I bought a new cc towards the end of last year from midwest hearth. I opted for the steel type. Hearing it should last longer then the ceramic type. I installed towards the end of last years burn season and was used for about a month. Started to notice a few weeks ago I wasn't getting the temps I was before. Then last week started to see more "dead" areas on it. Now the only place there's any glow is on the very ends (and that's faint). I can't get the cc to go above 700. No matter what I try. Smoke coming out of stack, when before there was zero smoke. Wood is good, using 3 year old stacked BL, cherry and ash. BL was standing dead barkless when bucked and split. I usually lightly brush the front every other day and will vacuum it once in awhile. Like I did with my old cc that lasted over 3 years. I finally got my gasket material so I can now pull it and clean the back of it. Hopefully it's only clogged. If not, Im going to be quite disappointed and POed.
"Crisis" solved. Tons of fly ash on back. Cleaned off and all is well. Once again getting nice glowing cc and high temps.
I never considered that before. I better stock up on gasket material. Probably be pulling the cc more than I planned.
How long did you have the catalyst in place before you noticed the issue? Not judging at all, just wondering if it is an interval issue. I think I pull the catalyst out every 2 weeks or so and use a battery powered leaf blower in the garage to clear out the ash & dust.
I usually brush the front every a couple days. Vacuum it once a week. With my old cc I only pulled it when I was cleaning the stove and setting up for the next burn season. Never had any issues. Might have to change my procedures with this one.
That's pretty diligent. Post an update in a little if you think of it- I'm interested to see how this progresses for you.
