Need advice - surprises behind refractory package VC WWl

[saichele]

I just finished disassembling my VC WWL, c.2004. Started as a cat replacement, then the refractory started crumbling, so I've got the whole inside apart.

When removing the old refractory package, I discovered what appears to be a temp prove - but as far as I knew I don't have a temp probe. Question 1 - is this some unused feature, or is this something internal that controls an air flap or something? My concern is with trying to work the new refractory in over it without tearing anything up.

Also, below that, I discovered an intentional trapezoidal opening in the casting, maybe 4 inches wide by about 3/8 in tall. seems to go through the cast and expose the outer galvanized skin of the unit. Normally that would be blocked by the base of the refractory, but it seems weird to leave this opening when it would have been as easy (or easier) to just make it continuous. Question 2 - any idea what this gap in the casting is about?

Thanks
Steve

 

[pen]

Sharing some pics of what you are looking at might be helpful.

Good luck.

 

[saichele]

fair enough. Sorry for the lag. And unfortunately the photo is upside down - can't seem to figure out how to rotate it.

the probe is above the gap in the casting, below where the cat would be in the refractory.

 

[mo381]

The probe is your secondary air probe. If you take off the cover from the back you can see the coiled spring that opens it. You have to pull the stove to replace it from the back. The probe is around $40