Greetings from a newby. I'm a new owner of the Large Flush Wood Insert (Nexgen) from Travis Industries/Lopi. We have about 60 - 70 hours burn time on it so far, it was installed about a month ago using a new insulated liner inside our existing masonry chimney. Our installer used Millpac sealant and we're still getting a nasty "burned grease" smell during and even long after we burn. For instance, our last burn was five days ago and this morning's cold air, I believe, is moving down the chimney and forcing the stink through the small gap between the shroud and the wall. This smell is beyond unpleasant. From what I've read Millpac is meant to cure with heat. Well, we've had some hot burns (500-600F) and I'm wondering if the stink will ever go away. Does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of the smell? Is it just a matter of continuing to burn and eventually (some day) it will go away? At this point the wife and I are second guessing whether or not it was a good idea to have made this purchase. Thank you in advance for any comments/advice.
New Lopi/Travis Industries Nexgen Large Flush Wood Insert install using Millpac sealant
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Millpac never really cures but i have never had it put off a smell either. Was the chimney properly cleaned ahead of time
It was used at the flue collar, and possibly elsewhere (I would have to ask the installer where else). Sounds like it is not supposed to be used at the flue collar?
It is rated at 1050º, but it may outgas at lower temps. It shouldn't be needed at the flue collar which is the hottest point exiting the stove. If there is a large gap, then gasket rope should have been used.
Hmm... ok, good to know, thank you. At this point, though, I'm having to figure out what to do from here. Do you (or does anyone) have an idea on how to stop it from off-gassing? Will time or maybe repeated burns tame this beast?
First try to pinpoint the source. Remove the surround and sniff the flue collar area, using a section of hose if necessary. See if you can pinpoint the odor. Scrape off some of the Millpac around the flue collar and smell it. If that is the odor, then remove as much as possible.
Thanks for the advice: I’ve removed the face but I’m having a devil of a time removing the surround. It looks like there are two tabs on either side of the surround that slide in and out of the insert but I can’t get the surround to move up, out, or in any direction. Does anyone know: Is there a trick to removal, or am I missing something?
The installer tilted the insert forward so that the surround would fit more closely to the wall. Maybe because the insert is now tilted the surround will not simply lift up and out. That said, I see the owners manual clearly says to seal the flue with fireplace cement. In fact it says to use "generous" amounts at every joint. So...at this point I'm hesitant to try to remove the Millpac sealant if the manufacturer says it is supposed to be there. It's a bit of a quandary for me now. This Millpac continues to fill the room with stink long after the fire is out: not nice. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Does anyone have experience with Millpac: does it just stink forever?
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