Vermont Casting WinterWarm Fireplace Insert or System When to Suspect a Combustor Problem

When to Suspect a Combustor Problem

The best way to evaluate the performance of your WinterWarm’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke leaving the chimney — both when the combus- tor has achieved “light-off” and when it has not. Follow this simple two-step procedure:

•With a fire going and the combustor properly acti- vated with the damper closed to route smoke through it as described in the Operation Section, go outside and observe the smoke leaving the chimney.

•Then, open the stove damper and once again ob- serve the smoke leaving the chimney.

Significantly more smoke should be observed after the second step when the stove damper is open and exhaust is not routed through the combustor. Be careful not to confuse smoke with steam from wet wood.

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 if you are burn- ing green or wet wood.

Also, consider any changes in your operating routine as well.

Once you have ruled out any other possible causes for a decline in performance, you may proceed with an inspection of the combustor.

Inspection and Removal of the Combustor

Before you begin, observe the basic safety precautions for working with dusty materials: always wear safety glasses, a recommended dust mask, and gloves. To expose the combustor, first remove the throat pieces by tapping upward at the far left and right corners with a soft-faced hammer. Leave the bolt in the retainer loose, and leave the retainer in place.

Examine the top surface of the catalytic element, which will be visible. A small mirror and flashlight may provide a better view. Unless the element shows a heavy fly ash accumulation or major damage, do not remove it.

If combustor removal is necessary for cleaning or closer

inspection, follow these steps (Fig. 14):

1.Remove the front grate bar.

2.Remove the grate.

3.Remove the throat pieces as described above

WinterWarm Fireplace Insert or System

4.Tip the lower fireback forward, and remove it by lift- ing it up and toward you.

5.Carefully remove the access panel. (Fig. 15) It is extremely delicate and should be handled as little as possible.

6.Slide the catalytic element out. (Fig. 16) Handle it carefully, as the element is fragile.

Grate		Ash Door
Front		Lower
		Fireback
Grate Bar
		Retainer
	Throat Pieces
		FP1079

Fig. 14 To reach the catalytic combustor, remove front grate bar, grate, throat pieces and lower fireback.

Access Panel FP1082

Fig. 15 Remove the access panel.

FP1083

Fig. 16 Removing the catalytic element.

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