Large Flush Wood: Fire goes out of the box with bypass damper closed - is it okay?

[yuryk]

Hi everyone!

I noticed that when I start a top-down fire in my Lopi Large Flush Wood insert or when I just add fresh logs on top (like below), I can see the fire through a small hole for the bypass rod, see video below:

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I remember my installation photos and the fact that such a bypass should cover the box, so I wouldn't expect fire to get out... Unless I'm missing something or something is broken. Here are my photos during installation:

What do you guys think? Do you have a similar situation, i.e. is this normal? Or should I worry?

Thank you!

 

[stoveliker]

I think you may have secondary flame above the baffle. There's no way that any little crack around that closed bypass lets through so much flame.

I think this means you're burning nice and hot and doesn't mean there is an issue there.

I would be more concerned about air sucking in through the hole you see the flames. That cools down the gases I think. But I don't know this stove well.

 

[yuryk]

I think you may have secondary flame above the baffle. There's no way that any little crack around that closed bypass lets through so much flame.

I think this means you're burning nice and hot and doesn't mean there is an issue there.

Hm... Today I tried with a cold start (57 degrees F in the house, we've been away), here is how it looked after 5 minutes with an open door. IMO no way the temperature is right for secondary fire in there... No idea how it happens!

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I would be more concerned about air sucking in through the hole you see the flames. That cools down the gases I think. But I don't know this stove well.

I guess there is nothing I can do about that. But I must admit when it's burning. it's kind of hot in that area, so any air it might suck it very hot anyway...

 

[d.sebens]

Mine does the same. With well seasoned wood I can turn it down low enough that the fire doesn’t wrap around albeit putting out less heat.

 

[yuryk]

Oh, on this photo that white line - I guess it's bottom of the stove visible between the tubes! If so, that would explain it. Although, I don't understand why that solid ceiling is not all the way to the door like it's shown in the manual:

 

[d.sebens]

That picture is taken from the back of the stove. You can tell because the bypass rod comes out the front and you can see it go into the stove body.