How dirty is my liner?

[newburner]

During some stove downtime today, I removed the baffles to get a peek up my liner. Here is the pic I took. Being a first year burner, I haven't a clue what the liner should look like after 3 months of burning.

The buildup is more than I expected but, it is only a thin layer of powdery material. It easily comes off on my finger when I touch it.

I plan on sweeping the liner this weekend but I wanted to get some thoughts about this amount of buildup after 3 months of burning. Normal or not?

 

[weatherguy]

I have a hard time telling from pictures but you'll get a better idea once you sweep and take a look at the size/makeup of the pile.

 

[Dix]

Not horrible.

I am assuming first year burner with less than optimum fire wood?

Not bad. Continue on your plan, and check it & sweep as you can.

We're getting hit with a cold spell, good idea to sweep it this weekend.

 

[mark cline]

What does it look like at the cap?

 

[newburner]

Yes, most of my wood is seasoned properly but I have noticed a few that go in start to sizzle. Probably 1 out of every 20 splits. I supplement "sizzle wood" with bio bricks.

The cap looks similar. Maybe a bit more flaking.

 

[rdust]

Bottom looks fine you can still see the ridges in the liner. The top will tell the story the bottom usually stays pretty clean with an EPA stove.

 

[NJ_Burner08002]

I haven't checked mine yet. How did you remove your baffles?

 

[newburner]

NJ, I don't know if there is an "official" way to do it but I just lifted them up then turned them so they would fit down through the tubes. Took me a minute to get them out the first time but after I did it once, its pretty easy.

 

[mark cline]

If that is all you have after 3 months , then with a bit drier wood you should have no problem , this winter . Just check and sweep when necessary and your good .

 

[KindredSpiritzz]

doesnt look bad at all to me. I wouldnt even bother cleaning that little bit.

 

[Phoenix Hatchling]

Check the top of the stack for the real picture.

 

[newburner]

Thanks guys. I'll post a pic of the top a bit later. I don't figure it'll hurt to go ahead and sweep. At the very least, I'll gain a little experience.

 

[Hogwildz]

Looks fine on the bottom. Nothing alarming

 

[NJ_Burner08002]

NJ, I don't know if there is an "official" way to do it but I just lifted them up then turned them so they would fit down through the tubes. Took me a minute to get them out the first time but after I did it once, its pretty easy.

Thanks for the info. Since we have the same insert. You will be getting more questions from me. Lol

 

[newburner]

Well I'm no expert that's for sure. I'm learning as I go but I'll be happy to share notes with you whenever I can.