Vermont Casting 2550CE Catalytic Element Inspection and Cleaning, Inspecting the Combustor

Pawl

Small

Locking Nut

Striker Screw

Large Lock- ing Nut

Set Screw

Handle Stub

ST531

Fig. 33 Turn the door latch striker screw in or out to tighten or loosen the door latch.

The Catalytic Element

Inspection and Cleaning

This wood heater contains a catalytic combustor, which needs periodic inspection and replacement for proper operation. In the United States it is against the law to operate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with the operating instructions in this manual, or if the cata- lytic element is deactivated or removed.

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic com- bustor should remain active for two to six years (de- pending on the amount of wood burned). However, it is important to monitor the combustor periodically to ensure that it is functioning properly, as well as to deter- mine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning combustor will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and an increase in creosote and emissions.

Inspect the combustor “in place” for fly ash accumula- tion and physical damage three times per year. Do not remove the combustor unless a more detailed inspec- tion is warranted because of diminished performance as outlined below.

The refractory package that houses the catalytic com- bustor should be inspected annually for a buildup of fly ash and cleaned if necessary. This may be done when you examine the combustor.

When to Suspect a Combustor Problem

The best way to evaluate the performance of your Encore’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke leaving the chimney — both when the combustor has achieved “light-off” and when it has not. Follow these steps:

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

Encore Woodburning Stove

•Then, open the stove damper and once again check the smoke leaving the chimney. Significantly more smoke should be seen when the stove damper is open and exhaust does not pass through the combus- tor. Be careful not to confuse smoke with steam from wet wood, however. Steam dissipates in the air quickly; smoke does not.

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.

Inspecting the Combustor

1.Release the hood from the fireback by swinging the hood upward and then sliding it to either side. (Fig. 34)

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.

Hood
Fireback	ST643

Fig. 34 Release the hood by lifting its bottom edge and slid- ing to one side.

3.Release the fireback by prying the left and right wedges upward. (Fig. 35)

4.Swing the fireback forward and up to remove it from the stove. (Fig. 36)

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

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