I have an older Kent stove that I’ve been using for the last 5 years. I’ve noticed an issue lately with the damper not opening and closing smoothly only when the stove is hot. I’ve read the previous threads on the issues with these but I’m wondering if the puck on the inside is indeed warped is it possible to just install a damper on the stove pipe? Or will this style of stove not run correctly with a generic style damper? Thanks.
Kent tile fire
- Thread starter Nbourque
- Start date
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Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Can you stick your head in the stove, close the damper and have a look? The rod of the damper might be stuck. I have had this issue also with my Kent. Lubricating it with graphite powder helps in most cases.
Take a look from the top of the stove where the pipe comes in or literally inside the stove?
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Ok I just looked. The puck completely covers the hole in the stove when damper is shut. What am I looking for?
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
If the puck is not flat, but bend, it is a sign of warping. If not, you're okay and the rod is the culprit. Lubricate it with graphite powder. Available at Lowes and HD.
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
The puck is so solid, it won't get warped that easy. Pull the rod all the way out and lubricate the entire length with graphite powder. Push in and out a few times. Do this once every year.
Oh that easy to lubricate huh? No need to take the stove pipe off? Thanks again.
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Hmmmm I bought the liquid. Tried it a couple times. Put some on the door latch that was hard to turn. Worked good for a day then it was back to being hard to turn. Maybe I’ll try the powder...
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Why would you do that? How tall is the chimney measured from stove top? That stove has a damper and unless you have extreme strong draft I don't think you need a second one. I should use the stove as it is designed.
I only ask because if the puck is indeed warped I could install a damper on the stove pipe and not use the damper on the stove. I believe the puck is warped because it is becoming increasingly difficult to close the damper in when the stove is running hot. No issues with the damper when the stove is cooled down.
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
I see, but after you checked you mentioned it wasn't warped? If you want to bypass the stove damper, I guess you need a pipe damper to avoid heat loss. It might be possible that the top of the damper is very dirty. If the chimney has been cleaned and the top of the damper has not been vacuumed, it will be difficult to close it. I would check that first. Disconnect the pipe from the stove and see if there is any debris on top and around the damper.
It’s hard for me to tell if it’s warped or not. I would need a damper to control stove pipe temps. Can’t imagine running a stove with no damper?
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
It is hard to imagine that the very solid steel damper is warped. IMO if your baffle is not warped, the damper won't be. The baffle goes first. My best guess is debris. You also can clean it by opening the damper and stick a vacuum hose into the whole and vacuum 360 for a few minutes. Most debris will be gone.
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
Jan Pijpelink
Minister of Fire
It is the chamber on the top of the firebox, with the drilled holes in it. A warped baffle looks like this.
Baffle doesn’t look cracked from what I can see. Maybe it does just need a good cleaning like u said but it doesn’t explain why the damper is hard to operate when stove is running hot. That would lead me to believe the puck is warped.
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