Have the 2461 and have always loved it (ten years ownership, bought NOS , was 2000 model never used) Replaced the catalytic, refractory unit, top gasket, door gasket, check (dollar test) front and ash doors. I suspect catalytic was shot for more than a couple of years as that temp would never get high as before but I plodded on until the redo this fall. Held a fire good for 6-7 hours.
So now the catalytic REALLY works, however 1. not getting any better hold on the fire 2. ONLY when the catalytic is engaged and working I get a strong smoke odor. I saw a prior thread on this, however I DID finally see where the smoke puffed from. Looking at the stove front, the primary air was CLOSED but I saw a light puff (not continuous) come out of IT. ??? This has me stumped. And disappointed.
Perhaps I need to 'relearn' how to operate since I used it for so long with a dead catalytic? (but the catalytic IS working, that's obvious)
Or something else I'm missing? Am an old lady alone but pretty handy, however NOT into taking her apart and doing a rebuild. When I re installed the top, I was careful (maybe too careful) to not over torque the bolts that hold it down. I tested them after a good fire and cool down and they still seem 'tight' (with a ratchet). Was afraid to do too much more for fear those ears would snap. However, when I put the top back on I didn't get the 'feel' that is was seated in a special 'spot', but the bolts line up with the holes....??
Always used 8-12 mo well seasoned oak, maple, ash, locust, walnut, etc and have no trouble starting a fire, or having smoke until at night or when I leave and engage the catalytic. Once the catalytic 'quits' as the fire dies, no more smoke. ANY input would be appreciated, I loved this stove and now I don't know what to do....
So now the catalytic REALLY works, however 1. not getting any better hold on the fire 2. ONLY when the catalytic is engaged and working I get a strong smoke odor. I saw a prior thread on this, however I DID finally see where the smoke puffed from. Looking at the stove front, the primary air was CLOSED but I saw a light puff (not continuous) come out of IT. ??? This has me stumped. And disappointed.
Perhaps I need to 'relearn' how to operate since I used it for so long with a dead catalytic? (but the catalytic IS working, that's obvious)
Or something else I'm missing? Am an old lady alone but pretty handy, however NOT into taking her apart and doing a rebuild. When I re installed the top, I was careful (maybe too careful) to not over torque the bolts that hold it down. I tested them after a good fire and cool down and they still seem 'tight' (with a ratchet). Was afraid to do too much more for fear those ears would snap. However, when I put the top back on I didn't get the 'feel' that is was seated in a special 'spot', but the bolts line up with the holes....??
Always used 8-12 mo well seasoned oak, maple, ash, locust, walnut, etc and have no trouble starting a fire, or having smoke until at night or when I leave and engage the catalytic. Once the catalytic 'quits' as the fire dies, no more smoke. ANY input would be appreciated, I loved this stove and now I don't know what to do....
