Failed Gasket Test

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becasunshine

Minister of Fire
Dec 10, 2009
708
Coastal Virginia
After 5 years of service, the door/glass gasket on our Napoleon NPS40 free standing pellet stove has failed the dollar bill test. Don't scream. It is frayed but it has never failed the dollar bill test until today.

The stove is still burning cleanly. The glass gets dirty a little more quickly but the flame is still bright, white and active. The only reason I did the dollar bill test today is that the gasket seemed to show a lot more wear today when I cleaned the stove. The area of most visible wear actually passed the test. While I was at it, I tested the area of the gasket that showed wear earliest, the gasket right in front of the burn pot. That area failed the test.

I've ordered a new gasket; it should be here in a few days.

Right now we are having warmer than normal temperatures, so we aren't missing the pellet stove. It will be cold again by the middle of the week, and darned cold by this weekend.

Can we use the stove safely untile we get the new gasket, as long as it's burning well?
 
you caught a potential problem before it has caused or is causing any problems. Like checking the oil on the car and seeing it is on the low mark on the stick you can safley use but needs attention soon. Stay warm
 
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I thought I read on one of these threads to take a pliers and gently "poof" the gasket up a bit to help it seal better. you could try that.
 
I thought I read on one of these threads to take a pliers and gently "poof" the gasket up a bit to help it seal better. you could try that.
That was me. Temporary fix to get the stove running till you get a new gasket kit. OPs stove is running good but is in need of new gasket soon.
 
Thank you, BBFarm and Bioburner! Unfortunately, I doubt that "poofing up the gasket" is doable in this situation. The gasket is disintegrating on me. I'm afraid that "poofing" it will pull it completely apart. I'm rather surprised that the stove is running as well as it is with the gasket so worn. The gasket fail test isn't spectacular but it's a definite fail. Funny thing, the area of the gasket that is most noticeably falling apart still passes the dollar bill test. The area of the gasket right in front of the burn pot is failing. (Perhaps the "falling apart" constitutes a functional "poofed" area.)

Anyway, the new gasket is on order, and is hopefully winging its way to us as I type. I probably should have had one on hand, considering that the original gasket is 5 years old. I should have ordered two (two) gaskets for one shipping price, but I didn't. I was parsing over whether we'd have this stove in another five years (probably) as well as other factors, and decided that on the spot, I'd order one (1) gasket and give back ups further consideration at my relative leisure.

P.S. I should add that the relatively recent disintegration happened so quickly! I knew the gasket was frayed- I'd even had a stove tech come out to do a professional cleaning and look at it not too long ago. He said that it was a little frayed but functioning well. The gasket passed the dollar bill test with flying colors at that point. So I didn't let a little "frayed" bother me. Recently, it seems, the gasket just started falling apart. I will keep a closer eye on the new one!
 
Can you post some pictures of the gasket in question? Would like to see what disintegration looks like for future reference.
 
Sure! Here are a couple of pictures.

I took a closer look at the gasket today, to further define "disintegrate," which, as it happens, is a really good descriptor of this situation. The fraying of the outer layer of the gasket has advanced to the point that the inner core of the gasket, a woven cord, is exposed. This woven cord can now be pulled away from and out of the outer layer material- but I haven't done so. I'm trying to keep the gasket intact until the new gasket arrives.

The door still closes snugly, and the fire is bright, white and active in the burn pot.

The new gasket has shipped and is on its way.

001.JPG003.JPG
 
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