Flue Damper Replacement on Efel Kamina

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Cleartron

Member
Nov 18, 2021
15
Norwalk, CT
Hi Folks,

The family and I are on year 4 of heating our house with only wood. We've recently replaced an old insert on the lower level with a Blaze King Princess, but we are still operating our Kamina upstairs for the time being. The one problem i am having with the Kamina is the flue damper. There is a spring on one end held in with a cotter pin.

Here is my question. Should I look to just replace the spring, or should I replace the flue damper with a more modern one since its a solid, non-perforated plate. Its a fine dance to get the flue closed and not have smoke smell come back in the house in the event I closed it too much, and maybe a perforated plate would help (drill holes?).

Appreciate the responses in advance

LM
 
LM,

Have you looked at things that might be competing for air and causing the rollout of smoke?

Can you post a picture of your installation and perhaps the folks here can help identify the cause. As for your damper, are you thinking drilling holes will reduce restriction? You use the damper to extend burn times, control overdraft? Did you run the Efel before adding the Princess and if so, did it have the same issue?

Rear vent wood heaters sometimes are more challenging in the way they are installed. Some pictures might help.

BKVP
 
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A flue damper plate should still pass about 25% of the flue gases when in the closed position. A solid plate that blocks too much when closed is dangerous. Either avoid closing it more than 75%, or drill/grind out 25%, or replace.
 
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