Blaze King Princess Ultra Bypass Gasket

webby3650 said:

Does the manual need tell you to use common sense too?

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Yes, it does, over and over. Take a look sometime. I would expect my chimney sweep to know these things so as to prevent unnecessary procedures at my expense.

Highbeam said:

Still looking for an answer to the question for my benefit next time I sweep the BK and for anyone else reading this. I have found flue removal to not be necessary for a proper cleaning of the princess. Many folks can not or do not want to remove the flue each time they sweep, think about the sooteater folks and the insert owners.

Some folks, not just webby, have made the statement that the flue must be removed or there will be some sort of consequence. This matters, this is not a time to be flakey or wishy washy. Can you or can't you have a fully functional stove without removing the flue with each sweeping? Is this just a personal preference?

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It is not just personal preference. Its a necessary step to properly cleaning most systems. You apparently don't need too, that's awesome

I just cleaned a BK king in the spring that was smoking real bad. His regular sweep never pulls the pipe up and the back of the cat was completely clogged with piled up fly ash and creosote. This is common, not only is debris being pulled through the cat all winter, but creosote will continually fall through out the summer months. This falls on the bypass, when the bypass is opened its flipped up behind the cat.
It's just a poor practice not to pull the pipe up and inspect this area when the system is being cleaned. If the pipe is that difficult to pull up for cleaning then it should be reworked so its user friendly. Maybe call a pro!

begreen said:

Tain't black and white. As already stated it would depend on the flue and how the stove is fueled and run. If we're talking about going by the book, BK in the manual recommends checking the flue twice a month. Do you do this?

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Actually on page 24 the manual says to inspect the flue for accumulation once every two months, not twice a month. I do inspect my flue, just not as often as the manual suggests.

I think we're more in the 3000 mile oil change interval realm of myths here. Some guy that does this for profit will always want to stick to 3000 mile intervals whether or not that is necessary. Some guys will always want to remove your flue even when it is not necessary just to stick you for the bill.

From what I've read and experienced, you can clean everything without removing the flue. If you neglect to do the cleaning, by any method, then I can see how it is possible to eventually plug up the back of the cat. There's more than one way to skin this cat.

My flue comes apart just fine. The slip slips, and I had no problem finding all of my screw holes for reassembly. It's not about that. It's about the silly idea that you must tear your chimney down every time you sweep your chimney. It's just not required when you can access everything from below and it is not honest to try and con people into thinking that it is required.

Ya, this site is full of con artists that are honestly trying to help others for free.
To the OP, (whom I'm afraid was ran off awhile ago) if you have any questions about your Blaze King, PM me I'll be glad to help you. But this thread has unfortunately turned useless.

I wouldn't say this thread is useless. I'm interested in the BK princess so this is definitely useful information. If it requires pulling the flue twice a month during heating season, it's no longer an option. However if I'm paying someone to clean it, I want it cleaned thoroughly and would expect the flue pulled to access that area.

termv said:

I wouldn't say this thread is useless. I'm interested in the BK princess so this is definitely useful information. If it requires pulling the flue twice a month during heating season, it's no longer an option. However if I'm paying someone to clean it, I want it cleaned thoroughly and would expect the flue pulled to access that area.

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I will only need pulled once annually. In some instances it will not need pulled, but you won't know till you do. In most instances it's required, so expect a reputable sweep to slip the pipe up and clean the area behind the cat.

webby3650 said:

I will only need pulled once annually. In some instances it will not need pulled, but you won't know till you do. In most instances it's required, so expect a reputable sweep to slip the pipe up and clean the area behind the cat.

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What about inserts do you con them into that required service as well? Pull the whole stove out? Sometimes free advice is worth what you pay for it.