just between damper too high, too low?

[mdrew]

I've got a Vermont Castings Encore with top load, ash pan, right side damper, and left side catalyst lever. I've got one of those magnetic temperature meters right on the steel top plate (also top loader door) so we have an idea of the temps at the hottest part of the stove.

Last year, we burned the stove too cold. Once the chimney sweep came out, he said he saw signs of bubbly creosote = chimney fires. I'm thinking we certainly caused that several times. We've got a 6in stainless liner up an existing chimney.

Is there a way to adjust the damper lever on the right side, so it has a more accurate temperature range? If catalyst is engaged (left side lever), even at full open damper (right side lever), the fire gets too low and temps drop. This just shouldn't happen.

Any ideas? Thanks!
Drew
Tacoma WA USA

 

[begreen]

Need more info, especially about how the cat is behaving and whether it is active. Is there a cat thermometer on the stove? is the cat being engaged once above 500º? Does it stay above 500º?

How well seasoned is the firewood? How tall is the flue system on the stove from stovetop to chimney cap?

 

[moresnow]

Plugged cat perhaps? Worth a peek. Also.