Advice needed on BK thermometer

I ordered a new condor theremo for my BK princess insert, I figured since I cant burn til my new cat comes in Ill do some maintenance. The original thermo is a bear to get in an out through the grill so I wanted one with a smaller face so I could get it out to clean it now and then. The original has a 2 inch face and 2 inch stem, the new one has an 1 1/2 inch face and a 2 1/2 inch stem, I could cut it if I have to but it seems to me it doesnt matter what the length is because it just rests against the cat, anyone know?

heres the new one




I also found out my door was pretty loose, it didnt pass the dollar bill test so I adjusted it, who knows how long I was burning like that, now its adjusted all the way so I hope it stays where it is for a while, the gasket is in good shape so no need to replace.

I think if I got a thinner nut, like a jam nut I could gain another 1/8 inch or so on the door adjustment if I need to but Ill worry about that later.

The cat should be here tomorrow, cant wait to get burning again with the adjustments. I ordered a new cat last week and it was in on my door step tuesday, I was excited so I took the old cat out and it crumbled as it came out so no way I can use it anymore, I open the new one and its the wrong size, the company had it listed wrong on their website so I has to exchange it for the correct size.

fdegree said:

Yes, I'm fairly certain it can be cut to your needed length. Here is a thread where cmonSTART mentioned he cut his:
Catalytic thermometer died already.
But, I doubt it is necessary as long as the entire stem is inside.

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I read that thread but I wasnt sure if my model is different. Im pretty sure I can leave it the way it is the more I look at it, its just a matter of being able to get it in and out without a problem and with the smaller face its no problem. I also wanted to know what the temp is so I got one with numbers, maybe I can extend the life of the new cat.
I hope the new cat slides in easily, I know ecovalieur had trouble with his new cat but he got his from a different seller, I got the one already wrapped in gasket, hopefully by this time tomorrow Im warm again.

northroadak said:

The grille on my Princess insert lifts right off, making it easy to pull the thermometer for cleaning., or to put a small kettle on top of the stove.

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My friend who helped me with the install put the grill on, I thought it was screwed or bolted on, I havent really looked at it, is there a screw or two to take it off? I wanted a thermo with numbers anyway but wouldnt mind putting a kettle on for moisture.
Have you ever replaced your cat? Im doing mine this week, hope it goes smooth.