Finally got around to doing my 1st clean out with the sooteater. I had been wanting to do this for a few weeks now as I was very very curious of how much creosote build up I had since I have been mixing some not fully seasoned wood in with the good stuff. I really have nothing to compare this to but my initial thoughts are not much at all. This really gives me a good idea of what to expect going forward. Using the sooteater was super easy and well worth the money. I also went around and squeezed the door gasket to kind of fluff it out back out and man that made a huge difference when trying to close the door. You could really feel that original seal it had. Only bad thing is when I removed the baffle I noticed a small hairline fracture right down the center of it. Putting it back in...........yep you guessed it that fracture became a full break . Man those things are flimsy. I plan to replace it (C-Cast Upgrade), but wanted to ask how much difference if any will that broken baffle cause? And if its something I can get away with for the remainder of the winter or I should replace ASAP?
Doesn't look bad to me. I've burned some less than prime wood (some on purpose, some due to mother nature) and I get about the same. It's in everyones best interest to burn dry wood, but I think in some instances marginal wood is made out to be a bigger devil than it really is. Again, while not the best thing to do, sometimes life throws a curve ball and you have to make it work. Split smaller, run more air, suffer lack of performance, but the chimney won't be plugged in a day.
Thanks!! Is it safe to burn still with a broken baffle? Its broke in 2, almost right down the center. I put it back in and pushed them together. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
My baffles have survived so far, so all I have for you is a guess. I image there would be some loss of performance in the sense that fire/smoke may sneak up and out easier than if it had to follow the baffles. How much? Who knows, maybe not too much at all (obviously a new one is needed) and as long as it still stays in place, would probably be alright. As long as it's not a straight shot up the pipe AND the pipe not being full of creosote, I'd probably still burn. Just one guys opinion.
Didn't even think of that . It sure is, bought it back in June 2018 and put the stove in labor day weekend. I will check into it, thank you!
That baffle can be used as is...just lay it in so the crack is tight together...then check it each time you load. If it has extra space on the sides, a metal rod(s) can be laid on the side(s) to take up the space and help hold it together. I've never personally done it, but I've heard you can also repair cracked baffles using furnace cement...if it needs help being "held together" while the cement cures, you can "toe nail" it using needles...like sewing needles...then it will need to be reinstalled very carefully after repair. That might get you by until spring...
After readin ReelFaster did his first cleanin...since it was super nice out ...i figured i'd do mine.....
Yeah I would contact dealer/manufacturer ASAP. A cracked baffle within the first season of burning is no good. They should replace it no problem.
I got a response asking for pic of broken baffle, purchase invoice, and address to ship new baffle. Thanks again, saved me a few bucks.......!
Top baffle? How did you do that ? It's not going ruin your stove but it's not going to be as effective.
Not really sure!! Prior to removing the tubes I saw a hairline crack going down the center. Only thought was I hit it with a split when trying stuff the box. When I removed the tubes and removed the baffle it just broke in two. All good now, got a replacement
