Progress Hybrid cat question / smoke smell

[3fordasho]

The smell I do get tends to be around the door area, and I am on the low draft side for chimneys. Roll pins would be both sides it seems.

I would tend to agree, I noticed no difference in the smell after I plugged the roll pins. It was nice to eliminate that possibility though. At this point I'm done burning the PH, my Fireview can handle all the heating needs and it looks like that will go cold this weekend. Woodstock is working on signifigant fixes for the smoke smell issue for us with the earlier stoves, just a matter of waiting for them.

 

[charly]

I would tend to agree, I noticed no difference in the smell after I plugged the roll pins. It was nice to eliminate that possibility though. At this point I'm done burning the PH, my Fireview can handle all the heating needs and it looks like that will go cold this weekend. Woodstock is working on signifigant fixes for the smoke smell issue for us with the earlier stoves, just a matter of waiting for them.

I was talking to Woodstock as I'm trading in my Fireview for the PH and yes,,, they are taking care of the smoke smell for sure...I'm looking forward to the PH after trying to heat 1900 sq ft with the Fireview.. Should be a big difference I imagine...

 

[Machria]

I'm looking forward to a fix, as next year I'll be burning from begining to end, all with some great wood. I'm looking forward to the summer, but at the same time can't wait to start buring again!

 

[Machria]

Just for the heck of it, poking around I took some pics of the inside of my PH. Specifically holding the camera inside and looking back at the back side of the door, in the back corner where the smell is. The space above the inside stone on the corner looks like an "interesting" spot for a possible leak?

 

[pro5oh]

Got an email from Jamie at Woodstock concerning PH ongoing smoke smell. He sent a video about how to remove the door frame, and double gasket the contact surface where it meets the firebox. I don't think there are any other issues they have found. There's mention of a kit in the video I suspect will get shipped out to us all. I might just live with it for fear of making it worse after watching the video.

 

[charly]

Got an email from Jamie at Woodstock concerning PH ongoing smoke smell. He sent a video about how to remove the door frame, and double gasket the contact surface where it meets the firebox. I don't think there are any other issues they have found. There's mention of a kit in the video I suspect will get shipped out to us all. I might just live with it for fear of making it worse after watching the video.

I can't see how Woodstock will be happy having you live with a stove the is producing a smoke smell into your home... If you feel uncomfortable doing the fix,, myself I would call them to let them know and see what can be worked out.. Such a beautiful stove as to not fix the smoke smell and enjoy it the way you should.. I'd be interested to see the video..

 

[binko]

I agree about not living with the smoke smell. In addition to being unpleasant, it's UNHEALTHY. Even if you get used to it (something you should not have to do) everyone who comes to your home will immediately notice it as well. What this does is put a BLACK EYE on the industry and the uneducated will think that this is a necessary evil with woodstoves.

 

[pro5oh]

I have tried to not be harsh on this whole ordeal since 2/12 as to not give the company a bad rap, I didn't want my scenario to blanket the stoves reputation. So many have had the issue, I'm going give mine.

I had a $600 englander 30nc that worked just fine, just hungry and a bit ugly imo, then bought a fireview that cracked in less than a year, drove 12 hours @14mpg and upgraded to a progress which to me was huge $ and I'm still paying on it. Since then my progress has had loose air damper (from factory, couldn't close fully, ran hot ), clogged cat screen weekly(upgraded), smoke smell for the entire first burn season, new cook top didn't resolve, and now I'm expected to tear apart a $3000+ new stove to see if the firebox is warped and double gasket the door frame.

If you check the classifieds you'll see mine is for sale or trade $1000 loss, I absolutely LOVE this stove, the ash pan, the huge viewing area, the top outlet on and on. But I have a 3 year old toddler and a spray foamed home, smoke odor isn't an option for us.

Lots of folks on here say how great the company is, at $3000+ I think buying back the stove should be an option(this is a safety issue from day 1), or they should swap it out for a new unit with all the bugs repaired by them. Telling the customer to repair it themselves leaves a bad taste, and a insurance liability now on the customer if it's not assembled correctly. I don't think my homeowners insurance would like the thought of me tearing apart and assembling the stove, and neither do I.

Its not just a smoke smell, its the point. If you smell smoke there are other combustion gasses as well in a sealed up house in winter, I don't think we have given much thought about that fact. You wouldn't drive a brand new car that smelled of exhaust inside, windows closed with your family and say "there's a fix in the works" for us to install. Many of those same harmful gasses are associated with burning wood also.

Sorry Woodstock but its the truth.

 

[Waulie]

If you take the what should Woodstock do/ not do out of the equation and just step back and look at where you're at, it might help. You have a $3,000 stove that you love everything about except the smoke smell. Personally, I would try the fix before losing $1,000 on it. Should you have to? No. Is that the best option? It just might be. You could also hire someone to do it for way less than $1,000. Good luck!

 

[rdust]

I'm surprised woodstock wouldn't ask for the stoves back so they could perform the repairs. Of course moving the stoves and paying freight wouldn't be exactly fun. Since the stove has a problem what about returning it for the refund?

Dealing direct is great but when you have issues that involve more than sending out an easy to replace part it can become difficult for some users.

 

[pro5oh]

Very frustrating predicament, I'll think it over and see what my homeowners says, I may attempt it because theres much money wrapped up in it. Would really like my money back.

 

[alforit]

I have tried to not be harsh on this whole ordeal since 2/12 as to not give the company a bad rap, I didn't want my scenario to blanket the stoves reputation. So many have had the issue, I'm going give mine.

I had a $600 englander 30nc that worked just fine, just hungry and a bit ugly imo, then bought a fireview that cracked in less than a year, drove 12 hours @14mpg and upgraded to a progress which to me was huge $ and I'm still paying on it. Since then my progress has had loose air damper (from factory, couldn't close fully, ran hot ), clogged cat screen weekly(upgraded), smoke smell for the entire first burn season, new cook top didn't resolve, and now I'm expected to tear apart a $3000+ new stove to see if the firebox is warped and double gasket the door frame.

If you check the classifieds you'll see mine is for sale or trade $1000 loss, I absolutely LOVE this stove, the ash pan, the huge viewing area, the top outlet on and on. But I have a 3 year old toddler and a spray foamed home, smoke odor isn't an option for us.

Lots of folks on here say how great the company is, at $3000+ I think buying back the stove should be an option(this is a safety issue from day 1), or they should swap it out for a new unit with all the bugs repaired by them. Telling the customer to repair it themselves leaves a bad taste, and a insurance liability now on the customer if it's not assembled correctly. I don't think my homeowners insurance would like the thought of me tearing apart and assembling the stove, and neither do I.

Its not just a smoke smell, its the point. If you smell smoke there are other combustion gasses as well in a sealed up house in winter, I don't think we have given much thought about that fact. You wouldn't drive a brand new car that smelled of exhaust inside, windows closed with your family and say "there's a fix in the works" for us to install. Many of those same harmful gasses are associated with burning wood also.

Sorry Woodstock but its the truth.

Yeah there are both benefits and drawbacks in dealing with a mail order direct stove manufacturer..........In your case I would think since Woodstock has known ( Im assuming ) about your problem since the beginning and if you were within your return warranty period when you reported the smoke issue to them and it still hasn't been resolved, then that return warranty period would still be honored............The fact that they even offer that kind of return (satisfaction) policy that they do Is amazing and is unlike any other stove manufacturer. That being said your smoke issue should never have taken this long to be fixed , and it should have been suggested that you return your stove for repair or refund or exchange at least before your return window had expired knowing that there was not a fix yet and that you would lose that opportunity to return it.....................I agree , it is a big deal ... A smoke smell means there is smoke leaking into your home and that's not only bad for your child but for you and your partner and pets .


Since Woodstock is a mail order direct stove manufacturer and they don't use any dealers to service any of their warranty issues on a local level , it makes it tough for the consumer if there is a problem,...... And for them too..........Because of that type of purchase you need to expect that small problems will require a do it yourself fix from a kit or a part being sent to you by mail........But I think this smoke problem is a little larger than just having a small part or kit being sent out in the mail........So I agree with you .,,,,,,.....And because of that I would think that before a stove is released by that type of direct sale manufacturer it would have been tested to death ...... at least for any larger problems like damper, smoke leakage , etc , since they don't have anyone on a local level to represent them for repair.


From what I have read , Woodstock released this stove early to a small group of people for a good discount in return for helping test and refine it for any issues that might come up. Smart move in my opinion...... But Im not sure it was completely ready for public sale yet.........I think because of the combination of it being a new thing (hybrid technology) and so many variables ,multiple materials being used, and so many unknown's that circle around that , it left the door open for issues.

Just my opinion

I hope someone at Woodstock sees your post and takes compassion for your plight . They are good people and Im sure they look at each situation and take consideration for it.

 

[pro5oh]

This has been my smoke smell solution.

 

[charly]

This has been my smoke smell solution.

That's ridiculous that you had to install another stove instead of fix... Now I'm thinking twice about trading in my Fireview for a Progress...That's the last thing I want is to go through muscling 700 lbs of stove to find out I too have a smoke smell.. Maybe it's time that some other people with issues chime in here because I'd like to know before I make a move here now..Not trying to bad mouth Woodstock but a constant smoke smell would be a major issue for me as well, and I'm not about to buy a new stove that needs work.. or is it the draft?

 

[binko]

To pro5oh:
You should not have to go thru what you have encountered. We all know the Woodstock team is a nice group of cooperative people however the bottom line is that you have paid good money for a product that has not performed as advertised. They do have a 6 month buyback program that you appear to be well within. Even if you are not, Speak with Tom or Lorin at Woodstock and I bet they will find a solution that you will be satisfied with.

 

[TheBean]

Woodstock Soapstone Progress Owners-

First and foremost, I would like to quickly squash the idea that Woodstock is expecting Progress Hybrid customers to take on some of these more complex upgrades that we are still in the process of rolling out.

If you are a Progress Hybrid owner that has experienced ongoing smoke odor issues (with no visible smoke present), and you haven't already spoke to me (Lorin), then I would encourage you to please call, 1-800-866-4344, so I can add you to my list of customers.

I ask that you please bear with us as we, as a company, figure out the best way to upgrade your stove. Currently we are working out the details of an upgrade process that will work for customers and for us as a small business.The videos that we are in the process of making, certainly can be used by the customer that is willing and able to do the work required, but they are intended more as an informational video.

Our major goal is to take care of our Progress customers over this spring/summer and I reiterate, we are still working out these upgrade details, and will be in touch with customers that are experiencing issues to work out the details once an action plan is completed. Thank you for understanding.

Lorin Day
Customer Service Manager
Woodstock Soapstone Co.

 

[HollowHill]

Lorin, thanks for clarifying this matter. My mind is at ease and you know how difficult that state is to achieve

 

[pro5oh]

1 and a half burn seasons with this issue. I'm aware there is work twords a cure and that says a lot for a company but that doesnt help me heat my home. Dont let my problem stop you from considering a woodstock stove. I think its the purpose of a forum to inform people of individual experiences. The majority of customers haven't had any issues, I just bought 2 stoves from them and had issues with both. Im willing to bet no one else can say that.

 

[Machria]

Woodstock Soapstone Progress Owners-

First and foremost, I would like to quickly squash the idea that Woodstock is expecting Progress Hybrid customers to take on some of these more complex upgrades that we are still in the process of rolling out.

If you are a Progress Hybrid owner that has experienced ongoing smoke odor issues (with no visible smoke present), and you haven't already spoke to me (Lorin), then I would encourage you to please call, 1-800-866-4344, so I can add you to my list of customers.

I ask that you please bear with us as we, as a company, figure out the best way to upgrade your stove. Currently we are working out the details of an upgrade process that will work for customers and for us as a small business.The videos that we are in the process of making, certainly can be used by the customer that is willing and able to do the work required, but they are intended more as an informational video.

Our major goal is to take care of our Progress customers over this spring/summer and I reiterate, we are still working out these upgrade details, and will be in touch with customers that are experiencing issues to work out the details once an action plan is completed. Thank you for understanding.

Lorin Day
Customer Service Manager
Woodstock Soapstone Co.

 

[binko]

I think Lorin's note above sums it up. All of or stoves are in hibernation for the season so no one is losing heating time. Let's let the Woodstock team do what they need to and extend them the courtesy of believing in their commitment to making things right.

 

[Waulie]

I think Lorin's note above sums it up. All of or stoves are in hibernation for the season so no one is losing heating time. Let's let the Woodstock team do what they need to and extend them the courtesy of believing in their commitment to making things right.

Well, not quite in hibernation here. Soon, I hope!

 

[Machria]

So I got a copy of the video with a PDF description along with it from Lorin yesterday to change/fix the gasket on the door frame. Looks straight forward and easy enough to me. Not sure I understand the statements above that the video describes a difficult procedure of taking the stove guts apart... ?

You simply remove the door, remove one bolt and lift it out. Then you loosen 4 bolts (to remove the 2 corner cast peices). Then you unbolt and remove the the door frame from the firebox with 4 bolts. Remove the old gasket, re-install a set of new gaskets (2 gastkets replace the old 1 gasket, one lays on top of the other). Then re-install the door frame with the 4 bolts, re-install the 2 corner cast peices by tightening their 4 bolts, place the door back on and install it's 1 bolt. Done.

Looks like an 15 minute job to me. Lorin said more like an hour to hour and half. Anyway, doesn't look bad to me.

 

[rdust]

2 gaskets on top of each other sure sounds like a "hack" to me, I wonder why they just didn't source one gasket that is thicker? hmmmmm

 

[Machria]

2 gaskets on top of each other sure sounds like a "hack" to me, I wonder why they just didn't source one gasket that is thicker? hmmmmm

Just a guess, but there is a groove for the first gasket to go into to fill, they are trying to fill that groove tightly, then the 2nd gasket makes the tight fit between the two surfaces being sealed (firebox and door frame).

 

[Boiler74]

So I got a copy of the video with a PDF description along with it from Lorin yesterday to change/fix the gasket on the door frame. Looks straight forward and easy enough to me. Not sure I understand the statements above that the video describes a difficult procedure of taking the stove guts apart... ?

You simply remove the door, remove one bolt and lift it out. Then you loosen 4 bolts (to remove the 2 corner cast peices). Then you unbolt and remove the the door frame from the firebox with 4 bolts. Remove the old gasket, re-install a set of new gaskets (2 gastkets replace the old 1 gasket, one lays on top of the other). Then re-install the door frame with the 4 bolts, re-install the 2 corner cast peices by tightening their 4 bolts, place the door back on and install it's 1 bolt. Done.

Looks like an 15 minute job to me. Lorin said more like an hour to hour and half. Anyway, doesn't look bad to me.

I've done this job, but instead of the double gasket, I replaced the original gasket and added the ResBond per WS's instructions. It's not a 15 minute job, let me tell you. For the first time, probably 1.5 hours. If I did it ten times, maybe an hour.