Inspecting a used insert.

[k3c4forlife]

I have put a few posts up for buying a Regency I2400 Insert in the coming weeks. The coming weeks have come and I am going to take a look at the insert on Sunday. I was told that the insert is in really good condition, practically new. I want to make sure. What should I be looking for when I am there? How do I know the stove is still air tight and efficient? What tools should I bring to do the inspection?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[hilly]

Here's what I would check for:
1. any visible cracks (obvious I guess)
2. the burn tubes at the top of the firebox are in good shape
3. the baffle above the burn tubes is intact

I would remove the fire-brick and have a good look at the welds on the inside. The fire brick is a pumice like material, so it's possible they aren't in good shape, even thought the stove is fine. The bricks are reasonably cheap from the dealer.

 

[k3c4forlife]

Coming from someone else with the same insert, Ill definitely take your advice.

Rapid fire questions:

How do you like the insert?
Do you have the blower?
And does it heat your house efficiently?
What size house?

 

[fredarm]

Bring a good flashlight.

 

[k3c4forlife]

Ya, that was already on the list...

What exactly do air tubes do?

 

[k3c4forlife]

Ya, that was already on the list...

What exactly do air tubes do? My current stove only has the baffle.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

air tubes provide secondary air (derriere huh huh) to burn gases/smoke and make the stove efficient.

Inserts have a space at top where the air exits. Look in with a flashlight and check for warpage or stove pipe leaks. Putting the light in the stove- you will see cracks if there are any developing in the exit flue there. I suggest this because mine is developing some. I suspect that I overfired the snot out of it.

 

[tickbitty]

If I recall this is offered to you at an awesome price like $500, isn't it? Naturally you want to be sure it's not majorly warped or whatever but at that price smaller flaws or replacement parts can be considered right? I guess if you were majorly warped or something that would be a no-go though regardless. But I am sure that would probably be pretty obvious! Good luck, you are a lucky one to be getting this nice deal if it works out!

 

[k3c4forlife]

Ya, the deal is for $500... might be a little ballsy and offer $400 when I get there. The worst thing that can happen is he says no and I pay the $500. There is a Regency I3100 for sale in South Jersey for $650. Bigger stove, longer burn time, but it has several cracked bricks. I don't know if I need anything that big, just a 1400 sq ft single floor ranch... I just want to make sure I have a good general idea of what I am looking for. I want to go in as educated as possible. I never dive into anything like this half-assed.

 

[tickbitty]

You're a smart man! Good luck

 

[k3c4forlife]

Last night before falling asleep I was thinking about the inspection on Sunday. Would it be a good idea to throw a piece of newspaper in there, light it, and then throw a piece of wet newspaper on top and close everything down. I think it would help me detect if there were any big problems with the insert (cracks, broken welds, etc).

Just a though.