VC Defiant Encore 2140 - Any Problems?

DoubleClutch · Dec 30, 2011

Hello, all,

I'm considering buying a used Vermont Castings Encore Defiant 2140 catalytic woodstove (with the Warnock Hersey certification plate on the back) because my VC Intrepid II is really showing its age.

Does anyone know of any inherent problems with the VC Encore Defiant 2140, or any reason I should take a pass on it? Looks like it was manufactured around 1990 or 1991.

The seller claims he's getting rid of it because he's replacing it with a different heating source.

For whatever it might be worth, the service manual is at:

http://www.increa.com/reverse/defiant-encore-stove-catalytic-replacement/Serv_Encore_0028_2140.pdf

and the owner's manual is at:

https://rs6.eporia.com/company_41/Manual_2140DefientEncore.pdf

Thanks in advance for any info.

begreen · Dec 30, 2011

This can be a decent heater and it's a very attractive stove. But given its age you will want to very carefully inspect the stove first. It is very likely due for a rebuild. In particular examine the interior of the firebox for cracks, warping and/or general degradation. Pay particular attention to the fireback, the cat and refractory around the cat. And look over general operation to be sure that the bypass is working correctly as well as the thermostatic air control.

Parts are expensive for this stove, so base the final price on condition and if it needs a rebuild. That is, the final cost of repair + your willingness to do the work. Hearth member BrowningBar should be a lot of help here. He has done the work on this model and had some good posts detailing the costs. If the price is right and the stove has not been abused, it could be a nice heater.

DoubleClutch · Jan 4, 2012

Thank you for your reply, BeGreen. I appreciate your help.

Excavator · Jan 4, 2012

I have a old 1988 VC Defiant Encore 0028 and use it all winter. I bought it new in 1988 and am still happy with it. I have replaced the cat every 3 years on average and I had replaced the refractory and lower fireback and many gaskets over years. I have no reason to upgrade the old encore because it works great. Yes, they need TLC but all stoves do. A few years ago I installed a 8 inch double wall SS liner and insulation and what a better job it does. Mine is setting on fireplace hearth and never could figure out how to get 8 inch liner past the damper and fire brick ledge. After talking to several pro installers, they convinced me that they just remove damper and chip away any fire brick blocking the path of 8 inch pipe. I did it myself and installed liner and works great. I fabbed up my own block off plate with fireboard from Lowes. I used toggle bolts and a few strips of metal to catch the damper frame

defiant3 · Jan 4, 2012

These guys are maintainence hogs, or can be. There's alot of stuff that wears out in there that's expensive to replace. If you plan on running it full time, you may find it pricey to take care of.

Best if you're in the 1-2 cord per year catagory. They are much easier on the wallet that way.

Good luck. Maybe there's an old Resolute lying around? Much more rugged heater.

Excavator · Jan 4, 2012

greenteam said:
you do know VC made a 6" optional stove collar with one limitation if you user the 6" collar you can't use the open burn screen option. that would have saved you a lot of angst and work

The damper was too narrow for 6 inch and the angle was all wrong for straight run and running a cleaning brush through. I would have to done the work either way for my setup and it was just my labor so no problem

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VC Defiant Encore 2140 - Any Problems?

DoubleClutch

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begreen

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DoubleClutch

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Excavator

Feeling the Heat

defiant3

Minister of Fire

Excavator

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