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OPEL AP
PAINT
You may touch up the face of the Opel AP with STOVE
BRIGHT Flat Black high temperature paint. The correct
paint is available from your dealer. When you paint the face
of the fireplace, remove the gold items (i.e., doors and lou-
vers), and cover the area surrounding the fireplace with
newspaper. Follow the directions outlined on the spray can.
DO NOT
attempt to paint while the fireplace is still warm.
Keep the spray can away from any source of heat or open
flame. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the room
from the time you start painting until the paint is dry.
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR (option)
The catalyst is warranted by the catalyst manufacturer,
please insure that you keep the warranty card. If the cata-
lyst fails, it should be replaced with Applied Ceramics
Model 3621202-52-C. The dimensions of the catalyst are
3.875" x 12.25" x 2".
It is important to periodically monitor the operation of the
catalyst to ensure that it is functioning properly and to
determine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning
catalyst will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and an
increase in creosote and emissions.
Catalysts should be visually inspected at least three times
during the heating season to determine if physical degra-
dation has occurred. Actual removal of the catalyst is not
recommended unless a more detailed inspection is need-
ed because of a noticeable decrease in performance.
You can get an indication of whether the catalyst is work-
ing by comparing the amount of smoke leaving the chim-
ney when the smoke is going through the chimney after
light-off has been achieved, to the amount of smoke leav-
ing the chimney when the bypass damper is open:
1. Light the fire in accordance with the instructions under
lighting. After the fireplace is warm, set the manual con-
trol (and the thermostat, if this option is installed) to low.
2. With the bypass damper closed, the smoke is routed
through the catalyst. Go outside and observe the emis-
sions leaving the chimney.
3. Open the bypass damper and again observe the emis-
sions leaving the chimney.
Significantly more smoke should be seen when the
exhaust is not routed through the catalyst, i.e., with the
bypass damper open. Be careful not to confuse smoke with
steam from wet wood.
The catalytic combustor is self-cleaning, and requires very
little maintenance. Any loose ash should be removed with
a paintbrush. If the catalyst is plugged with creosote, you
may try burning it off by leaving the bypass damper in a
partially open position and pushing the draft control all the
way to the right. You may also burn off the excess creosote
with a propane torch.
WARNING: Do not use sharp or hard tools to clean the
catalytic combustor as this will damage it.
Catalyst removal and replacement
1. Remove the screws holding the brackets, one on each
side of the catalyst.
2. Carefully ease out the catalyst, using a knife blade if it is
tight.
3. Replace the catalyst the same way it was removed. If the
gasket is loose, re-cement it to the outside using a sili-
cone adhesive. A damaged gasket should be replaced
with 3M “Interam” 1/16” x 2” x 36”.
