Pacific Energy Pacific Insert Cracks

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Are you using the IR gun to measure the temp of the stove or of face of the meter?
 
Looks like the meter face but it is just below it. It was a major pain to get that close and get the pix! The gun read differently when only .5" away. I even noted the temp of the thermo, moved it then used the gun to get underneath.

I did it again and what you are seeing is the laser reflection on the thermo.
 
Sorry to hear about the insert. My Pacific faced similar cracks and welding did not solve the problem. I would try to seek replacement at the end of the burn season.

If it is overfiring, PE should give advice/instructions on how to avoid this. In my experience, there seemed to be a lack of control with the insert. This possibly has to do with meeting the EPA requirements.

However, if the dealer or PE states that your insert has been overfired, they should investigate the source of the issue. If it is a drafting issue, etc., they should recommend solutions to resolve it. Repairing the welds won't fix the stove, if other issues are causing the insert to overfire.
 
Kinda silly to measure oven temps with a surface meter. You don't try and shove it up your hiney to measure your body temperature do you?

Just kidding, seriously, a joke.

D'oh . . . now you tell me! ;) :)
 
Sorry to hear about the insert. My Pacific faced similar cracks and welding did not solve the problem. I would try to seek replacement at the end of the burn season.

If it is overfiring, PE should give advice/instructions on how to avoid this. In my experience, there seemed to be a lack of control with the insert. This possibly has to do with meeting the EPA requirements.

However, if the dealer or PE states that your insert has been overfired, they should investigate the source of the issue. If it is a drafting issue, etc., they should recommend solutions to resolve it. Repairing the welds won't fix the stove, if other issues are causing the insert to overfire.

I am trying to get quotes to weld the stove. Made some calls today, no quotes yet. I don't want to have to drive the stove all over to have people quote it. When I pulled it, it appears that the primary air inlet is near the front of the stove (approx 3" hole) which can't be fully closed off. Also, there is a 5/8" hole or so near the lower left which is always open. Anyone bend the tab to allow you to close the primary air inlet on stove down more? I would agree that there is some lack of control once things get going though I never really felt out of control. Is there another secondary inlet on the rear bottom portion of the stove? I couldn't really tell.
 
That seems weird that you are the one who has to pull the insert and get the quotes. The insert is not exactly portable; nor is your gas and time included in the repair costs. Did you purchase the stove from a stove dealer?

I am not sure of the internal workings of the primary or secondary inlets. I do have that 5/8" hole that is under the boost manifold.
 
When I pulled it, it appears that the primary air inlet is near the front of the stove (approx 3" hole) which can't be fully closed off.
This is the primary air.

Also, there is a 5/8" hole or so near the lower left which is always open.

Is this hole on the bottom of a shallow steel box? If so, look at it more closely and see if there is a flapper valve inside. You can gently poke your finger up against it. This is the EBT. When the stove is cold that should be closed.

Anyone bend the tab to allow you to close the primary air inlet on stove down more?

Yes, I have bent mine slightly so that I get it perhaps about 1/8" more closed. It still admits some air but a little less. But first confirm the EBT is working correctly. If not, the stove will not be as controllable.

I would agree that there is some lack of control once things get going though I never really felt out of control. Is there another secondary inlet on the rear bottom portion of the stove? I couldn't really tell.

Yes there is a secondary air intake at the back of the stove.
 
Sisu, yes I bought through a local dealer. I could push it all on them but in the interest of getting this resolved ASAP, I guess I am driving the ship.

Begreen, the hole near the front is under a removable steel pan on the bottom front of the stove. With the lever in the "light" position, the hole is partially covered and then remains fully exposed as the air control lever is moved to the right. I will see if I can remember to get a picture tonight for clarification.

Is the secondary covered up with an "L" shaped piece of steel which moves with the primary air lever?
 
Begreen, one other thing, I don't think the Pacific model has the EBT, i think that is only the Summit. Could be wrong.
 
Not sure but I have mostly read about inserts only
 
Only the Summit and T6 have EBT as far as I know.
 
That's correct. The EBT is only on the 3 cu ft stoves and inserts.
 
well, tried contacting PE directly on Friday. Everyone who could help me out was out of the office (of course). So far one welder stated that is isn't worth welding as he believes the material is defective and that welding won't solve the problem. Haven't heard from any others due to the storm I suspect. My dealer is starting to believe that PE should replace the stove.

In the mean time, I am trying to come us with a contingency plan as it is down in the low 30's here and oil is too expensive. I went to HD today to check out the Englander 30NC. It looks like a good deal but is slightly too large for me to put on the hearth and then pipe up through the fireplace. Can the Englander legs be cut down to lower the stove? My hearth is concrete, brick, stove. Also, what are my options for free standing stove that exit out of the back rather than the top?

I looked at the Englander insert but it is more $ than I want to spend if I have to replace this stove out of my pocket. The free standing 13 is too small and too tall.

thanks in advance
 
Use the stove. According to PE the cracks will not affect performance. Might as well stay warm and put that to the test.
 
Use the stove. According to PE the cracks will not affect performance. Might as well stay warm and put that to the test.
The issue is that it is currently uninstalled. I don't want to put it back in just to pull it again if I actually weld this thing up. Worst worst case I could go pick up the new baffle that PE sent and reinstall the whole thing and run it as you suggested. I would have to wait until next season to install a new one or repair this one.

Lesson learned here: inspect / clean in June, not October!
 
The issue is that it is currently uninstalled. I don't want to put it back in just to pull it again if I actually weld this thing up. Worst worst case I could go pick up the new baffle that PE sent and reinstall the whole thing and run it as you suggested. I would have to wait until next season to install a new one or repair this one.

Lesson learned here: inspect / clean in June, not October!

I am in the exact same situation, with my Summit, however, I didnt pull it out, it was all I could do to install it myself, so I dont want to have to pull it unless I absolutly have to. So far, I cant even get a welder to come look at it, after I tell them I have $200 to spend.
 
I am in the exact same situation, with my Summit, however, I didnt pull it out, it was all I could do to install it myself, so I dont want to have to pull it unless I absolutly have to. So far, I cant even get a welder to come look at it, after I tell them I have $200 to spend.

It takes 2 guys to pull the Pacific as well. I can only image with the Summit.

Just tell them you want them to quote the job and determine if it is feasible. Don't tell them how much you have. PE might provide you with more $ depending on how your quotes come back.

Check the inside of the door frame with a mirror, I was surprised what I found. That was the worst of the cracks.[/quote]
 
have these problems manifested themselves in the free standing ones or have they been pretty much confined to the inserts?

cass
 
So far we only have reports from a selection of inserts built around '05-'09 I think.
 
cool...thank you sir, that means my summit bought a couple of years ago should be ok then. course i hardley burned it last year because it was so warm, i used my little upstairs jotul instead.

cass
 
We're warm here this fall so I have only done a few fires. It was 64F yesterday, 54 right now. Our T6 still looks as good as the day it was born. That is except for the ashen look inside.
 
UPDATE!

Well, got the good news today that PE is going to replace my firebox! Hopefully it is in on Friday. Guess what I am doing this weekend!
 
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I will post some pics once it is re installed. I think the new pacific is different than the one I have.