Hearthstone Heritage 8024 bypass handle reversed?

[HotBurner]

This is our first year with a new Hearthstone Heritage model 8024. We're very happy with it, but I'm confused about one thing. Our stove has the wood loading door on the right and the catalyst control on the left, which seems to be the non-default setup. The manual describes the bypass handle operation like this: "When the handle is pointed towards the front of the stove, the bypass door is open, and when the handle is pointed towards the rear of the stove, the bypass door is closed." But in looking at the handle on my stove, this seems to be reversed. The arrow for "engaged" would have the handle pointing to the front of the stove and "bypass" towards the rear. I'm guessing my stove is reversed because the side door is on the non-default side, but I'm not sure. Can anyone tell me if I should be following the instructions in the manual or the arrows on the handle? I've tried experimenting with the handle and looking at the smoke from the chimney, but I can't really tell a difference.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Poke your head or a camera into the firebox and see if you can see the bypass open.

 

[wetwood4life]

I bet the handle works the same on either side (always front to bypass) because the bypass door inside must be the same. When they put the handle on the other side, the little "Engaged" label ended up backward.

But definitely just look inside. If it's like our Castleton, you might need a mirror or remove one of the vermiculite baffles.

 

[HotBurner]

I bet the handle works the same on either side (always front to bypass) because the bypass door inside must be the same. When they put the handle on the other side, the little "Engaged" label ended up backward.

But definitely just look inside. If it's like our Castleton, you might need a mirror or remove one of the vermiculite baffles.

Thanks for this! Your logic about how the mechanism would work the same from both sides makes perfect sense. After some experimenting, it's clear that the manual is correct and the label on the handle is wrong. Pulling the handle toward the front of the stove bypasses the catalyst and pushing it towards the back engages the catalyst. I'm posting this for future "right doorers" who might have the same question.

 

[AZjohn]

I have wondered the same thing for my Heritage 4 (left side handle). Today when cleaning the flue I confirmed with a left side handle, clockwise (forward) closes the bypass and engages the catalyst. Counter clockwise opens the bypass. For 2 years I followed their instructions which are wrong. The ring around the handle is incorrectly marked and opposite. You can also tell its wrong when you first light the stove and need a good draft. You only have that good draft with the handle back toward the wall. Hearthstone should make a correct ring marker that is correct for left side handles

 

[drsmith01]

The label on mine is correct (left-side handle). Perhaps that little label ring is two sided and needs to be flipped for opposite side installation.

 

[AZjohn]

I was hoping that was the case but mine is blank on the other side so I used an extra fine sharpie and remarked it. Not sure if it will stay marked with the heat.
I just checked the parts list but it only show the right side Escutcheon (#53). Thought I'd contact tech support to see if I could buy a left side but there is no Hearthstone tech support for homeowners as they want you to contact their dealers. Go figure......