Enviro EF3 (insert) Ash pan not tight.

[fantoad]

So I recently noticed that the ash pan on my EF3 insert didn't seem tight. I replaced the gasket, but the drawer still seems a bit loose (can wiggle up+down + side to side) so there is not an airtight seal. I inspected the latch and it looks okay, but seems like a poor design.
I looked for replacement latches and found one of a different design.

http://www.stove-parts-unlimited.com/Enviro-FS-Pellet-and-Woodstove-Ash-Pan-Latch-p/50-2588.htm

I don't know if this latch is better than the one that came with the stove, or if it is only for the freestanding model, or if it will make any difference anyway.
I considered trying a thicket gasket, but not sure if that will help either.
Anyone have any ideas?
The stove is a little over 1 year old and we don't have any other problems.

 

[chamas]

Is your original the pretzel-shaped spiral wire latch? I need a replacement for mine also, but haven't found a suitable replacement. Not sure that one you linked would work-- it looks like the threaded area is a larger diameter than the orig., and have no idea if the latch itself will swing to engage the tab on the body of the stove at the correct depth.

Please report back with results if you try it.

 

[fantoad]

Is your original the pretzel-shaped spiral wire latch? I need a replacement for mine also, but haven't found a suitable replacement. Not sure that one you linked would work-- it looks like the threaded area is a larger diameter than the orig., and have no idea if the latch itself will swing to engage the tab on the body of the stove at the correct depth.

Please report back with results if you try it.

Chamas, I think you're right. Upon further investigation, it seems that other latch wont work. For now, I just bent the wire clasp on the pretzel shaped latch that my stove came with. It looks like there are no other options for a replacement latch. I think I'm going to order another pretzel shaped latch and hope it last longer than the original (1 year). Let me know if you come up with any other options. Thanks.

 

[Don2222]

Hello

The latch posted in the link is for the Free Standing pedestal large ash pan, not the small drawer type ash pan on the EF3 insert.

What size gasket did you use on your EF3 insert draw type ash pan?

I used a 1/2" graphite impregnated rope gasket and it seems nice and tight. The manual did not say what size. I found the 3/8" was too small and what was in there matched the 1/2". That is a common size on older stoves like this and Whitfields.

See pics below
Click to Enlarge:

 

[chamas]

Chamas, I think you're right. Upon further investigation, it seems that other latch wont work. For now, I just bent the wire clasp on the pretzel shaped latch that my stove came with. It looks like there are no other options for a replacement latch. I think I'm going to order another pretzel shaped latch and hope it last longer than the original (1 year). Let me know if you come up with any other options. Thanks.

Did you find a replacement latch? How did it work out?

 

[smwilliamson]

thats not good. IF air leaks in then the leak is robbing air from the burn pot. I have found over time that doubling up the gasket, one of the stove and one on the drawer works well to increase the tension on the latch. Ultimately you could bend the wire on the latch too to get it tighter. Look at your drawer too and make sure it hasn't warped.