Insert Help Please!!!!

[ROKFISHIN]

Before I start, I started another thread recently and mistakenly labeled my stove as an Appalachian. Please disregard.

I recently installed an 80's model, large Blue Ridge insert. I purchased a 6' long, 8" flexible stainless direct connect kit from a local stove dealer (expensive), removed my damper, and installed as they suggested (and by what I have learned on the net). My burn times are great, and the stove is doing a good job job of heating my home. No problems there.

My problem is that I am getting a lot of smoke spillage when the door is opened on anything other than a very hot burning fire. I removed the baffle (not a CAT stove) a couple of weeks ago and had no problem with smoke, but was not getting the kind of heat I should. I re-installed the baffle with a larger spacer to hopefully allow smoke to pass easier. I think it is better, but I can't keep the smoke (or the smell) at bay.

Should I install a longer flex liner? Would this create a stronger draft? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wood Scrounge]

what is the flexliner dumping into? if it's just dumping into your large masonry chimney then yes extend the pipe to the top.

 

[jerry wayne]

what he said

plus cap it off and insulate the pipe also.turn off the blower if your not doing that already,open up damper all the way,wait 5 seconds,open doors slowly.any one of these has served me well,combined together........its majik:agree2:

 

[kd460]

Could you clarify "smoke spillage"? If you mean smoke from the chimney coming in from around the insert, then you need a block off plate installed. You should use a block off plate even if this is not your problem. Cheap and easy fix.

If you mean "smoke spillage" coming from inside the insert to your living space when the door is opened (smoke from inside the insert flowing into the house) then the previous suggestion of running the liner the full length of the chimney, insulating the liner (especially if the chimney is on an outside wall), using the CORRECT insulation made for a liner (not fiberglass) using a cap and a block off plate will fix your problem.

Is your house tight (meaning very little air infiltration and well insulated)? I doubt this is a problem, but could be a negative pressure situation?

Don't remove or modify the baffle, it makes the insert work better and use less wood.

Most likely, the problem is your flue gasses are cooling when they get passed the 8 inch liner. They cool quickly and go from a smaller tube to a larger one losing temperature and velocity, thus adversly affecting our draw, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the insert, uses more wood, and leads to increased creosote build up.

This type of set up also makes it a beoch to clean the chimney, as you will have to pull the insert everytime. Even more of a PITA when a block off plate is installed (which regardless of your type of install it should be).

Provide some more info and we can help you some more. Good luck, KD

 

[ROKFISHIN]

Thanks kd460. Smoke is coming from the firebox into the house. I have the oval connect kit blocked off with fiberglass insulation, as the local shop recommended. I will purchase a kit to re-line the complete chimney. By the way, my chimney IS on an outside wall. Thanks for your help.

 

[kd460]

Get rid of the fiberglass insulation, use a steel sheet metal block off plate. If you need to use any insulation, use kaowool or ceramawool type product. It don't burn!

Just cut some sheet metal in 2 pieces with a little overlap, use some high temp furnace cement (not silicone) maybe some sheet metal screws, etc. and put the pieces up there, sealing things up with kaowool and furnace cement.

You can just add to your current liner, no need to purchase a whole new piece. Just make sure your liner and youe coupler piece (used to join the two pieces of liner) are made of 316ti stainless steel.

Look online (yes even fleabay) for liner and parts. I bought from a place called rockford chimney supply. While in my neck of the woods, I have no affiliation. I was just treated well. He has a large selection of stuff. Prices not great, but not bad either. I am sure there are others out there.

http://www.chimneylinerinc.com/liners_only_chimney.htm

Another option is to put in the full length liner, then pour in vermiculite insulation. Might be a better price but have not checked it out.

With the full length liner, you just run a brush down the liner a few times and cleaning is done. No need to remove the insert. Hopefully you cleaned the chimney before you put the insert in. If not, do it before you re-install everything. That way your done!

I think youtube has a few videos on chimney liners and chimney insulating the liner. KD