GC-60 or M55 loose heat exchanger rake out of rack

Hello
This cleaning rod is almost impossible to pull out and push back in because the rake above the firebox top baffle does not stay perpendicular to the cleaning rod when you pull it out so it hangs up!
The rod goes thru the rake with a nut on both sides but has become loose.
Therefore I found a Stainless Steel lock washer and installed it on the front side of the rake to add more support and keep it from becoming loose again. It seems to work like new again!
Has anyone seen this problem?

 

Had a similar issue with our GC I60 while back. I can’t remember what I did to fix it! I may have added another nut. Regardless, it was a bear to get to.

 

I pull mine out with pliers and beat it back in with a rubber mallet.

 

That is exactly what I had to do before I put the C lock washer in! Now it slides easy peasy!!
Cheap fix??

 

I will have to look into this!

 

I have that problem on my Hastings. When I get a chance I'll try that fix Thanks!

 

If your rod is welded and the weld is broken. I had that problem with a St Croix Greenfield but almost identical to the Hastings, You can cut the rod with a dremel, then remove it and buy a new rod from St Croix. The new rod is threaded at the end and comes with a nut, I added a lock washer to this also.
See pics and info here.
Fixing the cleaning rake broken weld on an old St Croix Greenfield

 

Thanks Don. I did just that a couple years ago after the old one broke. I still want to try adding a washer, because it is hard to push and pull. I did learn it's better to use the scraper when the stove is cold.

 

Oh very good.
The lock washer should keep the rake perpendicular to the rod which makes it work better. Good luck