Encore questions: refractory replacement? Leaks? How to DIY

[AlanS]

My refractory body in my 2550 Encore has crumbled. I ordered a new one...I was able to 'peel' out the old one. I see that it fits under the cast iron housing above it. I fear that I have no idea how to install the new one. It is so expensive that I do not want to damage it. Anyone know how to install this thing?

Also, now that the stove is nice and clean inside (Wire brush and vacuumed), can I do any sealing with cement to any of the joints? I am going to put in all new gaskets, but would like to seal up any 'unknown' leaks.
I did the flashlight test and did not see any leaks that way.
Also...is it possible to remove the top so that I can put a new gasket around the damper door...? I can't seem to remove the damper door (upper, over the refractory), so removing the top would really open my view.

 

[Brian VT]

If it's like my Resolute, remove the upper fireback to replace the refractory box.
I can also remove my damper assembly by removing bolts that are accessed through the flue hole. They are out near the sides, but reachable.
Get the manual and illustrated parts list from VC website and it should be pretty easy...if none of the bolts break when removing.
On that note, apply anti-seize to the bolt threads when reassembling.

Tell me. Is your refractory box open inside or is there some channels like a mouse maze ?

 

[AlanS]

Open inside...

 

[Brian VT]

Good to know. Mine is too. Someone here had a box that was more complex so I had been wondering if mine had puked out it's guts.
I'm going to try to make my own from 1/2" Kaowool board. I hope it'll stand up to the task and last at least a full season. I don't have the $225 to buy OEM.

 

[redhat]

The instructions for replacing the refractory in your encore 2550 can be found in this document:

(broken link removed to http://www.vermontcastings.com/catalog/elements/files/2006/2003101_Fireback_5927.pdf)

 

[begreen]

Nice document. Thanks for the post redhat!

 

[DeePee]

Wow, that is a lot of parts! Just so I understand, did the entire refractory chamber crumble ( part #3 in the exploded diagram )?

It seems VC /CFM is less than 15km from my place.

 

[AlanS]

Wow, that is a lot of parts! Just so I understand, did the entire refractory chamber crumble ( part #3 in the exploded diagram )?

It seems VC /CFM is less than 15km from my place.

Yep, all I did was try to move it and it crumbled...broke into pieces...the box and the access panel. No hope in saving any of it.