Englander 30 suddenly smoking

[buzcranne]

About a week ago my Englander 30 started smoking excessively every time I open the door. It's hard to get a good fire going now, which wasn't the case before. And during the long process of feeding it more kindling and paper, smoke billows from the stove each time I open the door. It almost acts as though I'm trying to start a fire in 70 degree weather, when it's actually in the 30s. Even after the stove has been going for some time and is sort-of burning correctly there is still more smoke than normal at that burning stage. When it eventually gets really burning the smoke stops, but that takes much longer than usual.

I installed the stove in October and I've been running it with no problems until now. I think I've gotten the hang of how to keep the fire going properly. I can't think of anything that's changed that would cause the smoking. The weather is basically the same, the wood is the same. The liner is new and is capped. There's no obvious obstruction to the air intake on the stove (not outside air) and I can see the flutter of flame at the front of the stove that looks like normal air flow.

Any ideas?

 

[PunKid8888]

Sounds like something is blocking the chimeny. does the cap have anytype of screen or something that could clog up?

 

[LLigetfa]

Dead raccoon? Santa?

 

[buzcranne]

The cap has the typical spark screen. I just had a look with my binoculars and it's not clogged. There's some creosote but not anything close to clogging it.

EDIT: And no raccoons or Santas unless they can fit through the holes of the separated metal spark screen and into the 6" liner.

 

[BrotherBart]

Given the not so good luck you had getting your hands on seasoned wood I would get out the binoculars and get a good look at that chimney cap. Personally I would get a look down that liner ASAP also.

 

[MishMouse]

The cap has the typical spark screen. I just had a look with my binoculars and it's not clogged. There's some creosote but not anything close to clogging it.

Clean your chimney and your cap ASAP
If you see some creosote physically on the cap it means that you have an issue.
Which is normally caused by burning less then seasoned wood, or burning to cool.
I had the same issue with my Drolet, when the cap started to get clogged, hard to get going, smoke etc..
Here is the link: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/15089/

Get it cleaned before your next burn..

 

[buzcranne]

As soon as things cool down I'm going to go onto the roof and have a look. I had a quick look up there about a month ago and things seemed fine, so I thought it was crazy to think creosote had built up enough to cause a blockage. I'll report back later today after I look.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Highbeam]

This is the classic plugged up chimney cap scenario. I will have to disagree with mish though, the dirty or even plugged cap has little to do with your chimney being clogged or in need of cleaning. Certainly check it while you're up there but don't be surprised to find a clean flue topped with a cruddy cap. The cap is so cold that stuff condenses on it quickly.

After cleaning my cap/screen with high frequency for a few months I went and removed the screen and put the cap back on. Now it doesn't plug up.

 

[nhtodd]

I ran into the same issue this year with my Englander as well. On a warm day I went up on the roof and checked the chimney and it was blocked. I am not sure why this happened my wood was very seasoned and I run my stove on the hot side. I can tell you I will be checking it again in a few weeks.

 

[Highbeam]

I ran into the same issue this year with my Englander as well. On a warm day I went up on the roof and checked the chimney and it was blocked. I am not sure why this happened my wood was very seasoned and I run my stove on the hot side. I can tell you I will be checking it again in a few weeks.

By chimney, you mean cap screen right? Surely your entire chimney wasn't plugged. How was the flue?

 

[LLigetfa]

Sometimes creosote can form a few feet from the top into a cone shape that can plug it up good. Spark screens are the more likely but not the only place.

 

[LLigetfa]

...the chimney and it was blocked. I am not sure why this happened...

If this is a brick or stone chimney with a liner, there could be some missing mortar letting cold air in and concentrate it on a small section of liner.

 

[nhtodd]

It was a few feet from the top and it was almost blocked with a gray type ash not black like creosote the brush cleaned it and I took out maybe a quart of the stuff.

 

[nhtodd]

It is brick with liner and I am able to check in the attic with a light in side I can not see any cracks.

 

[LLigetfa]

The mortar joints usually deteriorate on the exterior portion, not the part in the attic. How many feet of chimney beyond the roof and how far down was the blockage?

 

[Hogwildz]

Against the grain of some members, at my home a screened or cap alone is not a bad thing. Do they get gunked up sometimes, sure, especially when you burn less than ready wood, knowingly or not. Been there done that.
But in my own personal experience, if you burn reasonably hot and use truly dry wood, your cap is not always the culprit. Makes me think some who swear their wood is "dry" and "seasoned" may need to rethink what is dry & seasoned to them. I cleaned 2x last season, fall and January. Neither time was the cap clogged. Did it have a light build up, sure, but no where near the amount needed to clog it.
Cap & screen are personal preferences, and in some states, counties, municipalities, its law. The debate will always continue, but here, I use a screened cap. I do suggest if using a screened cap, to make sure the screen openings are no smaller than 1/2". For anyone to recommend to everyone with a creosote problem to continually suggest removing the screen or cap all together, is just bad advise in my book. I suggest find the problem that is causing the symptom(s). I think too many new members who are asking for "pro's" advice, do not realize there are not that many "pros" here, but many hands on owners who do know a thing or two of wood burning, but also have their own opinion or agenda that may not always be the best advice. Take advice with a grain of salt, and find what works best for you. Just cause one has been burning for 20 yrs, or 3yrs, does not mean they have been doing it properly. Just means they are set in their ways and may or may not be open to a different view.

 

[Hiram Maxim]

How much ash is in the firebox?

I have noticed if I let to much ash accumulate :red: it will do the very same thing.

Maybe just mine? But I think its not drafting well when the primary might be restricted from ash.

What do I know though?

When I clean out the fire box completely once a week it makes to stove perform better, that I do know.

 

[BrotherBart]

Just cause one has been burning for 20 yrs, or 3yrs, does not mean they have been doing it properly. Just means they are set in their ways and may or may not be open to a different view.

That would be me. :lol:

 

[Hogwildz]

Just cause one has been burning for 20 yrs, or 3yrs, does not mean they have been doing it properly. Just means they are set in their ways and may or may not be open to a different view.

That would be me. :lol:

Nah, at your age you got what 40+ years burning under your depends

Beer is cold and the women are hot and still waiting!!

 

[Peter B.]

I think too many new members who are asking for “pro’s” advice, do not realize there are not that many “pros” here, but many hands on owners who do know a thing or two of wood burning, but also have their own opinion or agenda that may not always be the best advice. Take advice with a grain of salt, and find what works best for you. Just cause one has been burning for 20 yrs, or 3yrs, does not mean they have been doing it properly. Just means they are set in their ways and may or may not be open to a different view.

After 25 years burning, I can still endorse the above wholeheartedly.

Yeah, there are folks here who know their stuff, bu there is *NO* substitiute for what works best in 'the privacy of your own home'.

Peter B.

-----

 

[BrotherBart]

People can help ya with a safe installation, choice of wood and choice of stove. When it comes to making those three work together in your unique installation, climate and home it is all on the job training.

One night I can make the most beautiful burn in the world. The next night it is smoke, cussing and trying to figure out what went wrong. Same wood, same stove, same chimney and same house. Unfortunately also the same operator. :red:

 

[Hogwildz]

People can help ya with a safe installation, choice of wood and choice of stove. When it comes to making those three work together in your unique installation, climate and home it is all on the job training.

One night I can make the most beautiful burn in the world. The next night it is smoke, cussing and trying to figure out what went wrong. Same wood, same stove, same chimney and same house. Unfortunately also the same operator (and what & how much alcohol said operator consumed). :red:

 

[LLigetfa]

Just cause one has been burning for 20 yrs, or 3yrs, does not mean they have been doing it properly...

My father was a classic example. There was no reasoning with the man. He did everything wrong and got away with it most of his life but it eventually caught up with him when a chimney fire burned his house to the ground.

 

[Hogwildz]

I never wish a home fire on anyone. Me myself, I try not too be to stubborn or proud to ever reach a point to feel I cannot learn something new, or a better way of doing something I have done a long time.
Adapt to changing times or fall to the wayside is my thinking. But I still can be stubborn.

 

[daleeper]

As soon as things cool down I'm going to go onto the roof and have a look. I had a quick look up there about a month ago and things seemed fine, so I thought it was crazy to think creosote had built up enough to cause a blockage. I'll report back later today after I look.

Thanks everyone.

Rehingd, did you make it back down ok? What did you find in your chimney?