Stove leak test

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

My Oslo heats my home

Minister of Fire
Sep 20, 2010
1,584
South Shore, MA
My 2007 Oslo has had declining burn times over the last two years. I have gone through a list of possible reasons to include; gaskets, gasket cement, cracks in the cast and anything to do with the ash pan door. All of this is in good shape, I even went one step further and changed out all the door gaskets anyways just for peace of mind.

So now that I'm in the offseason I want to take an even closer look at the not so typical. My idea is to leak test the stove, I have a couple of ways I'd like to try but would like some input.

First idea was to seal the stove, as if it was burning a load, and place a shop vac hose into the flue exit at the rear of the stove and create a vacuum to test from the outside with a bic lighter or incense stick checking the entire stove to air leaks.
My other idea was to seal up the entire stove tight and burn a few incense sticks in the firebox and use a flashlight in a dark room to see where any of the smoke may come from as an air leak. Not so sure this one will work as well.
 
I have smoke bombed several stoves to check for leaks. It will tell you alot. Just make sure to watch very closely, Smoke has a sneaky way of finding its way out main air inlet and following seams in the stove. Giving the appearance of a leak.
 
I have smoke bombed several stoves to check for leaks. It will tell you alot. Just make sure to watch very closely, Smoke has a sneaky way of finding its way out main air inlet and following seams in the stove. Giving the appearance of a leak.
I like this idea, I think if I seal the main air I will be ok. Part of what i think is wrong is the air intake, this may shed some light on the fast burns.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.