is this too much smoke from the Chimney??

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Tlgrant

New Member
Jan 26, 2025
12
New Hampshire
I just got my first Intrepid @ hooked up, im burning very dry red oak, i wait until its about 500 degrees and then throw the lever to engage the catalyst and i get more smoke out of the chimney- normal? or do i need a new cat? i looked at the one i had in there and it appeared ok but i am unsure how to really test it. this video below is with the stove running 550+ degrees on a good bed of coals, and red oak, cat engaged.
 
[Hearth.com] is this too much smoke from the Chimney??
 
The smoke indicates incomplete combustion. It looks like a new cat is needed. What temperature is the cat at?
 
great question please excuse my ignorance. I dont know, and i dont know how to install a thermometer on the cat? i have read posts mentioning cat temp but figured that was for a newer stove. this is a 1990 model built in 2014.
 
That's helpful info. Has the cat been removed, blown out, and gently cleaned? That is the first step. The refractory package should be examined. If it is crumbling and breaking down it will need replacement. Also, this stove has a thermostatic probe which regulates the cat's air supply. If that has deteriorated, then it may be misfunctioning.
 
before i installed it i took the back plate off and the refractory looked to be in almost new condition, no chips or cracks. the catalyst had some minor cracks inside the grates, and i gently tried to vacuum it out but i didnt brush it. i just put it back together. how would i go about investigating the probe?
 
A good place to start is with the manual which covers cleaning and inspection.