Need manual and/or information on VC 1984 0044 fireplace insert

[philwarner]

I just bought this Vermont Castings fireplace insert which is the 0044 FP insert model of the 80s and have not found an installation manual on line. It seems in good condition with intact firebrick and one slight crack in the bottom grate panel, but did not come with a connector for the fans or any installation information.

Does anyone have a source for the installation/operation manual or a copy that could be scanned? Can someone tell me if the fans had a rheostat or switch box that plugged into the three prong male connector on the side? It appears that the upper and lower prongs of the connector go to the fan motors and the center prong is a ground, but I'd like to know for sure if these are designed for 120 volt operation before I test them.

 

[DAKSY]

Here's your manual. IIRC, the blowers ARE 120VAC

 

[philwarner]

Thank you so much for the manual, Daksy; it's just what I needed. I didn't know about the leveling screws under the grate and might never have found them without the manual, although mine has only the leveling screws in the front and none in back. I also learned that the flex connector that I thought went directly on top of the insert is a sealing plate intended to go above the fireplace damper. Apparently this one was previously installed incorrectly because someone has crimped all around the bottom of its flange and it doesn't fit into the insert's flue collar; apparently it is missing the slip connector that is supposed to fit between it and the insert's flue collar. It's also nice to verify what the loose door handle looks like with the damper hook on the end.

Knowing now that the fans are 120V, I wired them temporarily to a variac and they both work well. I also understand the comments I read about their noise at full speed; they are a little noisy at 120V, but very smooth at lower voltages.

I haven't yet heard back from the seller who said he would look around his shop for the missing fan rheostat, cord, and door/damper handle, but I did hear from another member of this forum who has a rheostat and a brass fender from a 0044 insert he replaced; unfortunately he didn't have the cord that goes between the rheostat and the fan recepticle. Does $100 plus shipping sound reasonable for the fender and the rheostat without the cord? I don't know if I can justify the bling of a brass fender for an insert that cost $200, but I definitely will need a fan control once I make sure the insert fits OK in my downstairs fire place. I have a 6" stove pipe down through the 12" square liner in that fireplace's chimney now with a length of 6" flex pipe through the damper fitted to a Defiant Encore in front of the fireplace, so I'll have to remove the stove and the pipe to fit the insert. I almost hate to do it as it was a tough job getting the stove pipe all the way down two stories, around the upper fireplace, to the bottom floor, but I plan to move the Encore to a new addition I am building and the insert will leave more floor space in the downstairs room and stilll provide heat.

Anyone know of a source for a slip-pipe that would fit this insert's 13-1/4" x 6-1/2" flue collar?

 

[philwarner]

Unfortunately the fellow who sold me the insert just replied, "We could not find any extra parts for that insert in our shop or vans. The insert came out of a house in Beatrice NE but I can't remember the name of the people. Sorry I can't be any more helpful."

Guess I am on my own for the missing items unless the folks in Beatrice visit this forum (unlikely since they went from wood to a gas insert). The manual says there were four front grates and I got two; I assume these are designed to direct air across the door glass to keep it clean rather than to keep the fuel load inside, but I suppose they could do both. Any way, at least with the manual I now have an idea of what to look for.

Anyone know if the three prong plug is a standard item or an OEM plug for VC only?

 

[defiant3]

I remember that being V.C. specific, but could an electrician change the fitting for you? It's just a plug really after all...

Also, try woodmanspartsplus.com They have all kinds of weird V.C. stuff no longer made.

 

[mark lanctot]

I purchased one of these old inserts a few years ago. It also did not come with the cord. I used a clamp type fitting with some SJEOW Flexible cord from the local hardware store. Rheostats can be purchased on-line for about $18. I have the original fans that I have cleaned along with a little oil in the bearing. Mine are original and can be noisy as you state. Maybe I'll replace before the true burning season. My only comment for the review is that these units do not have a long burn time compared to others. I like the classic look. Works great on a Sunday afternoon watching football. Good luck.....