OPEL PLUS KEYSTONE Owner's Manual
13
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
MAINTENANCE
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR
Over time ash can become attached to the catalyst. If ash is visible on the face of the catalyst, it should be removed
when the catalyst is cold. Brush the catalyst with a soft bristle brush (e.g. paint brush) to clear the ash. Also pass a
vacuum near the face of the catalyst to remove the remaining ash but try to avoid contacting the catalyst directly.
Never touch the catalyst with any scrapers or hard bristle brushes and limit cleaning to the visible face of the catalyst.
Attempting to clean the individual openings in the catalyst can do more harm than good.
If you notice that your fireplace is not creating as much heat as it once did, the catalyst may require cleaning or
replacement. When having a hot fire with the bypass closed, watch the catalyst closely. If it is not burning red, then
it is not firing. If the catalyst does not fire for several days, even during a hot fire, a replacement is required. The life
expectancy of a catalyst is approximately 5-10 years. Replacement catalysts can be ordered from your local RSF
retailer.
REPLACING THE CATALYST
When the catalyst requires replacement, a Catalyst Replacement Kit can be ordered from your local RSF retailer
with the part code FO-CATP. To remove the old catalyst, start by removing the bolts that hold it in place on either
side. The bolts can be removed with a ½” wrench. Pull firmly on the catalyst once the bolts have been removed.
The gasket material that seals around the exterior of the catalyst will likely break and require replacement with the
new gasket that is included with the FO-CATP.
Wrap the new catalyst on all sides with the catalyst gasket. Enough gasket is supplied to wrap the catalyst with two
layers of the gasket material. Carefully insert the catalyst into the opening and reinsert the screws that hold it in
place. The catalyst gasket expands as it is heated; so, it is normal for the gasket to have some small gaps after
being inserted. As the gasket expands, the spaces will be filled.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
Check the chimney for creosote buildup every week or so until experience shows
how often you need to clean it. A buildup of 1/8" (3mm) or more should be
cleaned before more creosote accumulates. Close the fireplace door and open
the bypass prior to sweeping. Use an 7" round brush.
Once the chimney has been swept, any creosote or ash that has fallen into the
top of the firpelace can be removed with a flexible attachment for a vacuum (see
Figure 4) through the bypass opening.
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Remove the ashes before they become too deep, i.e., before you have a spillage problem when you open the door.
The ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be
placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials pending final disposal.
If the ashes are disposed of by burial, or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container
until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
GENERAL CLEANING
The high heat paint and plating can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Use a mild detergent and water. Do not use
abrasive cleaners.
PAINT
❖
WARNING: AVOID SPRAYING CERAMIC GLASS CLEANER OR OTHER CLEANERS ON THE PAINT OF
THE FIREPLACE. THEY MAY REMOVE THE PAINT AND MAKE TOUCHUPS DIFFICULT.
You can touch up the face of the OPEL+ KEYSTONE with
Stove Bright
Metallic Black high temperature paint which
is available at most fireplaces dealers. Follow the directions outlined on the spray can.
DO NOT
attempt to paint
Figure 4 Cleaning around
the bypass
