Maybe this has been brought up before, but I learned something new this year and thought it was worth sharing. I am starting my 4th season with a pacific insert and noticed, starting last year, a progressively hard time regulating the air flow. I would notice the flames were "livelier" than previous seasons with the control lever fully closed. I replaced the door gasket and double checked the gasket for proper sealing using the dollar bill trick. Everything seemed ok. After reading about these units and cracks people are experiencing, I looked at mine. I did found both front upper corner welds of the firebox cracked. I went to my dealer and explained what was happening. They were quick to say "overfiring" which I expected. After talking further with them, I finally found the reason for the overfiring condition.
There is a rectangular gasket at the backside of the baffle plate that had disappeared after the baffle was removed and installed for regular chimney cleanings. I was having this done by a professional chimney cleaner and never new about this gasket. After replacing the gasket, I immediately noticed a different reacting fire that could be controlled with the damper lever once again.
I also bought an infared thermometer to confirm proper temperatures using the dealer recommended location (left front of stove above the door opening). I am now running 525- 570 peak temps when checked. The dealer said running up to 600 degrees in this area is fine.
As far as the cracks are concerned, pictures were forwarded to Pacific Energy and they have offer reimbursement cost of repairs.
Yes, I still am very happy with my PE insert.
There is a rectangular gasket at the backside of the baffle plate that had disappeared after the baffle was removed and installed for regular chimney cleanings. I was having this done by a professional chimney cleaner and never new about this gasket. After replacing the gasket, I immediately noticed a different reacting fire that could be controlled with the damper lever once again.
I also bought an infared thermometer to confirm proper temperatures using the dealer recommended location (left front of stove above the door opening). I am now running 525- 570 peak temps when checked. The dealer said running up to 600 degrees in this area is fine.
As far as the cracks are concerned, pictures were forwarded to Pacific Energy and they have offer reimbursement cost of repairs.
Yes, I still am very happy with my PE insert.
