I have a Vermont Castings Vigilant Wood Burning Stove installed in 1984. Sometimes when running it, the damper sticks. That makes me "manhandle" the damper handle leading to cracking of porcelain and it also pivots up too high. So, in order to reopen the damper so I can add wood, I open the top griddle plate an inch or two and poke the damper with my wrought iron shovel. Sometimes it sticks, sometimes it moves freely. Not being able to see inside the stove (when it's cold) very well, I have no idea why it's hanging up. Any ideas?
Damper Issues on Vigilant Wood Stove
- Thread starter 1630Hemlock
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claydogg84
Minister of Fire
Could you take some pictures of the inside of the stove? It's possible there is some warping of the stove which is causing the issue.
DavidK
New Member
Man - I really miss my Vigilant ..... switched to pellets about 10 years back. I had that thing to a science! I could get the base to have a soft red glow .....
claydogg84
Minister of Fire
If there are in fact panels warped, they would need to be replaced. A stove of this age is due to either be replaced, or rebuilt completely. I really enjoyed running my Vermont Castings Defiant, but was also very happy with its newer, more efficient replacement. Look closely inside the stove for any cracks or signs of warped panels.
In fact it's likely to be just the fireback that's warped. The damper sits om top of the fireback and so its movement will become impinged by the irregular expansion of the fireback. IF the stove was new in 1984 then it should be a Vig, 2 which has a 2 piece fireback, replaceable without complete disassembly. At its age it would certainly benefit from a rebuild, but you have the option. Fireback replacement instructions should be in this forum somewhere.
they are not hard to rebuild. it's just a messy job. as long as you don't mind getting your hands dirty it's easy. and a positive to a total rebuild is you get to really know your stove and how it works.
all the old vermont castings stuff is here
https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/vermont-castings-older-stove-models/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/vermont-castings-older-stove-models/
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