M55 FS Door Rope Gasket

[vinny11950]

So I failed the dollar bill test and I am looking for new rope gasket.

The owners manual refers to part number 50-2058 for Door and Ash Door. 9/16 Firm. Not sure what 9/16 firm means because I can't find any rope gasket of that thickness. Measuring the width of the gasket already on the door gives me 7/16, but I am not sure that is correct being it is compressed and still on the door. And I don't want to take it out without having the replacement.

Only place that I found that has the part is the below link

http://www.stove-parts-unlimited.com/Enviro_Pellet_Door_and_Ash_Door_Gasket_p/50-2058.htm

It seems expensive when all other gaskets cost about $10. Plus it would be nice to have a local source, if I just knew the specs.

May be I will bug Enviro.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[MountainSean]

Firm is just how dense the gasket weave is. It generally comes in three types. Firm, Medium and soft. Enviro parts are all expensive but unfortunately we don't have anything in that size available aftermarket and Enviro controls the costs we sell items at. However you should be able to get away with 1/2" rope gasket. You can stretch it out a little bit to get it down to the size you are looking for.

 

[flynfrfun]

On my insert, the Rutland graphite 3/8" is the same size as the stuff already on the stove. Don't know why they call it 3/8" because it's more like 1/2". Around $12 locally. Haven't replaced my gasket yet so I can't comment for sure if it will work, but it looks identical.

 

[vinny11950]

Firm is just how dense the gasket weave is. It generally comes in three types. Firm, Medium and soft. Enviro parts are all expensive but unfortunately we don't have anything in that size available aftermarket and Enviro controls the costs we sell items at. However you should be able to get away with 1/2" rope gasket. You can stretch it out a little bit to get it down to the size you are looking for.

Sean, you work for Mountain View? If so, cool. The site is very impressive with its variety of products and information and pictures.

Thanks for the information. I had a feeling it was Enviro creating their own parts to make some extra cash, which would explain the limited information.

I think I will just bite the bullet and buy the original.

Thanks for the reply, Sean.

 

[vinny11950]

On my insert, the Rutland graphite 3/8" is the same size as the stuff already on the stove. Don't know why they call it 3/8" because it's more like 1/2". Around $12 locally. Haven't replaced my gasket yet so I can't comment for sure if it will work, but it looks identical.

I will get both, Fly, the original and the 3/8 from Rutland, just to compare and have a stare. Let post pics and let you know how it goes.

 

[MountainSean]

Sean, you work for Mountain View? If so, cool. The site is very impressive with its variety of products and information and pictures.

Thanks for the information. I had a feeling it was Enviro creating their own parts to make some extra cash, which would explain the limited information.

I think I will just bite the bullet and buy the original.

Thanks for the reply, Sean.

I'm the office manager. I joke about what my position is because I do everything from managing to fixing the computer network to being a janitor if we need it and everything in between. The joys of working for a small company, but I enjoy it very much.

 

[MCPO]

I'm the office manager. I joke about what my position is because I do everything from managing to fixing the computer network to being a janitor if we need it and everything in between. The joys of working for a small company, but I enjoy it very much.

A great company to buy from. They supplied me with a new auger for my P-38 last January and I think it was Sean who I talked to. They are on my "favorites" list.

 

[flynfrfun]

I will get both, Fly, the original and the 3/8 from Rutland, just to compare and have a stare. Let post pics and let you know how it goes.

Please do, I'm curious...

 

[vinny11950]

I will get both, Fly, the original and the 3/8 from Rutland, just to compare and have a stare. Let post pics and let you know how it goes.

"have a stare. Let post pics and let you know how it goes," not sure what I was doing when I wrote this, but wow.

 

[flynfrfun]

"have a stare. Let post pics and let you know how it goes," not sure what I was doing when I wrote this, but wow.

Yah, but I knew what you meant

 

[Eatonpcat]

I'm the office manager. I joke about what my position is because I do everything from managing to fixing the computer network to being a janitor if we need it and everything in between. The joys of working for a small company, but I enjoy it very much.

Bought my combustion fan blower gaskets from you (Nice service), Don't forget you still owe me two...At 30 bones a piece, I wouldn't want to have them forgotten!

On a side note, That's a nice Thank you/Coupon + 2 Hershey's kisses that were included!

No offense, but I threw the silver tops out!

 

[vinny11950]

so it has been about 6 weeks since i changed the rope gasket on the door. i used the gasket recommended by Enviro. It feels tighter but the dollar bill still manages to slip away when the door is closed. i also get different levels of tightness on different sides, the top being the loosest.

Here are some pictures:

On the left/bottom is the Enviro gasket, and on the upper/right is a Rutland graphite measuring 5/8 thick. Rutland is a little thicker and softer with thicker braids. in a pinch it might do. When installing at first it looks like the gasket will not fit, but the door channel takes a lot of it in.







Finger size comparison view.




Here is a picture of the door lock. I am wondering if I can tighten it to get a tighter close, but the manual says nothing about it. Anybody try?




Here is the door with the new gasket after 6 weeks of use. It has compressed a little.




And some cleaning pics:



Can't get the burn pot out like the manual says. I have tried but never really had to so I have left it alone rather than break it. The igniter is supposed to retract to allow the burn pot to come out but mine does not. Anybody else have this issue?



Here is a picture of the exchange tubes after a very light vacuuming and dusting with a brush. This part is the worst of the cleaning as the dust really kicks up. I end up blowing my nose later on and finding traces of dusk. Even when I wear a mask. I wish there was a cleaning setting that allowed the exhaust motor to work so it would suck out the dust.

 

[nailed_nailer]

The burn pot lifts out.
As far as I know the igniter tube does not retract.

1. Cool stove
2. Lift latch lever on burn pot
3. Pull top half of pot out
4. Remove Stirring rod. Rotate it top away from you about 1/3 of a turn and slide to left.
5. Remove lower 1/2 burn pot. Raise the latch lever so that the handle points straight up.
Lift the front slightly and pull toward you. Then lift pot straight up.
6. While open remove rear fire wall by lifting heat exchanger baffle and allowing plate to (gently) fall forward.
7. lift out lower section of fire wall. The one that covers over the igniter and air tubes.
8. Now vac everything you can get to.
9. I vac the heat exchanger tubes and use the supplied brush as well. (Dirty part of job)
10. Scrape/chip burn pot liner of any clinker buildup.
11. Empty ashpan
12. Grease left side of stirrer rod
13. Replace everything in reverse order.
14. Clean glass

Then you are back in business and ready to go until next cleaning
---Nailer---

 

[Wachusett]

Yes the burn bot does lift out. You may have to squeeze the top edges together as you lift up (the steel will flex a little).

Cleaning tip: When you open the stove and start cleaning, especially the heat tubes, remove the pot stirrer (get it out of they way) then hit the start button on then off after a couple seconds. If the stove is warm it will run through the shut down cycle. If its cold just hit start and leave it on, you will get a blink code for lack of vaccum pressure. Both of these will cause the exhaust fan to run and pull out that light ash that gets away and up your nose. The heavey ash will still fall into the ash pan. Also makes for less mess outside the stove.

 

[Wachusett]

One more for ya Vinny,

Behind the burn pot. The two circle doors that slide/twist open for vaccuming. That piece of steel they are mounted on is also removable. It can be a PIA to get out. I usually only go this far in a cleaning on the last one. With this off you see and clean the exhaust port and damper almost to the exhaust fan.

 

[vinny11950]

View attachment 86044

Thank you, Nailed Nailer and Wachusett, but that piece above is solidly in place on my stove. It feels like it is welded in place. And I have taken apart the burn pot many times but I just can't clear the air tubes and igniter. It is annoying more than necessary as I haven't had to do it, but I keep reading about every one else doing it! I think I got an early model before they made the obvious design adjustments.

How about the door latch system, is it adjustable? when you guys do a dollar bill test on your M55s, does it slip out after much pull?

 

[Wachusett]

Vinny, I will have to check the door latch later. I have done the dollar bill test, it was pretty snug all around.
The burn pot definately comes out, I have had my stove going on 3 years now.
Check out this video.

 

[vinny11950]

thanks for the video, but i just can't clear igniter. will give it another try at the next cleaning.

 

[chamas]

Another way to test the door gasket is to run the combustion fan but not the convection fan. Run a lit incense stick around the periphery of the door and watch if the smoke from the incense gets pulled thru the gasket into the firebox. Easier in a dark room with a flashlight.

 

[whlago]

Thank you, Nailed Nailer and Wachusett, but that piece above is solidly in place on my stove. It feels like it is welded in place.

I have the cast FS and that plate does come out....you need to alternate sides in pulling it up and gently pound it a little bit to loosen things. It definitely allows a more thorough cleaning...I remove it every couple of cleanings.

Regarding the heat exchange tubes, does your model come with a built in scraper? You can use this even with the door closed so the dust doesn't go everywhere. Maybe it's only on the Cast? Be aware though that when you remove the top baffle plate for cleaning it will have a pretty good layer of ash built up. I generally just turn it so it falls into the ash pan before removing.

 

[Millsk]

Cleaning the heat exchanger tubes is DIRTY. When I clean my stove I use a mico cleaning kit, often sold in the automotive section of your local hardware store. (Benny's for us New Englanders)
Careful though, most of these are just a bit too big to reach inbetween the tubes. With some modifications (sanding down the plastic) it can be done. I vacuum the tubes once a month, and if needed stick a rag up there with a poking stick to really clean them.

 

[Eatonpcat]

Cleaning the heat exchanger tubes is DIRTY. When I clean my stove I use a mico cleaning kit, often sold in the automotive section of your local hardware store. (Benny's for us New Englanders)
Careful though, most of these are just a bit too big to reach inbetween the tubes. With some modifications (sanding down the plastic) it can be done. I vacuum the tubes once a month, and if needed stick a rag up there with a poking stick to really clean them.

Good tip...I might have to try the rag trick!

 

[libirm]

12. Grease left side of stirrer rod

Nailed- what grease do you use, Does any one "oil" the chain as well that drives the rod?

 

[vinny11950]

Nailed- what grease do you use, Does any one "oil" the chain as well that drives the rod?

I use the anti-seize grease found at the auto parts store. one small tube has lasted me 3 years and there is plenty left.

I haven't had to grease the chain yet, just dust it as the oil on it catches a lot of dust. When I do do it, I think I will try the dry lube stuff so it won't pickup the dust.

 

[nailed_nailer]

My M55C came with a small tube of Loctite C5-A
So that is what I use to grease my stirrer.
Large can available from any autoparts store.

I haven't lubed the chain (yet).

---Nailer---