Expert help despiratly needed: Why can't I solve the creosote problem?

Well it got below zero last night, so it sure would be nice to have the stove! There is no delivery date for the refractory package. "It could be 5 weeks, it could be spring." I called every dealer in the area and nobody has one in stock. They don't stock parts, but order them as needed.

I was able to get one ordered yesterday. Almost thought they had one it stock, but alas it was the wrong part number. It looks like I should have it in around two weeks, which isn't too bad. I'll clean out the stove tonight and do the light test to see how bad things are. I suspect the stove is in pretty good condition. When I replace this part, should I go in through the back? Theat seems to be the most direct route.

Anybody know of a higher quality stove gasket? I need one that will live on the feed door. The last one only lasted a couple of months so I might as well replace it while the stove is apart.

I also want to install that cat thermometer. I checked and there is no plug which could be removed so the stove will need to be drilled. This will be a bit tricky because the door swings right through the space. Athough the digital reader is nice, I will be going with the old analog model. Should I use a brass 1/8" NPT to compression fitting with a brass compression ring to hold themometer in place?

Got up on the roof yesterday. The chimney doesn't look too bad. Much better than down by the stove. The creosote wasn't all that well adhered, so we are going to sweep it and then spray this magical release agent. I'll also burn a couple of those anti creosote logs too get things good and clean. Regarding the insulation. We pried the flashing up and I didn't see it. The service guy had a better angle than I did and he said it stopped around a foot below the top of flue.

That would be really awsome! My part is coming into Grass Roots Energy in Wauconda, Illinois.

Having rebuilt some stoves, is there a particular cement I should use to reseal the stove after disassembly? Or can I just use the hardware store goo?

Well, I'm still waiting on that refractory assembly. VC says they have the part in stock but it never arrives. They won't talk to me because I'm not a dealer. Dealer doesn't know when it'll come in. Seems like the first dealerthat I spoke to and said, "Maybe 5 weeks, maybe spring" wasn't BS'ing me. We were looking to buy another stove for the cabin we are about to build and it definetly won't be a Vermont Casting.

PO'ed and Cold in Wisconsin.