Kennebec Door Does Not Latch Securely

[Sem67]

My new Kennebec is fantastic. But... the door latch does not seem very secure. I have to close the door with some force then push down the latch for it to catch. But then, I don't know if it's because of heat expansion or what, the latch hook seems to partially disconnect from the latch bar, and the door then opens very easily, as if never latched! I haven't experienced the doors popping open because of this, but I'm sure it could be a possibility.

Any others with the problem? Solutions? Tips?

As always... thanks

 

[JimWalshin845]

Most doors have an adjusting nut/bolt. Did you check your manual?

 

[Sem67]

Nope.... nothing in manual about adjusting the door latching mechanism. And I don't see anywhere where it would be adjustable. I suppose the "hang tab" could be bent... but I hate to mess with that being that it's a brand new insert. Also, when it is closed... it seems to be closed tightly. If no one has experienced and corrected this problem, I'll contact Jotul for advice.

 

[begreen]

Check with the dealer. Maybe try the doors on the floor model if there is one? If the door latch is similar to the freestanding stoves, there is a spring in the assembly that self adjusts the latch. I'm curious to know if the C450 has a similar latch assembly.

 

[jgoodnow]

I am a new Kennebec owner and I don't have that problem. The latch mechanism works just fine. I think you have a manufacturing defect and should contact your dealer.

If the door latch is similar to the freestanding stoves, there is a spring in the assembly that self adjusts the latch. I’m curious to know if the C450 has a similar latch assembly.

The Kennebec doesn't have a spring.

EDIT: The manual does mention adjusting the latch, but doesn't say how to do it. On page 19, under "Gaskets," it says:

To check the seal of the front doors, close and latch the doors on a dollar bill and slowly try to pull the dollar bill free. The seal is too loose if the bill can be easily removed. Adjust the door latch and test again.

I have no idea what this means.

 

[Sem67]

to check the seal of the front doors, close and latch the doors on a dollar bill and slowly try to pull the dollar bill free. The seal is too loose if the bill can be easily removed. Adjust the door latch and test again.

I missed that. I skimmed the gasket installation part... I was looking for something that would "stand out" more. I'll call the dealer today. It seems to me the latch is simply bolted securely to the door, with no provision for adjustments of any kind. Unless, it is slotted where the bolts go through, allowing for some up and down movement. I'm at work right now, so I can't check it out. I'll look at it more carefully later, as well as call the dealer or Jotul. I'll post my findings. Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

[Scrounger]

The adjustment is made at the stove side not the door latch on the door. Open your door and look at where the latch hooks into. You'll see a round piece of steel in the shape of a U that is attached to the stove. The manual calls it the latch receiver. There are two bolts and four washers that attach the latch receiver to the stove. My door didn't seem like it was closing tight enough so I removed one washer from each bolt. I couldn't hardly close the door. I got two washers the same size as the standard washers and rubbed them on a file reducing the thickness of the washer by about half. Installed them back on the stove and latches much better. Passes the dollar bill test.

 

[Sem67]

Okay... it's been warm for a couple of days, so I haven't used the Kennebec. Now I could take the time to safely see what is going on with my latch. I've attached a pic. Now wonder it pops open unexpectedly! It does not catch the "receiver bar" (for lack of better term) securely. It probably needs to go up the bar another 1/4 inch or so! In the pic, the latch lever is down all the way and you can easily see how much space there is between the bar and the catch. There is very little keeping those doors closed! I wonder if the bar was bent at some point. This is a new stove. I'll give the dealer a call before I go trying to bend it down myself. I called Jotul yesterday, but they haven't returned my call. My dealer will just have to come out and look at it... as they are very busy installing *many* brands of stoves. I doubt they'll be familiar with this problem.

Thanks for all your input. I'll let you know how it's resolved.

 

[Sem67]

Kudos to my dealer! I sent them the pic this morning so they would have an idea of what was happening. I received a phone call ten minutes later scheduling an appointment! That's service! And being able to send them a pic that shows the problem is certainly helpful. Times sure have changed!

 

[begreen]

Nice diagnosis, the pic says it all.

 

[Sem67]

An update. FYI... Scrounger... you had it pretty much nailed.

The dealer came out and pointed out that the "latch receiver" was loose. He simply tightened up the two allen bolts. I felt kinda foolish... but then, I had just paid $3600 for the whole package and didn't think I should mess with it. Anyway... it did work better, but then it still was hard to close when hot and started popping open again.

So yesterday (I know... it's been a long time, but I'm slow!) I looked at it again. The bolts were loose again. And I was thinking... strange that a company like Jotul would supply an insert with a badly designed latch... so maybe that's not it.

I took out the bolts and found there was just one washer on each bolt. So I decided to put on an additional lock washer and test it (without a fire, of course!). Seemed to latch very easily and securely... even kind of "snapped" close. Also passed the "dollar bill test". I took it apart and put it back together with the original washers, the lockwashers, and some Loctite. I was determined it wasn't going to loosen up again.

Beautiful fire last night. The latch worked beautifully. Apparently Jotul designed the latch and receiver to fit that way (looked like it wasn't catching to me... per my photos). The latch just wasn't assembled so great.

I have a nice fire going now... latch is working perfectly. Closes with a snap and won't pop open.

Thank you all for your ideas and participation. I've learned a lot from this forum!

 

[Scrounger]

Glad you got it fixed!