My Jotul is weak

[Angelo C]

Thanks. Many years ago there was a lady who had a new C550 and complained of the same issue. She came to hearth.com seeking a replacement. We convinced her to have an insulated block-off plate installed and a layer of insulation added behind the insert. She was delighted with the results and went from wanting to replace the insert to loving it.

This doesn't answer the question of draft strength however. The air should be able to be closed down enough to promote good secondaries.

I do think the block off plate and an insulated flue would help some. Dealer told me it would cause the box to heat too much. All the installers did was shove some insulation where the old shelf was. I thought that was shoddy.

 

[begreen]

An insulated block-off plate will improve heat output, together with insulation behind it. How tall of a liner did they put in? Is it insulated?

As a test, with the next fire, open a nearby window 1/2" and see if that perks up the fire.

 

[bigealta]

Everything seems backwards. Hmmmmm. Is this a cat. stove? It looks like a cat above the secondary burners.

 

[Angelo C]

Everything seems backwards. Hmmmmm. Is this a cat. stove? It looks like a cat above the secondary burners.

Looks like a Cat stove to me…. I thought the “tubes” were just air wash. Didn’t know they were “secondary “burners.

 

[Angelo C]

An insulated block-off plate will improve heat output, together with insulation behind it. How tall of a liner did they put in? Is it insulated?

As a test, with the next fire, open a nearby window 1/2" and see if that perks up the fire.

With the vent on low or High ? The house is pretty tight insulation wise.

 

[begreen]

If it is the C550 v2 then it is a hybrid cat/secondary stove. What temperature is the catalytic combustor running at according to the TES 1310 thermometer?

 

[begreen]

With the vent on low or High ? The house is pretty tight insulation wise.

The 1/2" window opening will test whether the insert is starving for combustion air. Try with the air control about midway to 75% closed.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

To the OP, I’m sure your issue will get solved. I have the old version of the Rockland about 13 yrs old. No block off plate and it heats the house pretty well in southern New England. I can’t add too much about ideas, but I’m sure something will work. Don’t give up!
If you want to check the “stovetop temperature” of the this insert, put a stovetop thermometer in the slot where the warm are comes out. I use a butter knife to slide it into place a few inches into slot. To check temp, you’ll probably need a flashlight.

 

[stoveliker]

Second

I can’t get the secondary to fire without full open vent. Work much better with door slightly open. Almost the opposite, as it is choking for air

Secondaries normally are absent when the (stove) door is open.
The air there is not controlled but gets sucked in due to the draft in the flue. Open the stove door and all air will go in thru the door, and none thru the tubes, so no secondaries flame.