1970s Vermont castings vigilant

[Chrisco]

I have a 1970s Vermont castings vigilant. It’s been one of the true loves of my life. Even before I knew how to run it properly LOL. Anyway as pictured there is an open seam and a crack inside the firebox. Not on the outside containe it’s been one of the true loves of my life. Even before I knew how to run it properly LOL. Anyway as pictured there is an open seam and a crack inside the firebox. Not on the outside containment vessel. Anyone have any ideas whether I should just let it be? When I light it up it seems right on the outside. Thank you in advance.

 

[peakbagger]

Its not dangerous to run, its just far less efficient as the gases are shortcutting the extended heating surface.

 

[Chrisco]

Thank you kindly for your reply. Is there a way for me too. Does it make sense for me to seal the pictured open seam with gasket rope?

 

[peakbagger]

Not really, you may still be able to buy the parts and rebuild it. It probably needs resealing. Given the age, it gets to the point where the parts start to add up to the price of finding a good used one. They were great very efficient stoves when they first were sold but the new EPA stoves are more efficient (although I expect it would be hard to beat the longevity.