FPX 36 ELITE Catalytic Combustor

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Taylor5Ray

New Member
Aug 15, 2015
2
Ayer MA
I've had this fireplace for almost 6 years now, and have gone through three catalytic combustors already. The warranty is finished. I'd appreciate some feedback.

1) Where can I find a reasonably priced catalytic combustor?

2) Is steel worth the extra $?

3) Why are these falling apart on me?

Please help!

Thanks!

Ray
 
Welcome to the forum!

I know from BlazeKing's research that at least for their stoves leaky door gaskets are the #1 reason for failing cats. Have you done the dollar bill test recently? Hold a dollar bill between door and doorframe. Close the door and pull on the bill. It should offer strong resistance without being torn apart before coming out. If it slips out easily you may need to change your gaskets.

Are you always opening the bypass before opening the door?

What kind of wood are you burning? And do you have a probe thermometer to measure the cat temps?
 
Grisu said:
Welcome to the forum!

I know from BlazeKing's research that at least for their stoves leaky door gaskets are the #1 reason for failing cats. Have you done the dollar bill test recently? Hold a dollar bill between door and doorframe. Close the door and pull on the bill. It should offer strong resistance without being torn apart before coming out. If it slips out easily you may need to change your gaskets.

Are you always opening the bypass before opening the door?

What kind of wood are you burning? And do you have a probe thermometer to measure the cat temps?
Click to expand...

I replaced the gasket about a year after I first got the fireplace and haven't had to replace it since. I think I used much more adhesive than what was probably used initially. I've never done "the dollar test" but don't believe it's loose. I'll check, though.

I'm burning hardwoods and sometimes a little pine but only to get rid of some pine boards laying around. And I always open the bypass when I open the door. If you don't, smoke comes inside.
 
How does the cat look when it is damaged? If the cat is crumbling it sounds like thermal shock. Not sure if this is the case but flame impingement on the cat can damage it. Putting snow covered or damp wood on a hot fire can also fracture the cat. Last would be too aggressive cleaning. If the cat looks good but it no longer works it may be getting poisoned by contaminants. Maybe try a steel cat if they make a replacement in the correct size for the 36?

http://www.woodstovecombustors.com/
 
Last edited:
Let me take a guess. I bet you have a single door rather than the double doors?
I've seen several single door models with warped doors that let unregulated air pour in the fireplace.
 
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