Englander JC-24 Newbie HELP!

[Theatlas103]

Purchased a home this year built in the late 90s and assuming this stove was installed when the house was built. I'm planning on using it soon but after looking at it a little more, I'm not sure I know how to operate this thing. I grew up with a simple stove with a side door to load the wood, and a little hand tool the controls the flue and a door below for a removeable ash tray. As I'm now finding out, this thing is a little more complicated. It has a cat which I know nothing about. Upon further inspection of my stove, I noticed the plate above is bent and the fastening hardware is in poor condition. Should i be concerned with this? I don't want to mess with anything yet so asking here first. My second question is how are these things cleaned if there is nothing catching the ash? Read through the manual and it wasn't too much help, so looking for expert help. Sorry I'm a noob at this go easy on me lol. Just trying not to burn my house down.!

 

[armanidog]

According to the manual the revision date is 1/06. There should be a plate somewhere showing manufacturing date.

ENGLAND'S STOVE WORKS 24-JC INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Pdf Download

View and Download England's Stove Works 24-JC installation and operation manual online. Englander Stoves 24-JC, 50-SHW20 and 50-TRW20 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL. 24-JC stove pdf manual download. Also for: 50-shw20, 50-trw20.

www.manualslib.com

You probably want a certified chimney sweep to inspect the chimney/flu to start.
Some more photos of the stove interior would help. The door gasket looks OK but you will want to check it for tightness with a dollar bill. A photo of the cat out of the stove would help. The previous owner could have been doing regular maintenance but I'm assuming that is unknown right now.

 

[armanidog]

Some threads:

learning my Englander 24-jc

I bought a used 24jc last year. I just lined the chimney with an 8" insulated liner and hooked up the stove inside the fireplace. I started my first fire today. I had some seasoned oak logs that has been in the house for over 3 years so it should be very dry!! Tossed in a few logs and got it...

www.hearth.com

Englander 24 jc issues

So i have the 24-jc burning. Got her going great with good secondaries. But when i shut the draft control down, eventually i loose flame and it smolders for a bit....then POOF! secondary ignition and a poof of smoke out of the draft control...wide open to 3/4 air flow and shes good...whats the...

www.hearth.com

Folks who know about Englander stoves... an older EPA one with a Cat?

I'm looking at a used Englander insert that is a bit bigger than the new ones, (rated for 2000sq ft) and extends onto the hearth which is something I was looking for. And the price is pretty good at $375 which is one of my major factors at this point. It is an EPA stove and I am guessing it's...

www.hearth.com

How dry is your firewood?

 

[Theatlas103]

According to the manual the revision date is 1/06. There should be a plate somewhere showing manufacturing date.

ENGLAND'S STOVE WORKS 24-JC INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Pdf Download

View and Download England's Stove Works 24-JC installation and operation manual online. Englander Stoves 24-JC, 50-SHW20 and 50-TRW20 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL. 24-JC stove pdf manual download. Also for: 50-shw20, 50-trw20.

www.manualslib.com

You probably want a certified chimney sweep to inspect the chimney/flu to start.
Some more photos of the stove interior would help. The door gasket looks OK but you will want to check it for tightness with a dollar bill. A photo of the cat out of the stove would help. The previous owner could have been doing regular maintenance but I'm assuming that is unknown right now.

I'm planning on having a chimney sweep come out next weekend. MFG date is 11/96 so thats a year before house was built. There's another stove in the basement which is the style I'm used to and I think the previous owner used that one way more. I will get more pics.

I have good seasoned wood stored, why?

Also,What is the proper way of cleaning the inside of these? I will