Creosote leaking from chimney cap

[rjm967]

I’ve been troubleshooting a sluggish new Hearthstone Craftsbury. When inspecting the chimney outside, I discovered a splattering of creosote across the snow that has been at the base of the chimney for the past five days. Video linked below. This is after burning continuously 24/7 throughout that time, with nights closed down for slow burn and presumably producing creosote (and temps hovering around 0F). Is this concerning? Indicative of issues that might help me understand why I can’t get the stove beyond what seems like “child-proof” temperatures?

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[rjm967]

This is the related troubleshooting thread.
Post in thread 'Hearthstone Craftsbury Geeks?'
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/hearthstone-craftsbury-geeks.208193/post-2791122

 

[bigealta]

I think you will find your firewood is not nearly as good as you think it is. It's gonna need more time to season and dry out.
I know no one wants to think or hear that but 95% of the time that is the case.

 

[rjm967]

Well now, we did the thing you or somebody else suggested: brought in some "dry" splits, let them warm up inside, then split them again and tested, and what was metering 12-13% was now revealed to be 30%! A lot of it is checking out dry all the way through, but this is showing me that it's not all as dry as I thought, and this must be part of the issue. I also took the stove apart today and discovered multiple small things wrong inside, so hopefully all of this added up will make for a big improvement once corrected.

So just to be sure: this leakage of creosote is not something to worry about in a big way? Like, I can still try to light up again and keep tinkering?

 

[bigealta]

I don't know the answer to that creosote question.

 

[bigealta]

Glad you figured out the wet wood problem.
Most people just say yeah i know my wood is good and keep blaming their stove.

 

[Murray01]

Visual inspection of the chimney would give you a better idea of creosote buildup.

 

[bigealta]

Visual inspection of the chimney would give you a better idea of creosote buildup.

Yes i would take that cap off the bottom of the chimney and shine a bright light up there and see what's up.

 

[begreen]

If there is a screen on the chimney cap, there's a good chance it is plugging up.