I'm in the processing of replacing my refractory and catalytic cumbustor on a 2010 or 2011 Encore 2550 (from the dark days of Vermont Castings). I replaced the cat on my prior refractory, but this one is very tight. I don't want to break the refractory, which seems to be holding up, but there's a tiny gap in the back now that I've pressed it in (temptation is to use a sledge hammer to get it in there). Is a tiny fraction a problem (less than a 1/4", probably less than 1/8")? My biggest concern is cracking the refractory or cover because there's too much space. I did crack the refractory cover once, years ago, when removing the metal plate to clean it.
How tight does the catalytic cumbustor on an encore 2550 have to be to the back of the refractory?
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Megunticook
Burning Hunk
The service manual says "put the catalytic combustor into the refractory package, ensuring that it is fully to the rear."
When you install the piece of the refractory that fits in front of the catalyst, does the piece protrude out from the rest of the refractory? When the lower fireback is installed, it will push against that and probably force your catalyst further back. Hopefully that doesn't crack the sides of the refractory.
As I recall it should fit "snug" in a new refractory but I find that over the years the fit gets sloppier. It seems like the refractory's weak point is those two side pieces on either side of the combustor.
Just curious, what's the exact width of your cat? I could compare the the spare I have here and see if maybe there was a manufacturing error in your catalyst, in which case I presume you could ask for a replacement or a refund.
When you install the piece of the refractory that fits in front of the catalyst, does the piece protrude out from the rest of the refractory? When the lower fireback is installed, it will push against that and probably force your catalyst further back. Hopefully that doesn't crack the sides of the refractory.
As I recall it should fit "snug" in a new refractory but I find that over the years the fit gets sloppier. It seems like the refractory's weak point is those two side pieces on either side of the combustor.
Just curious, what's the exact width of your cat? I could compare the the spare I have here and see if maybe there was a manufacturing error in your catalyst, in which case I presume you could ask for a replacement or a refund.
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