Replacing my DutchWest Model 2478 - Questions..

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pcs2011

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Apr 11, 2011
29
SC
Hi - Last year I noticed that the baffle (appears to be cast iron) which redirects the flow to "wash" the door glass was deforming and, in fact, starting to fail. I decided to use it one more season and look at it again. After using this winter, I was amazed at the condition of the baffle. Quite a bit was missing..SEE PHOTOS! This is after 5 years of burning seasoned wood (mostly oak).

I was careful to follow the break-in procedures and very rarely got into the 450 to 500 degree temperatures as indicated by my magnetic "HomeSaver stove thermometer attached to the stovepipe.

The DutchWest 2478 is a Non-Catalytic heater rated at MAX heat output of 52,000 Btu/hr. It did a good job of heating our single story 2200 sq.ft home. There are many ceiling fans to help circulate the warm air .

As you might guess, I am now looking for a replacement!!

I am sure after reading through the posts on this great forum, I will be able to pick a suitable replacement.

One question I have before I research this is: Do you think I would be better off buying a steel stove vs a cast iron stove?

Any help and recommendations you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Pete in SC
 

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Isn't there now a stainless steel replacement baffle available? Cheaper than a new stove.
 
Can you just replace the baffle ?? I'm not familiar with this model, I have a cat model and have replaced different parts cheaper than a new stove. Just an option.
 
A lot of parts in both cast iron and steel stoves are replaceable and this is considered normal after a few years. Vermont Castings (same company now that owns DutchWest) has models like the Resolute that have replaceable cast parts in the back of the stove and Lopi and Avalon have replaceable secondary air tubes as 2 examples. Almost any part in a cast stove can be replaced, so I would do that rather than buying a new stove.
 
Thanks for all the replies!!

After reading your posts, I did a more thorough inspection of the distorted pieces (brushed off some of the ash and soot :>) ) and found they are bolted in rather than welded.

I went to the store where I purchased the unit with photos and they will inquire re: replacement parts and cost. I am going to email them the photos and describe what I need. They will forward to manufacturer.

Thanks again for the help....

Pete
 
Try http://www.cozycabinstoveandfireplaceparts.com/ this is a web site that has your stove don't know if it has your part. I would have put this in a link for you but I have know idea how to do that sorry. I must say I'm a bit surprised that your stove dealer doesn't carry parts or doesn't seem to know what part you need, just my opinion. Welcome to the forum.
 
Allright I gotta ask is no one else on here concerned with how that baffle got that way? When I saw the picture my first response was how the ____ does that happen in 4 years? My old Dutchwest was 21 years old and never had a cast part fail from normal use. It just doesn't seem like normal wear and tear to me. It almost looks like you had a runaway stove from an air leak that melted something down. I'm probably wrong but just wanted to throw it out there.
 
scwoodman said:
Thanks for all the replies!!

After reading your posts, I did a more thorough inspection of the distorted pieces (brushed off some of the ash and soot :>) ) and found they are bolted in rather than welded.

I went to the store where I purchased the unit with photos and they will inquire re: replacement parts and cost. I am going to email them the photos and describe what I need. They will forward to manufacturer.

Thanks again for the help....

Pete
Click to expand...

When unbolting the old parts don't be suprised if some of the bolts seem stuck and don't just crank really hard on them as they will break. If you find bolts that are tight just work them back and forth until they start to loosen do this the whole way out with the bolt and you shouldn't have a problem. Trust me I have started cranking on old stove bolts before and then wished I had taken my time when I was drilling and tapping the hole.
 
certified106 said:
Allright I gotta ask is no one else on here concerned with how that baffle got that way? When I saw the picture my first response was how the ____ does that happen in 4 years? My old Dutchwest was 21 years old and never had a cast part fail from normal use. It just doesn't seem like normal wear and tear to me. It almost looks like you had a runaway stove from an air leak that melted something down. I'm probably wrong but just wanted to throw it out there.
Click to expand...

Certified-

Pretty ugly huh?
How would an air leak occur?

Thanks for the heads up on the bolt removal......I'll go slow

Pete
 
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