Whitfield Tradition T300P-2 : Poor combustion

Hello,
I have been trying to figure out what is wrong with my stove. The stove does not work well, lazy flame and soot. Stove is a Whitfield Tradition. Even a candle can stay on in the stove, proving that air circulation is extremely restricted somehow.

I cleaned the exhaust system of the stove and chimney well, but did not seem to help. Then, I put the magnahelic probe on it to get some draft measurements. I could not read anything (looks like a plugged stove or a combustion blower problem). The air damper was open at 100%. In order to knmwo if the problem was chimney related, I decided to disconnect the chimney from the stove. Then, started-up and shutted down the stove in order to see if the combustion blower was running and pushing some air. I found the combustion blower to work, but it does no air is coming out of it, strange ??

I am thinking that maybe the shaft is broken or the blower is plugged with ash ? Therefore, I need to remove the combustion blower and inspect it, as well as cleaning the pipe sections close to the blower. There is not enough room behind the stove. In fact this is pretty tight in there and I wonder how in world is it possible to change a combustion blower on that stove. Is anyone of you have an idea of how to get a decent access of the heart of the stove (mechanical parts, blower, etc). I tried Yesterday, but there are two screws that I just can't remove to get the blower. Is there any trick to get more clearance ??

Thanks for your advice here,

Yep, did that already....and as you said, had to change the gasket. Still have not enough room to get those two bolts deeper into the stove.

Great idea, thanks for the advice...I will certainly try both options, but will got to the store and get some gaskets firts.

Again, thank you, I appreciate.

Ok thank you guys. Will try to get that combustion blower ut now.

Hummm, interesting....will maybe there is a way to open from the side on the Tradition. I tried again from the back and there is no way I can remove that blower from there. There is certainly a trick that allow a good access to the interior.