, you may inspect the combus- tor.

1.Release the hood from the ﬁreback by swinging the hood upward and then sliding it to either side. (Fig. 48)

Hood
Fireback	ST643

Fig. 48 Release the hood by lifting its bottom edge and slid- ing to one side.

2.Using a ﬂashlight, and a mirror if necessary, exam- ine the combustor. If no ﬂy ash or damage is visible, the inspection is complete and you may replace the hood. If further examination or cleaning is necessary, go to Step 3.

3.Release the ﬁreback by prying the left and right wedges upward. (Fig. 49)

4.Swing the ﬁreback forward and up to remove it from the stove. (Fig. 50)

5.Remove the catalytic combustor’s refractory access cover, then remove the combustor.

6.Check the combustor’s honeycomb-like element for a buildup of ﬂy ash. If any is evident, take the combustor outside and clean it by blowing air gently through it.

7.Inspect the element for damage or degradation. Although small hairline cracks will not affect per- formance, the element should be essentially intact. If the element is broken in pieces or has sections

		Refractory Access Cover
	Left Wedge	Right Wedge
		ST644
Fig. 49	Release the lower ﬁreback by tapping out two
wedges.
		Fireback

ST645

Fig. 50 Remove the lower ﬁreback through the front door opening.

missing, it should be replaced. Call your local Ver- mont Castings’ Authorized Dealer for a replacement element.

While the catalytic element is removed, check the condition of the secondary air probe. Use an inspection mirror to locate the probe within the combustion cham- ber. The probe should extend 1” to 1¹⁄₂” (25-38mm) into the chamber and show no signs of deterioration, such as warping, corrosion, or short length. (Fig. 51) A dam- aged secondary air probe can affect catalytic perfor- mance. If the probe needs replacement, contact your local dealer.

ST559

Fig. 51 Use an inspection mirror to check the reﬂected view of the secondary probe.

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