My problem was effectively my Temp gauge.

[albrown60]

After getting many suggestions and advices, thank to all of you, I figure that my gauge temp became inefficient I have to say it was 20 years old. It was just not getting higher than 400F. Anyway problem solve . I got a new gauge Imperial that has a different system and is more realistic with the reading. I load yesterday , put the gauge on the top of the insert and after an hour of burning, I got a reading of 625 F. It ran for about one hour at that temp and it cruised at 500 F for 3 hours and then slowed down to 300F after another 3 hours. So , I think all is fine and I am getting more accurate reading. Regency claims a burning period of 8 hours and that is close enough for me. A few pics , back and front of the gauge. Home Depot , $28.99.

 

[MagdalenaP]

This one is for a single wall pipe, you mentioned you put it on your insert:

At the bottom of the page: "For single wall pipe only": (broken link removed)

 

[albrown60]

This one is for a single wall pipe, you mentioned you put it on your insert:

At the bottom of the page: "For single wall pipe only": (broken link removed)

Always used this. Gives a good idea at what temp my stove runs

 

[charger4406]

Sounds like a good one, just the optimal range should extend to around 700.

 

[edyit]

just the optimal range should extend to around 700.

if you use it as a thermometer and ignore the "zones" it'll be fine

 

[jayoldschool]

I have that exact one, use it on my pipe, and it is dead on accurate (on the pipe) confirmed by two IR guns.

 

[Sawset]

I have a condar pipe magnetic gauge (chimgard) that I have on the stove top. Boiling water test came up with right around 212f. I also ignore the color codes. I don't know for sure, but would suspect yours would be similar.

 

[PistolPeets]

I put mine on the top right above the door of my insert. It reads about 50 degrees less than the top center of the stove (per IR gun). But it's also designed for a single wall pipe. Close enough for me to monitor temps.

 

[albrown60]

I put mine on the top right above the door of my insert. It reads about 50 degrees less than the top center of the stove (per IR gun). But it's also designed for a single wall pipe. Close enough for me to monitor temps.

I also test the gauge on the front of the insert and it is 50 F less than the top. I did a load of wood before going up, wait 30 minutes, and it reached 675 F. The baffles were red hot and the fire was spitting through them. It will be good until 6am tomorrow a comfortable 72 F.