Dutchwest 2460 Cat - Doesn't seem to be getting hot

[WNY Guy]

I think you guys might be able to help me here. I have the small DW 2640 with the cat. converter. I'm having trouble getting it hot. Every wood stove I've ever lived with radiated heat, except for this one. There is fire inside, it drafts like a champ, and the fire seems to be burning just fine, but it just doesn't throw heat. I can't bring a tea pot to a boil on this one. Do your stoves get hot enough on the top to boil water?

Any thoughts you have are welcomed, I'm tired of being cold.

 

[1ruralmailman]

first how old is the cat? how many cords have went through it?have you taken it out and brushed it off,or blew it out with compressed air?if so,and it still doesnt seem to light off some have had luck boiling them in a vinegar mix to rejuvinate them.if all this fails it may be time for a new one,i have had luck with condor brand from the internet in my earth stove.good luck

 

[begreen]

When was the wood split and stacked?

 

[Woody Stover]

Welcome, WNY Guy. Is the cat lighting off? Do you have a cat probe thermometer? How long has it been since the cat (and the probe) were replaced? In case your cat thermo is shot, you can just look up through the door glass and see the cat glowing pretty shortly after you establish a new load of wood, get the stove up to temp, and close the bypass (the holes in the baffle have to be pretty clean to be able to see it well.) I have a "diesel-foil" steel cat in mine right now. If I had to replace it, I think Woodstock has 6x2" replacement steel cat for one of their older stoves that would fit in the Dw. It might be the newer DuraFoil cat that is supposed to be an upgrade, but my diesel-foil is working well for now, though.
Loaded a split each of Red Oak, White Oak and Black Locust about an hour ago. Stove is definitely putting out heat right now. I could have the stove meter at 650, if I wanted to boil some water...