In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Cat burn problem with new AS.

Discussion in 'Modern EPA Stoves and Fireplaces' started by Marshel54, Oct 27, 2018.

  1. Marshel54

    Marshel54

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2016
    Messages:
    1,661
    Likes Received:
    12,894
    Location:
    Ohio
    I have installed a new AS Woodstock stove. I have been suspecting that the Cat wasn't firing.
    Tonight surface temp was 350 Cat probe reading 675 and air inlet set at 2.2. I lifted the lid and Cat was completely black. It was not in bypass. MM of wood is running 20.2 to 17 on the many pieces I have checked. There was only one that read over 20%.
    Should I have had CAT burn? Is so, what may be the problem.
    Sweep is coming in two weeks. I don't believe chimney restriction is the problem. I have also noticed that I need to crack the door open when starting to get a good burn. It is almost as if I have an air inlet problem.
    Help. Don't know if the thing will get the job done when we hit single digits temps.
     
  2. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2013
    Messages:
    16,196
    Likes Received:
    97,190
    Location:
    Hollidaysburg Pa
    Worry not, Roger. It's the weather.
    I'm having a hard time getting mine up to temp also.

    When it gets cold, it will be fine :handshake:
     
  3. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2013
    Messages:
    16,196
    Likes Received:
    97,190
    Location:
    Hollidaysburg Pa
    Oh, and if it isn't, Woodstock will give you your money back, or trade your stove for a bigger one.
     
  4. Marshel54

    Marshel54

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2016
    Messages:
    1,661
    Likes Received:
    12,894
    Location:
    Ohio
    I does appear I have less problems when it is colder out. Right now 42 and rain. I do get good reburn most of the time if air is opened.
     
  5. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2013
    Messages:
    16,196
    Likes Received:
    97,190
    Location:
    Hollidaysburg Pa
    How long are you letting the fire burn before you close the cat bypass?

    Let the fire burn on high till the wood is all black on the surface then try closing the bypass. Let the air wide open till the STT is 400 then cut the air back to 50%. Let it get to 500 then set the air for a long burn.
     
    Qyota, J. Dirt, bear 1998 and 6 others like this.
  6. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2013
    Messages:
    16,196
    Likes Received:
    97,190
    Location:
    Hollidaysburg Pa
    this is really lousy weather to get a fire going. I'm even getting a little smoke smell in the house once in a while. It can take 40-60 minutes to get things up to temp on a reload here.
     
  7. Marshel54

    Marshel54

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2016
    Messages:
    1,661
    Likes Received:
    12,894
    Location:
    Ohio
    I will try this. I have been waiting until the cat probe gets to 500 or more and then engage the cat. Then I throttle back to a little over 50% on the air.
    First CAT stove and trying cover all bases before contacting Woodstock. It is a learning curve.
     
  8. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2013
    Messages:
    16,196
    Likes Received:
    97,190
    Location:
    Hollidaysburg Pa
    Don't be afraid to get it hot. These cats work better the hotter they get.
    600* is a good cruising temp. getting to 700 or more is just fine.

    That cat will get to 1200* with no problem.
     
  9. papadave

    papadave

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,181
    Likes Received:
    82,470
    Location:
    Right where I want to be.
    Just about perfect for crappy burns. Been having slight issues myself last couple days. Once the rain goes away, (and the low barometer) things should improve.
     
  10. Mwalsh9152

    Mwalsh9152

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2017
    Messages:
    5,325
    Likes Received:
    38,828
    Location:
    Pelham NH
    I usually dont close the bypass until I see 700 on the cat probe (350 on the temp gun on the pipe)

    I also need to leave the door open to get a good fire going at this point. I even leave it cracked for a while when I first close the bypass to make sure the cat lights. You can have the door open about 1/2" with the bypass closed.
     
  11. Camber

    Camber

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2017
    Messages:
    1,687
    Likes Received:
    11,586
    Location:
    Montana
    I have found that if the weather is 50 or above, I have to get my STT to 325 at least, before shutting down by pass. That is with super dry lodgepole.

    When burning ok doug fir, say about 16/21% moisture, I have to leave the stove door cracked about an inch until I got some heat built up. A good char seems more important on this AS, compared to the BKs'. Probably due to the smaller cats. Right now we have 25 degrees, and I can shutdown as soon as the SST hits about 300. Within a minute or so the cat takes off.
     
  12. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2013
    Messages:
    46,955
    Likes Received:
    295,750
    Location:
    Central MI
    Tim has given great advice and I'll definitely agree about this crazy weather. Although this morning has been the only time I've had a problem with draft. When lighting a cold stove I usually have to dial the draft down to 25-50% (most of the time 25%) else the flue will get to hot. Today, not the case at all. Had to leave the draft open 100% just to get it up to temperature.

    For sure things get better with the stoves when it gets colder outside and especially when it is not cloudy and damp.

    Also, there is no reason to not call Woodstock if you feel the need. They too can help you through the learning curve.

    And when your wood gets even lower moisture, things will work better.
     
    Maina, J. Dirt, bear 1998 and 8 others like this.
  13. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Messages:
    18,253
    Likes Received:
    119,548
    Location:
    Vermont
    I have also noticed that I can stall my cat, by restricting the air too fast too quickly. I generally go from full open to 3/4 to 1/2 to 1/4 in these temps.
     
  14. Camber

    Camber

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2017
    Messages:
    1,687
    Likes Received:
    11,586
    Location:
    Montana
    Ditto. But spring and fall have always been thus. Long before government stoves. When we get hit with 50 below, my stove is really gonna make me proud.
     
  15. Mwalsh9152

    Mwalsh9152

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2017
    Messages:
    5,325
    Likes Received:
    38,828
    Location:
    Pelham NH
    I do the same
     
  16. Oldhippie

    Oldhippie

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2013
    Messages:
    2,291
    Likes Received:
    6,505
    Location:
    Ashby Ma
    My experience with this stove is to really get the heat high, and I will usually help that out with a cracked door on initial cold start, for the initial start-up. 10/15 mins later I'll have the door closed but still let the wood blaze and get that STT up over 400'F. Finally engage the CAT and let it blaze some more. You're also going to have a major light show going on with blazing secondaries during all this too. :) This kind of mid 30s weather I'm never turning the draft down more that 2.5 I've got a pretty tall stack too, but still it just doesn't get a lot of draw until it gets cold, at least below 30'F.

    PS One of the cool things about these hybrid stoves is even during start up those secondary burners are working for you and your not just sending heat up the chimney.
     
  17. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2014
    Messages:
    30,141
    Likes Received:
    141,359
    Location:
    Wyoming high plains
    Maina, brenndatomu, Chaz and 6 others like this.
  18. Rearscreen

    Rearscreen

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2016
    Messages:
    123
    Likes Received:
    479
    Location:
    Vermont
    May not be your problem but when I got the Progress and before my girlfriend knew how to operate it, she clogged the cat when I was on a business trip. Clogged meaning it was literally black with creosote. This can happen under the right conditions. I cleaned it using the vinegar/water.
     
    Maina, brenndatomu, bear 1998 and 3 others like this.
  19. mat60

    mat60

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2018
    Messages:
    2,676
    Likes Received:
    19,583
    Location:
    ME
    I asked about it and its all good. Im not here to spoil anyone having fun. Seems like a cat in a stove can be a lot of trouble. :) Thanks for the reply.
     
    brenndatomu, bear 1998, Chaz and 4 others like this.
  20. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2015
    Messages:
    3,005
    Likes Received:
    10,407
    Location:
    Drury Lane, PA
    Also keep in mind, the cat doesnt have to be glowing for it to be working. The main symptom of a stalled cat is lots of smoke from the chimney, not a lack of glowing cat.....
     
    fox9988, Maina, brenndatomu and 6 others like this.