Cementing - Vermont Castings Defiant 1945 Service Manual

CEMENTING

A good cement seal in the stove's stationary joints is essential to proper operation. It keeps
extra air from entering the stove; this extra air can cause overfiring, smoking, back-puffing,
or other problems. It is much better to take extra care in applying the cement than to have to
go back later to find any gaps in joint.
Prepare parts which will need to be cemented before starting to assemble the stove, but do
not apply cement until just before installing the parts.
It is highly recommended you can do a 'dry fit' of the re-assembly steps before applying
cement to any parts. Any small adjustments re old cement or casting fit can be done at this
time. This will ensure a successful re-assembly.
Cementing instructions are given below. Illustrations showing where to apply cement are
given as needed in the assembly instructions.
Prepare parts carefully so that new cement makes a tight seal between the parts to be joined.
The channels and edges to be cemented must be free of old cement and dust.
Use high quality stove cement.
New cement hardens quickly when exposed to air.
• Clean and prepare parts ahead of time.
• Apply cement just before putting the parts in place.
Work in an area where there is plenty of light, and a level work surface. Wear gloves and
protective eyewear.
If all the parts to be cemented are new, start with step 2. If old parts are to be re-cemented,
they will need to be cleaned. Start with step 1.
1. Clean old cement from the channels and edges to be joined. Use a hammer and cold
chisel, or screwdriver to remove old cement. Use a wire brush to finish cleaning the
channels and edges. Vacuum the channels to remove dust.
2. Wipe the surfaces to be cemented with a damp cloth. Apply a generous bead of cement
in the channel. Excess cement may squeeze out of the joint.
3. Excess cement which shows on the outside of the unit may be removed with a damp
sponge. Clean up the excess promptly. Porcelain can be permanently damaged by heat
cured furnace cement. Excess cement on the inside of the unit will not usually be a
problem.
4. Join the two parts. Move the parts as little as possible after they have been put together.