GC-60 or M55 loose heat exchanger rake out of rack

[Don2222]

Hello
This cleaning rod is almost impossible to pull out and push back in because the rake above the firebox top baffle does not stay perpendicular to the cleaning rod when you pull it out so it hangs up!
The rod goes thru the rake with a nut on both sides but has become loose.
Therefore I found a Stainless Steel lock washer and installed it on the front side of the rake to add more support and keep it from becoming loose again. It seems to work like new again!
Has anyone seen this problem?

 

[bostonfan49]

Hello
This cleaning rod is almost impossible to pull out and push back in because the rake above the firebox top baffle does not stay perpendicular to the cleaning rod when you pull it out so it hangs up!
The rod goes thru the rake with a nut on both sides but has become loose.
Therefore I found a Stainless Steel lock washer and installed it on the front side of the rake to add more support and keep it from becoming loose again. It seems to work like new again!
Has anyone seen this problem?

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[bostonfan49]

Hi Don2222 Glad that works for you. I’m starting my 12th year with my M55 Insert. I actually don’t use the rake much because for me, I have to SLAM it backward and forward to get any soot to fall. I don’t think that’s good structurally! Instead of using the rake as part of a weekly clean, I use a couple of curved brushes to get in and on top of the air tubes. Bill

 

[Don2222]

Hello Bill
Yes, curved brushes are exactly what I used to get the rake free from being jammed up! Now that I have the cleaning rod working properly again with a lock washer, then using it every 3-4 days will keep it from getting stuck from a lot of ash!!