Vermont Castings Encore 2550 Installating And Operation Manual page 30

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.
Inspecting the Combustor
1. Release the hood from the fireback by swinging the
hood upward and then sliding it to either side. (Fig.
48)
Hood
Fireback
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,
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the inspection is complete and you may replace the
Encore
hood. If further examination or cleaning is necessary,
go to Step 3.
catalyst hood
3. Release the fireback by prying the left and right
remove
wedges upward. (Fig. 49)
3/01
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
30
Left Wedge
Fig. 49 Release the lower fireback by tapping out two
wedges.
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
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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.
Fig. 51 Use an inspection mirror to check the reflected view
of the secondary probe.
Refractory Access Cover
ST644
Encore release
Fireback
lower fireback
3/01
ST645
Encore
remove fireback
3/01
1"
ST559
Secondary
Probe inspection
11/00
Right Wedge
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ST645
ST559
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