loose fitting flue connector on my '01 Lopi Revere

[rustybumpers]

First time post here. First insert install. Total rookie. I've read and googled everything I can think to search and still can't figure this out. You guys seem to the the defacto experts on all things woodburning. Please help.

I am installing an '01 Lopi Revere fireplace insert. It has a 6" round hole in the top. I ordered 5.5" SS Forever Flex flue liner kit because I have a clay flue in my chimney that is only about 7 x 11 inches. The flue liner dealer said a 6" flex liner would never fit. I was told that the flue collar adapter would fit my 6" appliance. As you can see in the attached photo the adapter is very loose with about an 1/8" to 1/4" gap all the way around when inserted into the hole in the top of the insert. There is no way this is right. Isn't it going to leak?

The Lopi Revere owners manual installation instructions say, "Make sure to follow the flue liner manufacturers instructions for installation and support".

I stopped by the local Lopi dealer and asked about it. They were less then helpful and just said, yeah, yeah, that's the way the Revere works. Those guys have always been very rude to me. I don't trust anything they tell me.

The Forever Flex liner installation instructions say, "Universal Connectors: the universal connector may be connect to the exhaust collar of an appliance following the manufacturer's fastening specifications."

Sounds like both are passing the buck.

So how do I seal the gap? Or can I buy a connector that will connect my 5.5" ss flex liner to my Lopi Revere ?

I am open to any suggestions.

 

[Michael6268]

While it doesnt sound right, it doesnt look too bad. I would definetely get 3 sheet metal screws in there to secure it to the flue collar and then use furnace cement to seal around it or even a piece of "rope gasket" stuffed in there with a blade of a screwdriver should work.

 

[DAKSY]

While it doesnt sound right, it doesnt look too bad. I would definetely get 3 sheet metal screws in there to secure it to the flue collar and then use furnace cement to seal around it or even a piece of "rope gasket" stuffed in there with a blade of a screwdriver should work.

What he said!

 

[drdoct]

hmmm you have a collar. I didn't have a collar, just a hole. Mine fit in ok and then I had to put some angle braces on it to hold it in. Mine is a little older though. What the others said about just filling it... dont forget the screws though.

 

[BrotherBart]

Are you sure that the liner is going to be able to fit straight down into the insert? There is a reason for this question.

 

[rustybumpers]

No I am not sure that the liner is going to fit straight down. Although I am hoping I can curve the flex liner into there.

I have not actually set the insert into the fireplace yet so I don't know.

I attached a crude drawing of the profile of my fireplace.

So i'm curious what is the reason for you question?

 

[BrotherBart]

If you can't bend the liner to fit, which is often the case, then you will be working with an elbow or some other adapter and you will be either fitting the liner into that and it into the top of the insert or fitting that appliance adapter in the picture into the elbow/adapter.