Clean The Secondary Air Passage; Check The Gasket Seals On The Damper And Ash Pan Door - Vermont Castings Defiant 1945 Service Manual

• If the catalyst appears coated with fly ash, carefully remove the catalytic combustor.
The catalyst element is contained within a stainless steel jacket (can). You may have
to grasp the element with two flat bladed screwdrivers at the element ends to draw the
element from the stove. If the honeycomb is clogged, take the element outside for
cleaning. Blow gently through the honeycomb. Inspect the element. Although small
hairline cracks will not affect performance, the element should essentially be intact.
If elements are broken or missing, the catalyst should be replaced. If the catalyst is in
good shape and all the fly ash has been removed, re-install the combustor in the stove
by sliding it into the opening, making sure that it is resting on the refractory shelf.
Gently reinstall the catalyst cover. The refractory cover should be flush with the other
refractory surfaces.

CLEAN THE SECONDARY AIR PASSAGE

Fly ash can also accumulate in the secondary air passageway. Once a year it is a good idea to
vacuum out this opening.
• The secondary air cover is located immediately below the catalyst access panel.
Remove the two Phillips pan head screws holding the secondary air cover to the back
of the stove.
• Push the secondary air flap up to the open position with your finger and place a
vacuum nozzle at the opening.
• Replace the cover.

CHECK THE GASKET SEALS ON THE DAMPER AND ASH PAN DOOR

In addition to the gaskets on the front doors and griddle, the Encore has seals on the damper
and the ash pan door that are important for proper stove performance.
• Test the ash pan door seal by placing by placing pieces of note paper or dollar bills at
three locations across both the bottom and top of the door. Close and latch the door.
If the paper is easily moved or pulled out, the door is not properly sealed and the
gasket should be replaced using 3/8" fiberglass gasket.
• To replace the gasket, first pull out the old gasket. Clean the channel with a wire
brush. Next, lay the new gasket in place and trim to the correct length. Place a 1/8"
bead of gasket cement in the channels and press the trimmed gasket into place. Close
the door. Seat the gasket in the door by pushing in hard against the door (a rubber
mallet may be used). Open the door and remove any excess cement that has squeezed
out around the gasket.
• The door gasketing will compress within the first few weeks, so you will need to
readjust the latch. To do this, loosen the hex lock nut with an open end wrench and
back off the striker screw. Tighten the screw until the door seals securely and the
latch still operates. Then tighten the hex lock nut.