Help Connecting Selkirk VP to Harman Absolute 63

[ed729]

I’m trying to get my Selkirk VP connected to the outlet of my Harman Absolute 63. I tried the multi fit connector first because I need to go up to 4” and it’s way too small. I’ve read that some pipe manufacturers sell special appliance adapters for the Harman exhaust which appears to be thicker than others. Unfortunately Selkirk does not have a Harman specific adapter in the VP line. They have a “thick exhaust” connector but Selkirk technical support could not tell me if that will work on a Harman. Has anyone made the VP pipe fit on a Harman?

I already have hundreds of dollars of VP pipe, some of it is not returnable and others I will pay a heavy restocking fee so I really would like to make it work if possible. I considered trying to make a new exhaust flange but I’m obviously concerned about the safety risk.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I’m trying to get my Selkirk VP connected to the outlet of my Harman Absolute 63. I tried the multi fit connector first because I need to go up to 4” and it’s way too small. I’ve read that some pipe manufacturers sell special appliance adapters for the Harman exhaust which appears to be thicker than others. Unfortunately Selkirk does not have a Harman specific adapter in the VP line. They have a “thick exhaust” connector but Selkirk technical support could not tell me if that will work on a Harman. Has anyone made the VP pipe fit on a Harman?

I already have hundreds of dollars of VP pipe, some of it is not returnable and others I will pay a heavy restocking fee so I really would like to make it work if possible. I considered trying to make a new exhaust flange but I’m obviously concerned about the safety risk.

3"Diameter Item Description Product No. Part No. Product No. Part No. Adjustable Pipe Connector 4"Diameter 243243 3VP-APC 244243 4VP-APC

Sizes: A B C D 3VP 3 ½" 3" 1" ¼" 4VP 4 ½" 4" 1" ¼"

What about the Adjustable Pipe Connector? I'm sure you already looked at that. I guess the Harman's are 3"?

 

[ed729]

I haven’t tried the adjustable, but the “B” dimension there is listed at 3” which is the same as the multi fit connector. The multi fit connector also uses a hose clamp and split pipe for adjustment so I’m concerned the fitment would be the same. The ID of the Harman exhaust is about 3 1/8” and the OD is about 3.5” and tapered. The multi fit connector would not expand enough to go over the 3.5inch OD on the Harman.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I haven’t tried the adjustable, but the “B” dimension there is listed at 3” which is the same as the multi fit connector. The multi fit connector also uses a hose clamp and split pipe for adjustment so I’m concerned the fitment would be the same. The ID of the Harman exhaust is about 3 1/8” and the OD is about 3.5” and tapered. The multi fit connector would not expand enough to go over the 3.5inch OD on the Harman.

It says 3 to 3 1/2". Can you go see one?
I couldn't find the drawing for the pellet stove exhaust

 

[ed729]

Where did you see the 3 1/2”? I saw that on the drawing but read it as the OD it the pipe. I couldn’t find any text that says the inner pipe will expand to that size so I am unsure. You could be right. Nobody has it in stock and Selkirk tech support can’t tell me how much it will expand.

There’s a thick exhaust connector that I’m also wondering if it would work. No details available on that either. The id of that is def too small to go around the od of the exhaust on the stove, but maybe it slips inside? Idk seems like the exhaust of the stove should go inside first piece of the vent pipe.

I might order both if I can’t find someone else that has done this. If that doesn’t work I guess Selkirk is out and I’m at a major loss.

 

[ed729]

Here’s a picture of the multifit connector trying to fit but not stretching enough. The OD of the 3” outer wall here is 3.5”, which aligns with the adjustable connector. That’s why I’m questioning if the adjustable would work or if it would be the same issue.

When I bought the stove it had still had a piece of durvant pro on it, but it was just the standard 3” appliance adapter, not a Harman specific part. They had the exhaust stuffed between the inner and out wall, silicon and taped. Maybe that’s what I need to do but it seems like it would leak exhaust in between the inner and outer wall of the vent.

 

[Whitenuckler]

Where did you see the 3 1/2”? I saw that on the drawing but read it as the OD it the pipe. I couldn’t find any text that says the inner pipe will expand to that size so I am unsure. You could be right. Nobody has it in stock and Selkirk tech support can’t tell me how much it will expand.

There’s a thick exhaust connector that I’m also wondering if it would work. No details available on that either. The id of that is def too small to go around the od of the exhaust on the stove, but maybe it slips inside? Idk seems like the exhaust of the stove should go inside first piece of the vent pipe.

I might order both if I can’t find someone else that has done this. If that doesn’t work I guess Selkirk is out and I’m at a major loss.

I was looking at the drawing and the specs "3VP 3 ½" 3"
I will look again tomorrow. It just looked like an adapter to me to your VP pipe. I don't know too much about your pipe as
some of the research I did was on Excelpellet, and my pipe was installed with my stove by the same guy. I know in my case the Harman
adapter was used (uses a gasket to seal).

 

[Whitenuckler]

Here’s a picture of the multifit connector trying to fit but not stretching enough. The OD of the 3” outer wall here is 3.5”, which aligns with the adjustable connector. That’s why I’m questioning if the adjustable would work or if it would be the same issue.

When I bought the stove it had still had a piece of durvant pro on it, but it was just the standard 3” appliance adapter, not a Harman specific part. They had the exhaust stuffed between the inner and out wall, silicon and taped. Maybe that’s what I need to do but it seems like it would leak exhaust in between the inner and outer wall of the vent.

Is that black part with the flange from the stove? I guess my guy must have removed something like that in his shop and installed the proper Harman Adapter for my pipe system. Ya that sure looks like a mess. There should be a single wall to double wall adapter that fits over that black stove part.

 

[ed729]

You are right the drawing does list the A dimension as 3.5 inches, but my interpretation of A is the outside diameter. It could also be the maximum opening it can adjust to, but unfortunately it does not say in the Selkirk catalog. Here’s a screenshot of the Selkirk catalog and another from north line that seems to indicate it as an OD.

Yes the black part is the flange off the stove.

Selkirk and Duravent technical support can’t tell me either….which really has made me regret my purchase. I’m about ready to just cut my losses on the Selkirk but it’s hard to throw away a few hundred bucks.

 

[Whitenuckler]

You are right the drawing does list the A dimension as 3.5 inches, but my interpretation of A is the outside diameter. It could also be the maximum opening it can adjust to, but unfortunately it does not say in the Selkirk catalog. Here’s a screenshot of the Selkirk catalog and another from north line that seems to indicate it as an OD.

Yes the black part is the flange off the stove.

Selkirk and Duravent technical support can’t tell me either….which really has made me regret my purchase. I’m about ready to just cut my losses on the Selkirk but it’s hard to throw away a few hundred bucks.View attachment 339533View attachment 339534

OK, yes that is a great picture. I can see now it is meant to slide onto 3 inch.

 

[Whitenuckler]

You are right the drawing does list the A dimension as 3.5 inches, but my interpretation of A is the outside diameter. It could also be the maximum opening it can adjust to, but unfortunately it does not say in the Selkirk catalog. Here’s a screenshot of the Selkirk catalog and another from north line that seems to indicate it as an OD.

Yes the black part is the flange off the stove.

Selkirk and Duravent technical support can’t tell me either….which really has made me regret my purchase. I’m about ready to just cut my losses on the Selkirk but it’s hard to throw away a few hundred bucks.View attachment 339533View attachment 339534

SELKIRK 243246 VP Pellet Pipe Type L Insulated Model SSII 3 In. Stove Pipe Adapter Galvanized

Buy SELKIRK 243246 VP Pellet Pipe Type L Insulated Model SSII 3 In. Stove Pipe Adapter Galvanized online at DKHardware.com. Our HVAC category offers a great selection of Chimney Repair and Maintenance products at the best price!

www.dkhardware.com

Below is from the manual - these seem to be the only ones you can use based on their drawings

Above I guess is some other adapter.

 

[johneh]

That's the exact adapter used on my Envrio the stove output pipe. 2 beads of High Temp Silicone
Slid it on and tightened the gear clamp has never leaked in 23 years.
Have you tried to dry fit it?

 

[Whitenuckler]

That's the exact adapter used on my Envrio the stove output pipe. 2 beads of High Temp Silicone
Slid it on and tightened the gear clamp has never leaked in 23 years.
Have you tried to dry fit it?

Hey are you allowed to cut the metal to slide it on further? It seems this Harman stove has a taper on the factory supplied fitting.
Which one do you use..ie PC or that other adapter?

 

[ed729]

What are the dimensions of the Enviro stove exhaust? The Harman ID is 3.185”
The OD is tapered. It starts at 3.435” and tapers up to 3.625” at the base of the flange. So even if it expands to 3.5” it will not fully go over the entire exhaust.

I don’t have the adjustable adapter. Nobody stocks them near me so I would have to special order.

I’ve read on some other forum posts that some people have used the standard Duravent 3” appliance adapter and stuffed the stove exhaust between the inner and outer walls. Obviously this defeats the purpose of double wall so I’m not sure I want to go that route.

I have all of the Selkirk venting needed to go from stove through my roof, but it’s not installed yet. If I can’t get an adapter that works properly I suppose I’ll return what I can and eBay they rest. Just a real shame Selkirk doesn’t work with Harman stoves. Lesson learned I guess to buy the adapter and test fit before buying the rest of the vent system.

 

[Whitenuckler]

What are the dimensions of the Enviro stove exhaust? The Harman ID is 3.185”
The OD is tapered. It starts at 3.435” and tapers up to 3.625” at the base of the flange. So even if it expands to 3.5” it will not fully go over the entire exhaust.

I don’t have the adjustable adapter. Nobody stocks them near me so I would have to special order.

I’ve read on some other forum posts that some people have used the standard Duravent 3” appliance adapter and stuffed the stove exhaust between the inner and outer walls. Obviously this defeats the purpose of double wall so I’m not sure I want to go that route.

I have all of the Selkirk venting needed to go from stove through my roof, but it’s not installed yet. If I can’t get an adapter that works properly I suppose I’ll return what I can and eBay they rest. Just a real shame Selkirk doesn’t work with Harman stoves. Lesson learned I guess to buy the adapter and test fit before buying the rest of the vent system.

Simpson DuraVent PelletVent Pro Harman®Adapter Part #3PVP-ADHB and PelletVent Pro Harman®Adapter Increaser Part #3PVPX4ADHB are highly recommended to be installed on the starter collar to insure a proper pipe connection to the unit.

I am having a hard time understanding why 3" pellet stove vent won't work. It says it's designed for 3".
I dug the above out of the install manual notes

Is it possible you don't have the "stock factory" exhaust adapter? It sounds like the last person totally installed it wrong.

 

[ed729]

I have the factory Harman exhaust. As you can see they are oversized compared to other manufacturers.

On my fourth call to Duravent I finally talked to someone in the technical department that knew what they were talking about. He was very knowledgeable and said he has installed many pellet stoves as well as worked in the factories where they build the vents. He said on Harman it is common practice to slip the exhaust between the outer and inner wall and seal it up with silicon and use screws to secure it. He even mentioned using a crimper to downsize the inner wall if needed to get it started. I bought a standard 3” appliance adapter and the Harman exhaust fits perfectly between the inner and outer wall. I don’t love doing it this way but it’s a tight fit between the inner wall and exhaust so I’m sure it won’t leak with some high temp silicon. I’ll tape over it as an extra measure. This is how the previous stove owner had the Duravent installed so maybe it’s ok, I think they had a Harman dealer install it. Just seems like that section of pipe is going to run hotter as it’s not really a dual wall installed like this. I’ll keep an eye on temps and for leaks the first few burns.

It’s amazing the difference in support you get based on who you talk to. The first few technical support people had never touched a pellet vent and couldn’t tell me anything that wasn’t printed in the public catalog. I already know how to read so they were pretty much useless. Hopefully Duravent hires more experienced employees to help with what should be a very basic question. Hope this helps someone in the future.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I have the factory Harman exhaust. As you can see they are oversized compared to other manufacturers.

On my fourth call to Duravent I finally talked to someone in the technical department that knew what they were talking about. He was very knowledgeable and said he has installed many pellet stoves as well as worked in the factories where they build the vents. He said on Harman it is common practice to slip the exhaust between the outer and inner wall and seal it up with silicon and use screws to secure it. He even mentioned using a crimper to downsize the inner wall if needed to get it started. I bought a standard 3” appliance adapter and the Harman exhaust fits perfectly between the inner and outer wall. I don’t love doing it this way but it’s a tight fit between the inner wall and exhaust so I’m sure it won’t leak with some high temp silicon. I’ll tape over it as an extra measure. This is how the previous stove owner had the Duravent installed so maybe it’s ok, I think they had a Harman dealer install it. Just seems like that section of pipe is going to run hotter as it’s not really a dual wall installed like this. I’ll keep an eye on temps and for leaks the first few burns.

It’s amazing the difference in support you get based on who you talk to. The first few technical support people had never touched a pellet vent and couldn’t tell me anything that wasn’t printed in the public catalog. I already know how to read so they were pretty much useless. Hopefully Duravent hires more experienced employees to help with what should be a very basic question. Hope this helps someone in the future.

I didn't get the factory one from my installer. He must have kept it after he installed the special Excelpellet adapter.
Now I would be interested in seeing one. Yes, as long as it is secure, and does not leak you are good to go. The adapter
you have is only single wall so a bit more single wall is OK as you are within the non combustible range. The double wall
lets you retain heat and get closer to combustibles.

 

[Washed-Up]

The cheapest, most efficient way to do the Harman tailpipe…have a 3” OD or ID pipe(or size desired) welded to the flange…I’ve been through the above and ended up welding my own and reinstalling it. my apologies for not seeing and answering sooner