Catalytic combustor for country comfort cc325

[Dancal]

Hi, I just purchased a new home with a Country Comfort cc325 fireplace insert that is 20+ years old. I'm figuring that I need to replace the catalytic combustor, but don't know how to access it. Can anyone help me with instructions on how to replace it?
Thanks.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Hi, I just purchased a new home with a Country Comfort cc325 fireplace insert that is 20+ years old. I'm figuring that I need to replace the catalytic combustor, but don't know how to access it. Can anyone help me with instructions on how to replace it?
Thanks.

Hi,

Congrats on the new home and the new to you insert. Do you have the manual? If not here it is on the hearth.com website: https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/cc_generalinstructions-pdf.121403/

Before you start replacing parts, it's a really good idea to make sure that what you have is safe and sound. If the combustor needs to be replaced then you can get to that. It would need to be removed looked at possible cleaned (several different manners) but you don't want to replace it if it is good. Combustors can be quite expensive.

How about a couple of pics of your setup so we can get you pointed in the right direction. Download that manual and give it a good going over.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Country Comfort Wood Stoves

A popular brand of stoves - made in the 1980's to approx 1996. More info to come - but this tidbit from a member 2011: --------------- Hi, I have a 1985 Country Comfort 815 and have located owner's manuals, its a fine product and its UL listed. it seems there are some optional pieces, such as...

www.hearth.com

Take a look at that link too. The manual is also attached there. May or may not be exactly the correct manual, but if you search the forum you will see there is a reasonable amount of info on the site.

Also, there should be a data plate or sticker on the stove. Here is what it looks like, this is the one of my stove, but yours should look similar

 

[Dancal]

Hi,

Congrats on the new home and the new to you insert. Do you have the manual? If not here it is on the hearth.com website: https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/cc_generalinstructions-pdf.121403/

Before you start replacing parts, it's a really good idea to make sure that what you have is safe and sound. If the combustor needs to be replaced then you can get to that. It would need to be removed looked at possible cleaned (several different manners) but you don't want to replace it if it is good. Combustors can be quite expensive.

How about a couple of pics of your setup so we can get you pointed in the right direction. Download that manual and give it a good going over.

Thanks for the link. Here are a few pics,but probably not much help. I'm trying to determine how to get the catalytic combustor out to inspect, clean or replace. At this point I have to think that it is just worn out!

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

That's a really nice looking insert.

If you could shine a light into the inside and take a pic, or use the flash, we might be able to see what the inside looks like. I can't really tell anything from the other pic.

I bought a couple of these. They are magnetic, rechargeable and pretty helpful. I use mine almost daily. And under $10-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9X19G1

 

[Dancal]

Here is a better pic. I see 4 or 5 screws across the top. I'm guessing these will get me to the catalytic combustor.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Thanks, that's a lot better! (I hate to even say this) the cat combustor is usually found right before where the fireplace vents into the chimney. So, it could be up there? Some current woodstoves you have to remove the stovepipe or the back cover to access the cat easily. Hopefully, that's not the case here. Get some penetrating oil and spray it between the bolt and the metal. If there is any wiggle room, lift up the metal panel and get some on the threads. You want to let the penetrating oil soak in for at least 24 hours before you try to put any muscle to them. Looks like they could be different sizes? Or optical illusion? Unless those are loose, which I doubt, you will have to use care removing them with either a socket set or box end wrenches. I'd vote for the sockets if you have a set.

Looks like bolt on the right is loose or already has some gap