Dutchwest FA455 damper problem

[Matthew]

I've got the above stove and I looked under the top cover yesterday and it looks like there is supposed to be a round shaped damper which goes over the catalytic combustor when the bypass gate is opened I say this because there is a hook and hinge system under the front cover and I don't see any other way the catalytic combustor can be turned on/off.

The only other idea I can come up with is that the hinge and hook system might be for a conversion part used to burn coal in the stove, but wood was last burned in the stove as far as I can tell.

So.... does anybody there know what I'm talking about (or if I even know what I'm talking about)? I would like to fire this thing up soon, but don't want to do it until I'm pretty sure it is in proper operation condition.

The second question I have is, even without the part there, won't the catalytic combustor eventually reach temperature and start to work anyway?

Sorry one last question, how do I check this catalytic cumbustor to see if it is still in useable condition?

OK that's it for now, thanks for being patient with a NOOB!

 

[webbie]

That is a pre-1990 model and without looking inside it, it's tough to see exactly how it works. One thing for certain - if the bypass does not work and seal tight, then the cat will not work - because the gases will simply bypass it. The DW that I knew had flat bypasses, not round ones, but yours could predate that. The manual, available here:
http://www.cfmcustomercare.com/content/manuals/index.cfm?pageId=8

does not show internals.

Also, the model is a little confusing because many sites are calling the Sequoia a 455, while it appears it is not your stove. See:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/11702/

Is that your stove?

parts diagram: (broken link removed to http://www.discountstove.com/455.html)

Or is it like one of these:
(broken link removed to http://www.discountstove.com/cdwidguide.html)

 

[Matthew]

It is like your parts diagram from discount stove. the 2160 is slightly different in that it (according to the picture) has only two brass air intakes, while the 455 has two on the side and one on the front. Also the front one on the 455 is not a coal only air intake as it is on the 2160 (I believe).

Anyway, I went to a stove store today and they steared me in the right direction. I was actually able to fix the bypass on my own using a little inginuity and brute force. You are correct the bypass is rectangular shaped and towards the back of the stove. My confusion came in because the rod which holds the hooks which connect to the bypass had been turned all the way araound and were in the front over the area where the catalytic combuster sits, thus I thought there was a part missing there. NOOB mistake!

Only problem now is the lack of a catalytic combuster in the unit. Hopefully I can find one somewhere.

Also there is a crack in one of the heat shields. I guess that would mean it needs to be replaced?

Thanks for you help Webmaster, it is much appreciated. I really want to get burning now.