PE Pacific Insert Door Handle, Again .. Affecting Heat Loss

Last year, the handle on the PE got a little wobbly. Got a new one from The Chimney Sweep lickety split. I couldn't get the pin off of the old handle, so I took the door off, grabbed my priority mail package, and, as any cow girl would, headed to the barn for help.

The handle was cut off, and the new one installed, with out playing with the washers for a snug fit.

FF to last week, and I notice I've got a wobbly handle again. Also notice the fires burning out quicker, going thru more firewood, house not as warm as it should be , etc.

New handle arrived from Tom in 2 days ( got to speak with the man, himself. Always a pleasure ) ). I've been struggling during this cold snap to keep the place semi warm, while playing with the handle (if ya do it just right, you'll get that "thunk", and your good to go , if not, it's not a lot of fun).

Shooting for Sunday to do the handle replacement, it should be 40F - 45F out side.

Quite a learning experience, to say the least.

Hogwildz said:

Check the door gasket , and sounds like the adjustment for the latch is too tight. The doors are cast, and wear faster than the steel handle & washers. If kept adjusted too tight, the cast wears rather fast, then loose handle syndrome. Your short burn times are prolly cause the handle it loose now causing a bad seal, more air, faster burn.

Click to expand...

My thinking exactly.

Gasket was replaced in October.

Hogwildz said:

Add a washer or two on the outside. That is where mine wore.

Click to expand...

Yep, it's wobbling on the outside, not the inside.

Excessive coaling, as well. Burning down a load ( no pine, damn it !! ), now to get it ready for a heat boost before night fall.

jatoxico said:

If the handle gets wobbly can air also get in between the rod passing through the hole in the door?

Click to expand...

Not really. Its the door not closing correctly. The hole in the door is on the outer part, not the fire box. If the door isn't closed tight, you have more air coming through the front, as well as the boost baffle.

I have to play with it, to get the "thunk" sound of the door clicking in.

*Blowing through firewood to keep the house @ 68F .... Dix not happy*

Wobbly ... and a huge coal bed to contend with.

Tomorrow should get it fixed.

All righty !!

It took some time & a dremel, but mission accomplished.



Door less PE.



Triage



Cleaned the boost baffle & the door glass while I was at it.



Upside down stove, still works )



"My stove is not working, I am not happy"

Cut the pin holding the floppy handle. Took some time.

Playing with the washers was fun, too

Murphy's world is right, again

jatoxico said:

Good job Dix, I'm coming to you when my handle starts floppin' around. I think that's the first time I've seen your setup. Looks good and I like your helper.

Click to expand...

Thanks, J !! My helper is awesome .

That's one set up, the 13 is in another location in the house.

Sprinter said:

Anybody know if this problem is translatable to the PE Super series? Just want to know if this is something I should start watching out for on my 27.

Click to expand...

I would think, if your handle is similar, than, yes. The instructions are "one size fits all".

It's the same firebox / technology.

PapaDave said:

Murphs is one smart puppy.

Click to expand...

Yeah, Uncle Dave, he's to Smart. I think that's why he was so cute as a puppy.

So you didn't kill him



Smooth Haired Fox Terrier.