We also are running, a VC Vigilant, a replacement for a Quadrafire Isle Royale, it had been in my parents house possibly since 77, as that is stamped on the back of the firebox, but I understand it was more of a model number? In any case, I am wondering about a couple things, gasketing. currently there is none on the griddle lid and it doesn't look like any but the smallest would go there. I have looked at the manual online and trying to understand the routing of the primary and secondary air circuits. It appears that the opening on the left side with the pivoting cast cap, routes air to the secondary burn opening at the rear of the firebox where gases are vented when the damper is closed? From the drawing it appears the thermostat permit primary air to enter a tube that extends along the lower left side and rear of the firebox. There are 5 holes where primary air can enter on the rear of the firebox, and we have located at the end of the tube on the left a hole approx. 1" exiting near the front of the box, but are there other slots or holes in this left side tube, the drawing seems to indicate there are air passages?
It has taken some time to adapt to the peculuarities of this stove. I'm not sure I have it figured out yet. This is the 4th wood stove we had in the house. Started out with a Franklin, moved to a Fisher Grandma Bear. This stove is in the garage now, and produced the most heat of any we have had, but I got tired of waking at 3:00 a.m. to add wood. The Isle Royale, was supposed to increase burn time, and my wife liked he glass doors, but it was high maintnenance and did not like being fired at high temps. We warped, the baffle, and the secondary burn tubes constantly needed attention. This Vigilant, is acceptable, but unilike others who have posted here, we have a large enough place that is supplements, but won't completely heat the home.
Since I'm an insomniac, I'm up to feed the fire now in any case. But at times, when I've loaded the stove, shut down the thermostat, and closed the damper, it will still be going 7 or 8 hrs later, at least with coals enought to get the fire back going.