Air Tube Removal

[Fivehorizons88]

So I was cleaning out my 1250 Lopi stove and wanted to remove the air tubes to make the cleaning a bit easier. However, I cannot for the life of me get them out. They wont slide over all the way for me to drop them down and remove. I even used vice grips and tapped it with the hammer. The structure of the air tubes look fine. I'm guessing they must have expanded at the ends? Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[DAKSY]

Did you remove the roll pin?

 

[Fivehorizons88]

Did you remove the roll pin?

View attachment 230585

Yup - roll pins are removed

 

[DAKSY]

How long since they were last removed? Might want to spray & soak the mating surfaces with penetrating oil...

 

[Fivehorizons88]

How long since they were last removed? Might want to spray & soak the mating surfaces with penetrating oil...

I removed them about two years ago. I suppose I don't really need to remove them to clean, I just wanted to make it easier on myself. If they look and feel structurally sound, can I just leave them in? I wasn't sure if it was cause for concern.

 

[DAKSY]

Unless you think the inner passages are blocked & the secondary burn action is compromised, they should be ok...

 

[webby3650]

There’s no reason to remove the tubes unless they need replaced.

 

[Fivehorizons88]

There’s no reason to remove the tubes unless they need replaced.

and I'm guessing they only need to be replaced if they are severely eroded or damaged?

 

[DAKSY]

Yeah. They start to get warped & sag after a number of years because of the severe environment in the firebox...