21
TROUBLESHOOTING
* When Fuel Door Is Opened, Smoke Enters Room
1. The primary air draft control is closed.
2. The chimney is too cool. Set the primary air draft control on “HIGH”
for a few minutes before opening either fuel loading door.
3. Excess creosote will not only restrict your draft but it will create a
risk of a creosote fire. Strictly adhere to maintenance requirements as
outlined in this manual. If excess creosote has built up on the inside
of the firebox sides and door, burn a small hot fire at intervals that
are more frequent with air control on HIGH for a few minutes.
4. Deposits may have built up in the chimney and are restricting the
draft, or the spark arrester on top of the chimney may be plugged.
5. Chimney diameter too large or too small to provide adequate draft.
6. The house is too airtight (usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for problem
to appear as stove lowers air pressure in house). Crack a window
open or provide an outside source of air near stove.
7. Insufficient vertical height to chimney to achieve adequate draft.
Does Not Produce Enough Heat
1. Using green or insufficiently cured wood.
2. Excessive draft.
3. High ceilings (heat rises quickly, but can be recirculated by a well-
placed ceiling fan with a winter/summer switch).
4. The area to heat is too large (square foot heating estimates are based
on “average” climates and home design).
5. There is an obstruction in the chimney.
6. The chimney or chimney cap is restricted by creosote preventing
enough draw to sustain a “high” heat output rate.
* Does Not Maintain A Fire
1. Soft wood does not burn as long or as well as seasoned hardwood
resulting in a short burn time.
2. Wood size too small. Burns at too rapid a rate.
3. The gasket seal on the fuel loading doors, or glass is leaking air. Repair
or replace it if necessary.
4. Excessive draft.
5. There may be an obstruction in the chimney.
* Backpuffing
Definition: This is a term describing the condition when combustible
gases remain unlit because of insufficient combustion air delivery which
results in combustible gases building, then flash igniting. If backpuffing
is occurring, it can push some smoke into the room through the primary
or secondary air openings. The combustion air delivery is dependent
upon the draft of the venting system. The following are variables, which
can negatively affect the draft resulting in backpuffing.
1. Downdraft in the chimney (a special wind cap may be needed).
2. The house is too air tight (ventilation is needed).
3. Insufficient vertical height to chimney to achieve adequate draft.
Odors
1. Creosote accumulation in firebox (brush out on next cleaning).
2. Chimney downdraft when stove is not operating (close the primary
air draft control).
3. Paint curing on first several burns.
* Dirty Glass
1. Poor draft conditions.
2. Long burn periods at low draft settings.
3. Burning wet, pitchy or spongy wood.
4. Poorly arranged logs (too close to glass).
* Draft problems; if installing into a larger flue, it may be necessary
to use a full-length liner to achieve adequate draft for the appliance.
A draft gauge should read a minimum of .05” W.C. (inches water
column) not to exceed .06” W.C. for optimum performance (See Draft
Requirements on Page 11).
OVERFIRING DAMAGE
If the heater or chimney connector glows, you are overfiring. Other symp-
toms may include: Cracking, warping or burning out of components, stove
glass may develop a haze, which will not come off with cleaning.
Overfiring of a stove is a condition where excessive temperatures are
reached, beyond the design capabilities of the appliance. The damage
that occurs from overfiring is not covered under the manufacturers
limited warranty.
The following are a few conditions that should be evaluated and (corrected
if necessary) if an overfiring condition is suspected:
Overfiring Caused From Improper Installation
Ensure that all installation requirements have been met as outlined in the
installation manual. The chimney should be clean and in good repair. A
draft test should be performed to determine if the draft requirements of
the appliance are being met. A draft gauge should read between .05 and
.06 “ W.C. (inches water column). Excessive draft (above .06 “ W.C.) will
allow too much combustion air to be pulled in which results in hotter
burns. Too little draft (below .05 “ W.C.) will not allow enough combus-
tion air delivery to maintain a fire (this may result in improper operation
of appliance, i.e. wont maintain fire unless fuel loading door is left open.
See following,
Overfiring Caused From Improper Operation).
Overfiring Caused From Improper Operation
Operate this appliance only as outlined in this manual. Never burn the
appliance with either fuel loading door open or ajar. Do not operate this
stove with the
Primary Air Draft Control
in the full “open” position for
extended periods. This wastes fuel and can cause dangerous overfiring
conditions. NEVER leave the stove unattended on high settings.
Overfiring Caused From Improper Maintenance
Strictly adhere to all maintenance requirements at frequent intervals as
prescribed in this manual including cleaning of flue and stove. Should
either fuel loading door or glass gaskets become worn or damaged, they
should be replaced.
Overfiring Caused From Improper Fuel
This appliance is approved for use with natural dry well-seasoned wood
only (ask your authorized dealer what are approved fuels for your area).
Do not burn garbage, particleboard scraps, or pressed logs because
they can produce conditions that will deteriorate metal. Do not overload
or use kindling wood or mill ends as primary fuel as this may cause
overfiring.
