New Progress install, want my fireview back

As much as my initial urge is to buy one of the cheap used fireviews I saw online and hand you $600 for the stove, I will say; just contact Woodstock. You are close enough to drive and the have the 6 month warranty. You'd be crazy not to do that.

Get your $2400 back, purchase a new fireview for $1900 and you have the stove you want with a lot less hassle than working a trade. Seriously.

Greybeard said:

I just dont want to bother them again, or make another long drive.

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Everything I've ever read about them tells me you won't be bothering them. I'm sure they just want satisfied customers! Some stoves fit different environments better than others, this could be the case here or you may just need a little more time with the new stove.

This is the exact reason I never buy a new model of anything, car, stove, anything, due to the fact it takes the first couple years in the real world usage to find and fix the bugs that come with new products with no proven real world usage.

Hogwildz said:

This is the exact reason I never buy a new model of anything, car, stove, anything, due to the fact it takes the first couple years in the real world usage to find and fix the bugs that come with new products with no proven real world usage.

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Yes, some of use voiced these concerns a few months ago. Nothing against the company, but it happens with most new products.

I'm curious about the smoke spillage and the sound. This is the first I have heard of that. The sound probably mimics the noise the Hearthstone makes when it comes up to temp if I were to guess.

Installed mine on 2/1 and it also replaced a fireview. The expansion noises are there in mine too but that really does not bother me. The smoke smell is a problem for me though. I don't get spillage with the door open, but once reloaded and dampered down the odor is there and bothersome. At first I thought it was only with the damper fully closed but last night with a fresh load charred up and air inlet slightly open the smell was there. As I write this I've just reloaded the stove with 4 splits, top is at 325 and I've just closed the bypass, air inlet slightly open. Smell is there and seems to come from the top left side of the stove. I have the left door but the odor seems to come from higher up, from either where the side stone meets the cast frame or where the top stone seals against the gasket.

I believe it has been determined that the smell comes from the door. That's why the smell is on the right side for right side doors and vice versa. It does seem to come from higher up like the rear corner of the top stone. I know many folks have changed the door gasket and I know there have been some good results with that. I haven't changed mine yet. I only get the faintest whiff under certain circumstances so I'm just going the wait until the off season to address it.

My Progress does make some noise coming up to temp, but I don't find it bothersome of louder than other stoves I've had. I've never owned a Fireview.

I don't get any smoke spillage on reload, but I know a couple folks have reported that.

The real question is, did the Fireview heat your house to your satisfaction? Most people who switched did so becuase they needed more heat. If you don't need more heat than the Fireview can provide, maybe it makes sense to stick with a Fireview.

The sounds that you hear are from the metal either expanding or contracting (depending weather the stove is heating up or cooling down). This is from the stresses being relieved in the metal. you will hear similar sounds from the bottom of your car when you shut it off after a longer drive. The various heat shields and metal parts are cooling down and contracting. Those with hot water baseboard heat will hear the same thing as the fins on the baseboard first start to heat up as well as the copper pipes initially expanding from the hot water starting to run thru them. These are the laws of physics and there is nothing you can do to change that (thermal expansion). My Progress had smoky smell issues initially as well. My solution was to replace the door gasket with a MUCH softer and puffy er one that better filled in the door gasket channel-problem solved. I agree on the smoke spillage comments. I'm a little luckier on that because I have an Exhausto fan on my chimney that I set on max setting during reload. I can even open the door with the cat engaged and no spillage.

Smoke spillage problem due to the design of the baffle?

binko said:

My Progress had smoky smell issues initially as well. My solution was to replace the door gasket with a MUCH softer and puffy er one that better filled in the door gasket channel-problem solved. I agree on the smoke spillage comments. I'm a little luckier on that because I have an Exhausto fan on my chimney that I set on max setting during reload. I can even open the door with the cat engaged and no spillage.

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Did WS provide the gasket? They sent me more gasket and cement but the replacement gasket appears identical to what is already there.

oldspark said:

Smoke spillage problem due to the design of the baffle?

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I think there are a few things going on:

1. Exit for the exhaust is a much longer path through the stove compared with the Fireview. The Fireview had it's bypass plate very close to the stove flue collar, so smoke had a straight shot up and out. Progress exhaust has to first pass through the narrow, restrictive Iconel screen located in the front of the stove, then pass under the lid to the back of the stove, out the flue.

2.The primary air wash below the glass is located in front of the Icon screen. Kind of like having your mouth and "you know what" in the same spot. I think the air wash tends to divert the exit gasses.

3. The stove is so efficient, flue temps are very low. There is a heat exchanger at the outlet. This all means less draft.

But the upside is that the stove heats much faster after reaload, since heat has to touch more of the stove before leaving.

fire_man said:

oldspark said:

Smoke spillage problem due to the design of the baffle?

Click to expand...

I think there are a few things going on:

1. Exit for the exhaust is a much longer path through the stove compared with the Fireview. The Fireview had it's bypass plate very close to the stove flue collar, so smoke had a straight shot up and out. Progress exhaust has to first pass through the narrow, restrictive Iconel screen located in the front of the stove, then pass under the lid to the back of the stove, out the flue.

2.The primary air wash below the glass is located in front of the Icon screen. Kind of like having your mouth and "you know what" in the same spot. I think the air wash tends to divert the exit gasses.

3. The stove is so efficient, flue temps are very low. There is a heat exchanger at the outlet. This all means less draft.

But the upside is that the stove heats much faster after reaload, since heat has to touch more of the stove before leaving.

Click to expand...

Do you think removing the screen or replacing it with a larger size would help increase draft and eliminate some of these problems? I wonder if this screen would even be needed with a larger celled ceramic cat?

fire_man said:

oldspark said:

Smoke spillage problem due to the design of the baffle?

Click to expand...

I think there are a few things going on:

1. Exit for the exhaust is a much longer path through the stove compared with the Fireview. The Fireview had it's bypass plate very close to the stove flue collar, so smoke had a straight shot up and out. Progress exhaust has to first pass through the narrow, restrictive Iconel screen located in the front of the stove, then pass under the lid to the back of the stove, out the flue.

2.The primary air wash below the glass is located in front of the Icon screen. Kind of like having your mouth and "you know what" in the same spot. I think the air wash tends to divert the exit gasses.

3. The stove is so efficient, flue temps are very low. There is a heat exchanger at the outlet. This all means less draft.

But the upside is that the stove heats much faster after reaload, since heat has to touch more of the stove before leaving.

Click to expand...

Observations on my stove indicates that there is some leakage of smoke from somewhere between the stove and the heat shield. It only happens under special conditions, which are rare, but comes from high(?) back left (my door is RH). With the draft I have, I usually have to tie myself off to avoid being sucked in when I open the door to reload. With everything closed down tight, including the pipe damper, one can hear whistling noises from the cold stove from all the suction pressure. So, there must be leakage from somewhere, but don't know where and have never been quick enough to grab my light and pounce to see it. Don't think mine is from the top stone/gasket area because that area is so easy to see. Haven't noticed any door leakage, but then, with the blow-torch draft we have, it isn't likely.

Regarding buying first generations--Personally I like to do that (but only with a reputable company like WS) because I learn much more than if I bought a staid and settled product. For me it's just plain durned ol' fun! I love to experiment with different methods and procedures (please suppress your comments!) and work to try to optimize things and work out the details. Keeps me out of other mischief!! But then, that's just me.

Do you think removing the screen or replacing it with a larger size would help increase draft and eliminate some of these problems? I wonder if this screen would even be needed with a larger celled ceramic cat?

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I bet it would, Todd. Personally, I'd be thrilled to get rid of that darn screen.

Todd said:

Do you think removing the screen or replacing it with a larger size would help increase draft and eliminate some of these problems? I wonder if this screen would even be needed with a larger celled ceramic cat?

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Yes, Yes I do. I have not tried it but what you wrote makes sense and I have thought about it. Put back that bullet proof stainless steel screen with a ceramic cat (bigger holes) and life should be good. WS says there is much more surface area on the SS cats, so I don't know how that factors in.

fire_man said:

Todd said:

Do you think removing the screen or replacing it with a larger size would help increase draft and eliminate some of these problems? I wonder if this screen would even be needed with a larger celled ceramic cat?

Click to expand...

Yes, Yes I do. I have not tried it but what you wrote makes sense and I have thought about it. Put back that bullet proof stainless steel screen with a ceramic cat (bigger holes) and life should be good. WS says there is much more surface area on the SS cats, so I don't know how that factors in.

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So, are we takin' 'em out as a test group? What can it hurt? If the cat isn't workin' like it should, what difference does the "more surface area" make? Just musing!!

Greybeard said:

Well the other part of the story is...my fireview stone cracked and they said I could exchange it for a progress plus $600. So I drove there and exchanged stove and $ three weeks ago. I just dont want to bother them again, or make another long drive. They are such a good company I feel guilty just writing this post, but I can smell smoke right now, and hear it expanding one room away.

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Greybeard, there is no reason to feel guilty about contacting Woodstock. Work with them. Have them solve your problem...and they will. I do understand about the Fireview though as it is still a great stove and we love ours. We still have a Progress on order but have a hold on it for now.

Texas boy said:

fire_man said:

oldspark said:

Smoke spillage problem due to the design of the baffle?

Click to expand...

I think there are a few things going on:

1. Exit for the exhaust is a much longer path through the stove compared with the Fireview. The Fireview had it's bypass plate very close to the stove flue collar, so smoke had a straight shot up and out. Progress exhaust has to first pass through the narrow, restrictive Iconel screen located in the front of the stove, then pass under the lid to the back of the stove, out the flue.

2.The primary air wash below the glass is located in front of the Icon screen. Kind of like having your mouth and "you know what" in the same spot. I think the air wash tends to divert the exit gasses.

3. The stove is so efficient, flue temps are very low. There is a heat exchanger at the outlet. This all means less draft.

But the upside is that the stove heats much faster after reaload, since heat has to touch more of the stove before leaving.

Click to expand...

Observations on my stove indicates that there is some leakage of smoke from somewhere between the stove and the heat shield. It only happens under special conditions, which are rare, but comes from high(?) back left (my door is RH). With the draft I have, I usually have to tie myself off to avoid being sucked in when I open the door to reload. With everything closed down tight, including the pipe damper, one can hear whistling noises from the cold stove from all the suction pressure. So, there must be leakage from somewhere, but don't know where and have never been quick enough to grab my light and pounce to see it. Don't think mine is from the top stone/gasket area because that area is so easy to see. Haven't noticed any door leakage, but then, with the blow-torch draft we have, it isn't likely.

Regarding buying first generations--Personally I like to do that (but only with a reputable company like WS) because I learn much more than if I bought a staid and settled product. For me it's just plain durned ol' fun! I love to experiment with different methods and procedures (please suppress your comments!) and work to try to optimize things and work out the details. Keeps me out of other mischief!! But then, that's just me.

Click to expand...

Terry: I got major smoke spillage one very warm day (47F outside). The stove loading door was wide open, roaring flames while reloading, smoke was exiting from the air intake on the opposite side from the door. Not just puffs, major. It only happened that one time. I think the smoke found a path thru the perforated fireback to the air inlet, since the flue draft was weak.

fire_man said:

Texas boy said:

fire_man said:

oldspark said:

Smoke spillage problem due to the design of the baffle?

Click to expand...

I think there are a few things going on:

1. Exit for the exhaust is a much longer path through the stove compared with the Fireview. The Fireview had it's bypass plate very close to the stove flue collar, so smoke had a straight shot up and out. Progress exhaust has to first pass through the narrow, restrictive Iconel screen located in the front of the stove, then pass under the lid to the back of the stove, out the flue.

2.The primary air wash below the glass is located in front of the Icon screen. Kind of like having your mouth and "you know what" in the same spot. I think the air wash tends to divert the exit gasses.

3. The stove is so efficient, flue temps are very low. There is a heat exchanger at the outlet. This all means less draft.

But the upside is that the stove heats much faster after reaload, since heat has to touch more of the stove before leaving.

Click to expand...

Observations on my stove indicates that there is some leakage of smoke from somewhere between the stove and the heat shield. It only happens under special conditions, which are rare, but comes from high(?) back left (my door is RH). With the draft I have, I usually have to tie myself off to avoid being sucked in when I open the door to reload. With everything closed down tight, including the pipe damper, one can hear whistling noises from the cold stove from all the suction pressure. So, there must be leakage from somewhere, but don't know where and have never been quick enough to grab my light and pounce to see it. Don't think mine is from the top stone/gasket area because that area is so easy to see. Haven't noticed any door leakage, but then, with the blow-torch draft we have, it isn't likely.

Regarding buying first generations--Personally I like to do that (but only with a reputable company like WS) because I learn much more than if I bought a staid and settled product. For me it's just plain durned ol' fun! I love to experiment with different methods and procedures (please suppress your comments!) and work to try to optimize things and work out the details. Keeps me out of other mischief!! But then, that's just me.

Click to expand...

Terry: I got major smoke spillage one very warm day (47F outside). The stove loading door was wide open, roaring flames while reloading, smoke was exiting from the air intake on the opposite side from the door. Not just puffs, major. It only happened that one time. I think the smoke found a path thru the perforated fireback to the air inlet, since the flue draft was weak.

Click to expand...

Tony: That DOES make sense! I did not examine the back of the stove before the heat shield went on, so could not speak intelligently on that point (hard enough to speak intelligently anyway!), but it does seem the right location on that primary inlet. If memory serves, the door was open and we were reloading over a weak bed of coals and there was a good deal of smoke before it caught. Just glimpsed a few puffs out of the corner of my eye against the light of the window. Looked like smoke signals that said, "White man go to big trouble to have fire in lodge!" Chief too slow to see where smoke was from. So, your analysis seems logical.

One problem with removing the screen is that it would seem to promote cat clogging, since the path will be against the slope of the cat. Wondering how the system would react to screen removal with this in mind.

One problem with removing the screen is that it would seem to promote cat clogging, since the path will be against the slope of the cat. Wondering how the system would react to screen removal with this in mind.

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I've strongly considered running without the screen. Yes, the cat will clog up pretty fast, but the cat is so easy to clean. The screen is such a PITA to clean. It is tempting. As far as I know, the only reason the screen is there is to prevent the cat from clogging.