Hello,
I have a 1983 model FA264CCL Dutch West stove. I bought it used for $50 and used it at our deer camp for several years and it worked great. I had this unit installed in my home last year and I don't think I am geting the burn times I should be. I went through a lot of wood last winter (26 small truck loads). I found a manual and read up about the catalyst (surprise!) that the unit has. I was missing a few pieces as well so I ordered them. I am waiting on a thermometer that goes over the catalyst chamber. I am a bit confused on what this thermometer is supposed to tell me as well as how the catalyst works. I fired the stove up and the temperature on the outside face of the stove was 550 deg. I closed the damper to activate the catalyst but the temperature steadily drops and the fire will eventually go out unless I open the damper. I guess I have several questions that someone may be able to answer.
- What is the Catalyst and what does it do?
- There are two vents on the side of the stove. One goes to the wood cahmber and one looks as if it goes to the catalyst. How do I use these in conjuntion with the catalyst?
- What burn times can I generally expect. I realize the wood plays a factor. I currently have 2 - year cured oak, hickory, ash, hackberry, hedge and black cherry.
Thanks for any advice!
Matt
I have a 1983 model FA264CCL Dutch West stove. I bought it used for $50 and used it at our deer camp for several years and it worked great. I had this unit installed in my home last year and I don't think I am geting the burn times I should be. I went through a lot of wood last winter (26 small truck loads). I found a manual and read up about the catalyst (surprise!) that the unit has. I was missing a few pieces as well so I ordered them. I am waiting on a thermometer that goes over the catalyst chamber. I am a bit confused on what this thermometer is supposed to tell me as well as how the catalyst works. I fired the stove up and the temperature on the outside face of the stove was 550 deg. I closed the damper to activate the catalyst but the temperature steadily drops and the fire will eventually go out unless I open the damper. I guess I have several questions that someone may be able to answer.
- What is the Catalyst and what does it do?
- There are two vents on the side of the stove. One goes to the wood cahmber and one looks as if it goes to the catalyst. How do I use these in conjuntion with the catalyst?
- What burn times can I generally expect. I realize the wood plays a factor. I currently have 2 - year cured oak, hickory, ash, hackberry, hedge and black cherry.
Thanks for any advice!
Matt