KE40 Missing weld?

[mwehr]

I recently installed a new KE40 in my home and may have found a manufacturing problem. I think a weld may have been missed between the top plate and front (just above the door). During operations a pretty serious gap opens up between the two pieces of steel and lets unregulated air into the stove. See photos.

I also am having a hard time regulating the stove temp, even though the damper control is all the way down the temp probe still spikes all the way to the 6 o’clock position.

I’m new to this model of wood stove but I ran a large cat stove (Regency 5200) for five years at my previous house and was really happy with it. I only switched to the blaze king because my friends recommended it for its slow burns and they were happy with the stove and dealer experience.

Anyway I’ll attach a few photos and a video of where I think the missing weld should be.

And for reference I’ve burned maybe five loads of split dry firewood through it. It’s piped straight up through the roof. 16’ total 8” chimney. Five feet of double wall and class a after that.

Does anyone have a newer KE40 that can confirm this lack of weld is intentional or not?

 

[Dieselhead]

Yep, that’s a problem!😳 I’d be on the phone with your dealer asap.

 

[stoveliker]

Yes, I agree.
It'll explain the tough control.
The cat gauge spiking to 6 o'clock is normal tho for a new cat. They're overactive and will settle down.

 

[mwehr]

Yep, that’s a problem!😳 I’d be on the phone with your dealer asap.

I’ll be calling first thing Monday morning. We’ll see how good the dealer is.