I just had to tell you about a great customer service experience I had with Woodstock. When getting ready for this season, I pulled the combustor out of my Fireview for a deep cleaning and found that it was very loose in the holder. I emailed Woodstock as I was concerned that the combustor may have "shrunk" since it was smaller than the holder opening. It was suggested to add an extra wrap of gasket material when re-installing the combustor into the frame and it should be fine. So that's what I did, I went around the combustor with 4 wraps of gasket and re-installed it into the frame. Fast forward through a couple of weeks of burning the stove and I noticed that the combustor hadn't been lighting off as normal. I opened the top to check for fly ash build up and found the combustor had fallen completely through the holder. For a temporary fix, I wired the combustor back in place. I again emailed Woodstock about the issue and explained that either the combustor shrunk, the holder expanded or a combination of both. I provided measurements of my combustor and the ID measurement of the holder and requested those same measurements from new components so I could know which parts I needed to order. I also asked for some goodwill consideration in the form of a price break on the parts that I needed to order since the components I had were only 2 years old (they had been purchased and installed when I bought and refurbished this used stove). I received an email back stating that a new combustor had been boxed and was being shipped to me and I only needed to pay the postage. How awesome is that type of customer service!? I sent a note back reiterating that I would be willing to pay some sort of a pro-rated price but was again told it would ship at no cost. I can't tell you enough how impressed I've been with Woodstock's customer service. They offer great products, have reasonably priced replacement parts, offer tech help when requested and stand behind their products. These guys are top notch!
I think you will enjoy the updated cat. I had a loose 1st generation stainless similar to what you experienced. No complaints on the new one.
one good way to find the better stove manufacturers is to look at the better business bureau's wood stove complaint graph. i know, it's stupid, the BBB is halfhearted, but it's revealing. during the time they've been in business woodstock hasn't generated <one> complaint against them. customers can be unreasonable and cantankerous too so any such company must clearly be trying VERY hard. they will do anything to keep their customer base happy. it's a good way to do business and the best reason for dealing with them. they have me for life.
Yeah, the diesel-foils will shrivel up, especially if you run 'em hot. I had to slip a couple wires through my BIL's to hold it in place. That one is into its 4th year so I want to run that cat and see if its performance is dropping off. I had a couple years on the 6 x 2" round diesel-foil from Condar that I had in my Dutchwest. Seemed to be pooping out so I pulled and cleaned it, and saw that the wash coat was peeling. I ordered a 6 x 2 round Dura-Foil from Woodstock last week, and that thing is kicking butt. I'd like to hear how they hold up over the long haul...
I've had a completely positive experience working with Woodstock too. If I lived nearby and they were hiring, I'd definitely apply.
