Say hello to my "new" VC CDC Seneca Model 2170!

[trailmaker]

Thanks for the info rwh.

 

[glenn jones]

nice. let me know if you are going to let it go someday.

I have a very rusty Seneca that I am getting rid of if anyone wants it. Complete except for handles I think. I am, however, in Washington state.

 

[Hartguitars]

Are there still any Seneca owners here? Trying to piggyback on this thread for some tech support. I recently bought a house with a Seneca. It works but the temperature gauge/prong slides right out, not sure if it’s doing anything. Also there are 2 cracks on a plate that fits in the rear of the stove (I don’t believe it is the back plate, there is a stove wall behind the cracked plate). I have looked at the instructions and the parts list/diagram and I cannot figure out if this curved plate was installed by the previous owner, or it was a flat plate that warped and curved inward toward the stove, or if VC sold this model with a few different options? Any advice from Seneca owners?

 

[begreen]

It looks like the plate has warped and then cracked.

See if this is the right part:

Back Grate | Vermont Castings | Cast Iron | Replacement Parts

This is the replacement cast iron back grate that fits on many of the Vermont Castings Stove models

www.woodmanspartsplus.com

 

[Hartguitars]

Thanks! My intuition is that the plate warped, bulged inward into the stove, and then cracked vertically along the curve. The plate doesn't have any markings/depth changes/casting lines like the back plate you linked, it is smooth (aside from the cracks and some burnt on debris), which is what leads me to believe that perhaps the previous owner had replaced the original backplate with a plain sheet of steel (the previous homeowner was a DIYer and had a welding setup).

Assuming in either case, that a new back plate will fix my problem, the current plate is held by to metal flanges/sleeves that extend from the side plates. Do I need to remove the top of the stove to uninstall/reinstall the new plate?

 

[Hartguitars]

Well, I slid the warped plate out and and turns out that the other side does have the markings similar to the plate in the link. I believe it will work as a replacement. Thanks so much!

Follow up question. If the previous owners caused the plate to warp (presumably from negligence) what else should I be on the look out for regarding issues? Should I assume the stove needs a new CAT? Is the temp pin supposed to slide out? Does it need to be replace to operate correctly? I had a steel wood stove for years but never a cast iron/CAT stove. I just bought a temperature gun to monitor the temperature of both my stoves.

 

[begreen]

It's an expendible part that protects the stove back. They all go eventually. The stove might not have been abused.

Inspect the cat and refractory. If they are cracked and/or crumbling, they need replacement. Otherwise just try it and see.
Make sure the top and door gaskets are sealing well.

 

[Hartguitars]

Excellent. Back Plate ordered. Thanks for your help!

 

[rwh63]

Seneca owner here. that back plate is sacrificial. it will eventually warp, crack, crumble. pretty easy top replace. if the stove has been heavily used, and you want to use it for years ahead, you should plan on a total rebuild. typical replacement parts, besides all gaskets, are the damper (aka bypass gate) and tabs, baffle, flat grate, cat, inner top and web.

in order to replace a warped inner top, the whole stove gets pulled apart. parts on hand, its about a two day job.

they are good stoves. easy to work on, pretty efficient when tight. contemporary in appearance. and you can run it with a screen.

Dutchwest Seneca Stove (2169-2170)

www.cozycabinstoveandfireplaceparts.com