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Vermont Castings EWF36A
20005167
When to Suspect a Combustor Problem
The best way to evaluate the performance of your
EWF36A’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke
leaving the chimney - both when the combustor has
“lighted-off” and when it has not. Follow these steps:
• With a fire going and the combustor properly activat-
ed, with the damper closed to route smoke through
it as described in the Operation Section, go outside
and observe the smoke leaving the chimney.
• Then, open the stove damper and once again check
the smoke leaving the chimney.
You should see significantly more smoke when the
stove damper is open and exhaust does not pass
through the combustor. However, be careful not to
confuse smoke with steam from wet wood. Steam dis-
sipates in the air quickly; smoke does not.
If this test indicates a problem, consider other possible
factors as well, such as the weather or a change in the
quality of your fuel. In warm weather, draft is weaker
than it is in colder winter weather and fires can burn
sluggishly. Small, hot fires are a good solution under
these conditions.
Burning “green” (insufficiently seasoned) wood will
result in poorer performance than burning properly
seasoned fuel. You may have to run your fireplace hot-
ter (more air) to achieve acceptable performance using
green or wet wood.
Also consider any changes in your operating routine.
Once you have ruled out any other possible causes for
a decline in performance, inspect and clean the com-
bustor if necessary.
Inspecting the Combustor
Use a flashlight and mirror, if necessary, to examine
the combustor. If no fly ash or damage is visible, the
inspection is complete. If closer examination, cleaning
or replacing is needed, go to the next section.
Removing, Cleaning or
Replacing the Combustor
1. Allow fireplace to cool.
2. Tap the left and right wedges back and remove. (Fig.
31)
3. Carefully slide catalyst assembly to the back of the
fireplace and out of the retaining brackets.
4. Check the combustor’s honeycomb-like element
for a buildup of fly ash. If any is evident, take the
combustor outside and clean it by blowing air gently
through it. Do not push anything through the honey-
comb; do not use compressed air to clear the pas-
FP1324
Catalyst
2/27/03 djt
Wedge (In Place)
Wedge
Catalyst
Catalyst As
-
sembly
FP1324
Fig. 31 Carefully tap out the wedges, then slide the Catalyst
Assembly out of fireplace.
sages. Such abrasion can scrape the thin coating of
platinum (the catalyst) off the ceramic base, shorten-
ing the catalyst’s life and reducing its effectiveness.
5. Inspect the element for damage or degradation.
Although small hairline cracks will not affect per
-
formance, the element should be essentially intact.
If the element is broken in pieces or has sections
missing, it should be replaced. Call your local Ver-
mont Castings authorized dealer for a replacement
element.
6. If the element is in good condition and clean, rein
-
stall it in the fireplace.
Operate the stove in your usual manner for two weeks,
inspecting the chimney and the chimney connector
frequently during this period.
If creosote does not build up as fast, it is likely that the
performance change was caused by fly ash deposits
on the catalytic element. However, continue the inspec-
tions of the chimney system for a few weeks to ensure
that proper performance continues.
If you continue to find a significant creosote buildup or if
you continue to see excessive smoke form the chimney,
the catalytic element will need to be replaced. Contact
your nearest Vermont Castings authorized dealer.
NOTE: Use only the replacement catalyst supplied by a
Vermont Castings dealer.
How to Replace Gaskets
The EWF36A uses rope-type fiberglass gaskets to
make a tight seal between some parts. With use, par-
ticularly on those parts that move, gaskets can become
brittle and compressed and can begin to lose their ef-
fectiveness. These will need periodic replacement.
All of the gaskets used are made of fiberglass. The
four sizes of replaceable gasket are listed below, along
with their application.