I took the door off, the secondary plate and the plate above that and cleaned the entire stove in preparation of the upcoming season. I also re-gasketed the window and door. This is the first time I've ever done this, and although the stove has only been through 3 seasons, the gaskets need it. I had a few overfire situations last year. (No red on main stove or warping.) The only chitty part is 1 of 2 bolts broke at the head, but it's no biggie. The secondary plate is tight up in the stove.
Nice and clean man! I try to do it right after burning season because I will get the occasional smell when it gets humid and windy. Needless to say, I cleaned mine out early summer this year, but hey, I got there. No new gaskets yet, but I should check them.
This will be our Oslo's 3rd season and my 3rd ever burning wood. I didn't realize the gaskets needed to be changed that often, is there much to it? Any other routine maintainace?
Just check the gaskets, no need to replace if they are good. Do the dollar bill test on the door and the smoke test on any glass gaskets. There is a bit to it, but not much. Clean out the grooves really well before installing new gasket. Use the right size gasket! Use enough, but not too much, of the gasket adhesive stuff. And if you work like me, keep several rags very close by! Let is set up per instructions.
These guys gave good info. The ceramic window slid alittle last year and exposed the gasket, so it needed replacement. The door had a thin spot near the handle so I replaced that as well. Easy job, all the cleaning I did & the gaskets took maybe 2 hours total. Cut that time in half next time I do. Gaskets can last many years, but always good to check.
I had a simular experience last year with my Oslo burning too fast, knowing it was an air leak from somewhere. I ended up replacing all the gaskets and in doing this I found the top mounted exhaust collar to be loose and the gasket to be partially out of place. Good post WS and sry about your bolt head.
I also clean mine up in the spring. I have found that putting a box of baking soda that they sell for inside of refrigerators, inside the stove, eliminates any smell in the off season.
Good job. I need to replace my glass gasket again. This is a good reminder to inspect things before the burn season. Good sealing gaskets do make a big difference.
Thx guys. I'll be doing a quick chimney sweep closer to the season. I checked the door and its way tighter than before I replaced the gasket.
WS, good thinking getting that done early. Peace of mind. Dutch, is there any info in the manual about gasket change out? It's fairly simple, and like cnice said, clean the groove very well and use the correct size gasket. I've used some gasket glue (from Imperial, I think) that foams up when heated (like when you fire the stove) and turns to powder. Don't like it.
Glad you posted that WS, I wanted to check mine with the dollar bill. Last year was the first for the new Buck but I think it may be a little loose in one spot and I almost forgot I had a set screw on the handle come out late burn season.
