opinions on my liner install

[firemn260]

I have a brand new enviro kodiak 1700 wood insert sitting in my garage ready to be installed. I got a great deal on it and a 6" liner kit from a wholesale company with intentions to install it myself into a masonry fireplace in the living room
I installed a older insert in my basement with a pre insulated liner and it went pretty smooth so I felt comfortable do this one.
I had the chimney cleaned and inspected. As I figured there were some rough looking mortar joints and some Spalding at the top. The fireplace is huge measuring 60" across so it has a duel clay terracotta flue set up.
My plan is to block off one side and run the liner in the other.
So here is my situation. The clay liners measure 7x9. I though was a weird size. Wrap insulation is our of the question because of such a tight fit and some of the clay liner is not lined up perfect. So my only option is a pour down insulation. Problem is the smoke chamber is huge so the flue pipe does not start until about 3' above the smoke shelf.
At this point with all these variables I'm ready to just pay someone to do it. Plus it will make my wife feel better about the safety of it.
I'm just looking for some opinions on this and what a good ballpark price what it could cost me for basically just the labor. There are alot of installers around but I have heard some horror stories about shady companies and in my case I'm not buying materials from them. Sorry for such a long read but any help is Appriciated

 

[fire_man]

You could break out the clay liner or ovalize the liner to get it to fit with insulation. I ovalized and it was fine.
Why is the 3 foot height from the flue pipe such a problem?

 

[firemn260]

You could break out the clay liner or ovalize the liner to get it to fit with insulation. I ovalized and it was fine.
Why is the 3 foot height from the flue pipe such a problem?

I'm unable to reach the bottom of the flue pipe to install a block off plate to contain the insulation mix.
How did you ovalize your liner?

 

[fire_man]

I'm unable to reach the bottom of the flue pipe to install a block off plate to contain the insulation mix.
How did you ovalize your liner?

When I ordered my liner I specified the ovalized dimensions. I know some people ovalize themselves with a brick but I did not mind paying a little more not to deal with it. I think my clay liner was 7X9 as well and I only had to ovalize by 1/2 inch or so.

 

[bholler]

Yeah ovalizing or breaking out the liners are you options. pour in would not give you enough insulation to bring it up to code you would also have to ovalize it more than 1/2" to get enough room for proper insulation as well. When you do that check with the stove manufacturer to see if you have to go up to 7" for the pipe to maintain enough volume.

 

[fire_man]

Bholler:

What would be the symptoms of a stove be if the flue's volume was insufficient?

 

[bholler]

What would be the symptoms of a stove be if the flue's volume was insufficient?

poor draft. Which would cause slow starts, smoke when opening the door, excess buildup ect. It may be just fine with an ovalized 6" depending on the stove and the chimney height but one should check before buying the liner

 

[fire_man]

So ovalizing on a flue that is too tall sounds like it could be beneficial. My 24 foot tall flue has an ovalized 6" liner and the draft is still really strong. The stove was intended for a 7" liner but Woodstock had the stove tested for a 6" liner. I slightly ovalized by 1/2" or so and have had no problems probably because it's so tall.

 

[bholler]

So ovalizing on a flue that is too tall sounds like it could be beneficial.

It could be yes or it could cause problems. Your liner also is not ovalized very much at all most are taken down more than that which will affect the draft allot more. There is nothing wrong with ovalizing but there are some issues that you need to be aware of when considering it

 

[firemn260]

Knocking out the clay liner was a option I didn't even think about. Not that I even have the means to do that. I'm guessing the pros have some sort of rotating weight that breaks it out?
I have a interior chimney that's about 20' high. I got the 25' 6" liner at dealer cost so I would hate to have to buy a new liner.

 

[bholler]

Knocking out the clay liner was a option I didn't even think about. Not that I even have the means to do that. I'm guessing the pros have some sort of rotating weight that breaks it out?

yes you are right

I have a interior chimney that's about 20' high. I got the 25' 6" liner at dealer cost so I would hate to have to buy a new liner.

call the stove manufacturer and ask then call local pros and see if they have an ovalizer