Sticking Damper Pull Handle on my Napoleon 1900

[Caoimhin]

I'm into my second year with this stove; still love it, but the damper handle (push to choke off, pull to open) is starting to stick, especially the last inch when it's pushed in. I've cleaned the shaft with ammonia, and even rubbed it with sandpaper, thinking it was gummed up with creosote. Still have to use more elbow grease than I should to close it off, though.

Anyone else experience this, and anyone else able to fix it?

Thanks!

 

[firefighterjake]

Not sure if it would help . . . but whenever my Oslo's air lever begins to stick I clean it out and then use a liberal application of graphite powder.