Vermont Castings Intrepid Catalyst Questions

[afptl]

The Vermont Castings Intrepid stove we have is working much better since we sealed up the place in the back with furnace cement. It is actually a different stove! So I have been going over the manual, trying to make sure all is good with the stove. Just want to get the Learning Curve over with!!

So I took the catalytic converter out to vacuum it and just see what it looked like. I took a picture of it. It said Corning Long life 160 2521 on the side. Is this what it is supposed to look like? I noticed a slight bump/bulge in the middle of the metal frame of it. I am assuming from heat. Does this mean it is worn out? I have no idea how old this is, or if it is the original or anything.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? When I vacuumed it, I could feel the air moving through it. So I know it is not blocked up or anything.

 

[afptl]

excuse the ash mess in the pictures!! Got it all cleaned up now!

 

[defiant3]

Hi Ann, glad you figured out the problem! That cat. of yours looks good, as the "honeycomb" part is all intact; no cracks, no chips, no missing cells. The metal outside part though has sort of warped out on one side. The whole thing SHOULD have a lovely rectangular shape, yours doesn't quite, but don't freak out yet. The thing is that it'll function the way it is and I would use it, as long as it fits back in there w/o damaging the delicate white refractory material. Reason would have it that since it came out, it should go back in- not always the case. Be gentle when putting it back. Remember that buying a new cat. is painful, but it's easy to put in at least. If you hurt that white box in there, it's a MAJOR hassle to replace that bad boy.So if it seems sketchy, maybe buy a new one. Actually it's cool to have a spare on hand if you can. One day, you'll take it out for routine cleaning and it'll be breaking right up, and if it's mid-season; well, you get the picture. Happy Heating!