Before the season started I adjusted the bushing that the door latch closes down on in my stove making it a bit looser to close easier and for the first fires of the season weeks ago everything worked fine. These last few fires I noticed more smoke smell upon starting the stove, and thought maybe it had something to do with the gasket on the door not sealing as tight in some spots but if I am correct if anything that might leave a bit more air in the firebox not let anything leak out unless there is a big backpuff so that theory is shot down. I must say these last few fires the weather has been different, colder but the air is damp and heavier last night we got 11" of snow, so I am assuming that the smoke is not able to draft out of the pipe as well until it gets hotter, once it is rolling there is no issue so I am assuming it is that. I even in the dark got a flashlight out and looked very closely to see if I could see any smoke leaking from anywhere on the stove or the pipe but after doing that several times I saw none, so I am assuming that it just has to do with the draft being not as strong right now due to weather conditions, and I do remember having some seasons like that in the past. The pipe was so clean that I didn't even clean it, nothing much there to clean upon inspection, and the only other change was I trimmed some branches off a Pine tree next to the house, don't know if that is a factor or not, and I also can really smell when the neighbors are burning too although the one I know doesn't use wood that is ready to go, smokes like crazy but that's because he doesn't care, but my wood is bone dry from keeping it in the huge double car garage. And the cap is clear, nothing in it like a nest or anything.
Thanks for any input, I haven't changed anything except loosening up the door but I doubt that is causing this sudden change in draft.
Thanks for any input, I haven't changed anything except loosening up the door but I doubt that is causing this sudden change in draft.