Disabling BKK auto bypass

I've recently purchased an older BKK KEJ-1101. It has been all that I've hoped for so far. A big upgrade from the 8 hr burns I was having prior to this stove.

It's great except for one thing. This stove was designed to automatically close the bypass when the door is closed. Essentially, I can't open the bypass with the door closed and I've really found it to be obnoxious so far. When starting up a load, I have to keep the door open for longer than desired to get the cat temp up and the moisture/crap burned off. I'd like to close the door with the bypass still open.

Has anyone ever modified one of these stoves to disable this "idiot proof" function? I'm thinking about just hacking off the button that the door pushes against with a cut-off wheel. Ideally I would disconnect the linkage where it connects to the bypass, but I recall that being fairly difficult to get to.

Anyone see a flaw in my plan?

That's a good idea. I'll do that tomorrow.

I just called. They said to hack that baby off.

"Yep, just cut her off." She says.

I'll be doing just that.