80's Pacific Super Series - Worth Keeping?

[bowlingalone]

Bought our first home two years back and have been using this Super Series more seriously each winter. I can tell it isn't operating at its best. I replaced the glass and door seal last year. I need new firebricks and a new baffle kit as the current baffle is a little warped.

Do you think it's worth it to invest $400 into this older wood stove to keep it going or should I put that money toward a new one? I would budget up to $1500 for a newer stove but would love to spend that money elsewhere to fix other things as our home is from the 1930's.

Thanks in advance

 

[begreen]

The Super series is a real champ. What have you noticed that is not "at it's best"? A little warped baffle may be ok. Tom Oyen (@thechimneysweep ) knows this sweep well. He's a good one to communicate with on this older model.

 

[bowlingalone]

Thanks @begreen, It's slow to start unless I leave the door open. It won't maintain 400-500F unless the damper is fully open, which burns through lodgepole pretty quickly. I think it will perform better with new firebrick (6 are currently cracked) and new ceramic insulation blanket. The baffle is not very warped so I could clean everything and give it a shot for less than $200.

Trying to comfortably heat a 1800 sq ft home with a few baseboard heaters set to low and it is about 70% successful so far.

 

[SpaceBus]

Does it have a blower? How old is your firewood?

 

[begreen]

Could it be the wood? How long has the pine been split, stacked and drying?
Is there a screen on the cap? If so, check it for plugging.

Can you post a good picture or two of the interior of the firebox?

 

[bowlingalone]

Pine is about a year old, split and stacked. No blower on the stove. There is a screen on the cap, so I'll check that out. Here's a couple pics.

 

[begreen]

Looks decent, though it appears to be missing the insulation seals on the sides of the baffle.