Cat Combustor cleaning

I apologize, as I suspect this has been covered, but my attempts finding info using the search function has failed.

I have a stainless combustor from Condar. Used one heating season.

I have my stove opened up, as the chimney is to be cleaned.

As I have access to the combustor, should I just go ahead and clean it?

Regarding cleaning, I think all you do is soak it in 50/50 vinegar/distilled water. How long?

After soaking, do I rinse it in distilled water, then let it air dry?

Thanks!

 

I just cleaned my whole system yesterday, whole stove and chimney. I have an Ideal Steel which also has a stainless catalyst in it. I took a soft paint brush and cleaned it off, vacuumed it off and then sprayed a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water on each side. I let it sit for an hour or so, then rinsed it off with the distilled water. It's been drying since then. This is the first time I've given it a vinegar bath in its 3 year life so I guess I'll see how it does once I start burning again this coming fall.

I got the 'how to' from a Woodstock video on cleaning the cats.

Mike

 

Thanks! !

Did you also get new gasket to wrap around the combustor?
The original gasket was dust when I removed the combustor.

 

No, the gasket is still intact so I think it will last one more season. It moved when I took the cat out but when I put it back in place it stayed together and didn't seem degraded at all.

I'll keep an eye on it but what I've been reading I'll probably buy a new catalyst next year anyway and replace them both at the same time.

 

The Woodstock gaskets are designed to be used over and over. Good design. My bk, and maybe your vc, gaskets are a one time deal. It would be like trying to reuse toilet paper. I suppose you could try but it’s not supposed to work that way.

 

Cat all cleaned.

Ordered a few extra gaskets.

Stove and chimney all cleaned. Which is why the stove is opened up.

Once gaskets show up, I'll be ready for first fire of season. ....eventually.