Picked up our free (!) Jotul F600

[paredown]

Didn't want to jinx this with my last post asking about loading this in the pickup.

But someone actually advertised this Jotul on Craigslist & saved it for us. We even got (bribed) the crew putting in the new stove to help us load it. (Now unloading is going to be tricky... since I'm the only one here!) It just cleared the underside of the cap & was very hard to slide on the bedliner.... but we made it back from Philly with no problems.

The stove is 5 yrs old & was replaced since the previous owners had problems with it burning hot. The owner thought it was because of the size/height of her chimney.

It has been overfired (front door has slight warp, but appears to seal--passes the dollar bill test according to the p.o. There is one small crack on the face just to the left of the ashpan (I'll try to get a picture tomorrow). The owner said they had re-cemented(?) internally--not quite sure what that would entail...

My question--should I get the stove inspected by a local Jotul dealer before installing--and possibly use them for the install?

Or should I check it over, clean it and try it as-is?

 

[Russ in Chicagoland]

I'm no expert on what to do next, but nice score!

 

[meathead]

they're going to murder you on the install because you didn't buy a stove from them...plus paying someone to install it would kind of defeat the purpose of getting a free stove. It's only 5 years old?! Nice score. Get replacement parts for whatever is cracked/warped (you got the stove free...you're still making out good) - bolt them in and cement them in and then call it good to go.

 

[paredown]

Thanks for that.

I gather that the parts must be ordered through a Jotul dealer--is there anyone who will do this online, or do I need to find the local bricks and mortar dealer?

The only thing that struck me looking it over was the gasket on the flue connection--there was a gap at the base of it where the gasket was not seated properly (or was missing??).

I need to flip it from vertical to horizontal anyways, so I probably should replace that.

I've got some serious head-scratching to do as far as the install is concerned, but if I take some pictures, and tap into the collective wisdom here on the forum, I maybe can get it sorted out.

I wish I could levitate it into place and fire it up immediately--we hit light frost last night & it is a little chilly this morning!

 

[BrotherBart]

http://www.stovepartsplus.com/Merch...GY&Store_Code=SPP&Category_Code=JOT-F600FLTCB

 

[Fsappo]

I look at it this way. Your ahead of the game with the free stove, I would have a proffessional install it. If they nail you for an extra hundred bucks or so, what the heck, it's a free stove. Protect your free investment. Also, get that warped door replaced and have a tech check it out. Even if you spent a few hundred bucks getting that stove in working order, it's a steal. That Jotul is a nice stove. Or put it this way, If I could buy one used that didnt need any work done on it for $1500, I'd consider it a good deal. So spend a little, make sure all your ducks are in a row, and still pat yourself on the back for a job well done

 

[Wet1]

Agreed. Throw a little money into new parts to bring it back to as shipped condition. At least this way you know what you have and have some piece of mind while sleeping. Even if you throw a few bucks into, who cares since it was free!

Congrats on the freebie!

 

[MishMouse]

I agree have a professional fix and install the stove.
You got it for free so you are well ahead of the game.

If you get it professionally fixed and installed at least this would give you some type of support to fall back on if there is an issue with the install or the stove afterwards.

Note: By doing it yourself, you hold 100% of the liability and unless you really know what you are doing, your free stove could cost you your house and maybe your family.

 

[Drumaz]

In agreement with everyone. Owning an F600 myself, you'll want the pro install because when that stove gets going, it's intense. This only my second season with it and still scares the crap out of me every time it gets going. I also got my stove for a GREAT deal (secondhand) but paid for a pro install. That's my .02 .. Good luck with that furnace!!

 

[firefighterjake]

I look at it this way. Your ahead of the game with the free stove, I would have a proffessional install it. If they nail you for an extra hundred bucks or so, what the heck, it's a free stove. Protect your free investment. Also, get that warped door replaced and have a tech check it out. Even if you spent a few hundred bucks getting that stove in working order, it's a steal. That Jotul is a nice stove. Or put it this way, If I could buy one used that didnt need any work done on it for $1500, I'd consider it a good deal. So spend a little, make sure all your ducks are in a row, and still pat yourself on the back for a job well done

+1 . . . or +2, +3 or +4 . . . whatever we're up to.

Great stove for free? Good deal . . . can't get much better . . . except to get it fixed up to near-new condition. I agree with everyone . . . spend the money you saved for new parts to bring it back to mint condition and get a professional install . . . you'll buy peace of mind . . . in my own case I had to have a professional install since the insurance company required it.

 

[meathead]

It always surprises me to hear people say they get more peace of mind having someone else install their stove than they would get doing it themselves.

In my mind - if you are a capable DIYer and don't mind putting the time and research in, you'll save yourself (a lot of) money AND have better peace of mind knowing every inch of your install goes above and beyond code and no corners were cut when you weren't around to watch. Plus when it's all ready to be closed up and run, you can always have an inspector come check everything out and give you the all clear for under $100.

1. Having a professional stove restoration will cost you a big chunk of cash and what you are getting with that stove is new plates bolted on and cemented - which you can do yourself and you can do it right. You either have to pay them to come do the restore in your house or deliver the stove to them and pick it up when done. You will pay hundreds of dollars on labor. The stove still isn't installed yet.

2. The install obviously depends on what you already have in place. Existing hearth or need to build one. Masonry chimney or piping the whole thing...etc. Whatever the case, it is not rocket surgery. If you are confident and capable and want to save the money (most likely over $1,000 in labor), take your time and do it right. Post pics, post questions, and they will be answered. When it's all said and done, call the local fire marshall or town building department and have someone come take a look at everything before you light the stove.

Only if you feel like it is above your head should you pay someone to do the install. If you do go this route, pay damn close attention to who does the work. I have seen several guys doing installs at friend's houses that I wouldn't trust to run my oven hood vent. They have made some sloppy mistakes - and there are plenty of threads here complaining about the same thing. Make sure you know who is doing the work and make sure you know it is getting done right - and when they are done I would still have someone from the town inspect the work.

 

[tiber]

Well if you want to send the stove back to philly, I'll help you unload it and into my house. I'm sure I can bribe a few of the local meatheads here with beer.

 

[SWNH]

http://www.stovepartsplus.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SPP&Category_Code=JOT-F600FLTCB

Yah...if they ever GET the parts. I ordered an ash pan for my F500 earlier this year and waited for MONTHS. Ended up canceling the order. While the company promptly refunded my money, they should charge ONLY when they ship.

 

[paredown]

Checked with our insurance company (thanks Firefighter Jake). They do require a professional installer.

I find it a little annoying that they will insure smokers & draw the line at self installed stoves, even when there is a permit requirement here for an install, and you are required to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you begin...

Phoned one local Jotul dealer---didn't like the a la carte menu, including $150 up front for a site visit (to be deducted off the work if you got them to do it. The second dealer subcontracts his installs (although he sells a lot of stoves.

I called an independent who inspired confidence in that when I gave him a brief rundown, he seemed to comprehend what I was talking about.

Sadly his first time free is not until November 13--oh how I wish I had got on this project a little earlier!

 

[fredarm]

Call some chimney sweeps in your area. Many of them install stoves.

 

[BrotherBart]

http://www.stovepartsplus.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SPP&Category_Code=JOT-F600FLTCB

Yah...if they ever GET the parts. I ordered an ash pan for my F500 earlier this year and waited for MONTHS. Ended up canceling the order. While the company promptly refunded my money, they should charge ONLY when they ship.

Thanks for the heads-up. They have been pretty good before.

 

[firefighterjake]

Checked with our insurance company (thanks Firefighter Jake). They do require a professional installer.

I find it a little annoying that they will insure smokers & draw the line at self installed stoves, even when there is a permit requirement here for an install, and you are required to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you begin...

Phoned one local Jotul dealer---didn't like the a la carte menu, including $150 up front for a site visit (to be deducted off the work if you got them to do it. The second dealer subcontracts his installs (although he sells a lot of stoves.

I called an independent who inspired confidence in that when I gave him a brief rundown, he seemed to comprehend what I was talking about.

Sadly his first time free is not until November 13--oh how I wish I had got on this project a little earlier!

No problem . . . just paying it forward . . . I got (and continue to get) a lot of good advice here . . . figure if I can pass on just a bit of this knowledge and experience I have had to help others it's paying back the members who came before me and gave me good info.

Incidentally, I do agree with you . . . it's a bit odd that some insurance companies will insure many questionable things . . . but then draw the line on some things. For me personally, it wasn't that big of a deal though since a) there was no associated premium increase with the woodstove which some folks have experienced and b) I wasn't overly crazy to go up on my very steep roof to install the chimney so it was worth paying someone to do this.

Good to hear that you may have found an independent person to do the install . . . as mentioned by another member . . . sometimes chimney sweeps will also do installs . . . often for a decent price.

 

[paredown]

Well the time passed pretty quickly--and we have had some pretty mild weather in between.

Here's a shot of the test fire. (Hearth extension for spark protection will be done soon.) And a shot of the first woodpile I've stacked since I was a kid.

We went with a 7" insulated liner to a T and a 6" reducer to the stove. Block off plate top and bottom (per Hearth Room best practices). Limit on getting the stove farther back was the rather steep back brick at the throat-we would have had to remove a lot more brick for marginal gain. I'll get some metal plate behind there I think--if only to keep the cats out!

Turned out the stove had not been installed correctly. Someone had fatfingered the gasket on the chimney collar so I think it was sucking air. Front doors were fine--they just needed new gaskets and a little adjustment.

Thanks to the board for the help and information. I'm so excited I can hardly stand the idea that I need to let this cool down before firing up a second slightly larger fire!

 

[Dexter]

Looks like you got quite a "score".

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that non-combustible hearth material on floor must extend 16" in front of the face of the door.

We've had a firelight cb for 10 seasons, and just love it. 'Big, long-burning stove.

Regards,

Dexter

 

[begreen]

Looking good! Be sure to deal with that bare floor asap. That stove can radiate some serious heat out front.

How does the small crack look on close inspection? Did you drill a hole on the end to stop it from spreading? Cemented on the inside?

 

[paredown]

It looks closer to the floor than it is, because I had the camera pointed down--the raised hearth actually about 18" above the wood. I am working on slate floors so I will do slate below, either inset or on top before I fire it up in earnest.

Re the crack, thanks for reminding me--it seemed not be more than a surface defect in the cast. I'll take a closer look again tomorrow, but I actually can't see where it was (and the paint is not that thick). The furnace cement generally looked pretty good, but it gaskets definitely were not kosher. I still need to get the 1/4" replaced that is on the lip between the two doors--since that seems to be an unusual size.

 

[raybonz]

Well the time passed pretty quickly--and we have had some pretty mild weather in between.

Here's a shot of the test fire. (Hearth extension for spark protection will be done soon.) And a shot of the first woodpile I've stacked since I was a kid.

We went with a 7" insulated liner to a T and a 6" reducer to the stove. Block off plate top and bottom (per Hearth Room best practices). Limit on getting the stove farther back was the rather steep back brick at the throat-we would have had to remove a lot more brick for marginal gain. I'll get some metal plate behind there I think--if only to keep the cats out!

Turned out the stove had not been installed correctly. Someone had fatfingered the gasket on the chimney collar so I think it was sucking air. Front doors were fine--they just needed new gaskets and a little adjustment.

Thanks to the board for the help and information. I'm so excited I can hardly stand the idea that I need to let this cool down before firing up a second slightly larger fire!

Talk about a great deal! That stove looks like new and should last you many years...

Enjoy!
Ray

 

[paredown]

Talk about a great deal! That stove looks like new and should last you many years...

Enjoy!
Ray

Well, looking "like new" was helped out by a can and a half of spray paint, removal of glass for said painting (and scrubbing of glass), and gasket replacement (accompanied by some choice cuss words as I fought to get the old cement scraped out).

But you're right--money's tight and the install was expensive. Pretty sure we could not have done it without the free stove.

Many years sounds very nice--we have moved way too much & I'm ready to settle in and get some pleasure from this house.

Dean

 

[53flyer]

Note: By doing it yourself, you hold 100% of the liability and unless you really know what you are doing, your free stove could cost you your house...

I admit to not being an insurance expert but my understanding is that his liability is still protected by his home insurance regardless of who installs the stove. In the same way a person would be covered if their attempt to cut down a tree went wrong and hit their house. Correct? Any insurance experts out there that can provide more than an opinion?

Edit: I just read the posts irt some people's insurance company’s requiring install. So does anyone know for sure (not just an opinion) that if paredown had installed the stove himself (without checking with his insurance) that he'd not be covered? I'm inclined to doubt that he wouldn't be covered (even if it took longer to get the insurance settlement) but I'd still be interested in hearing from an insurance person if there are any out thee. I do know of one person (friend of a friend) who had the tree mishap and was still completely covered.

 

[paredown]

It's funny--I tried to ask the insurance agent that if by calling, I had ensured that I would have to use a professional installer. Kind of like don't ask, & don't get sighted by their radar. But she did try to convince me that as far as their company was concerned (SAFECO), a self-install that could be shown to cause a house fire would be grounds for denying coverage.

I'm having a similar issue wrt to upgrading some house wiring. The argument for permitted install with professionals is again, if they can show that your uninspected work as a homeowner contributed or caused a fire, they will deny coverage. The electrician who I am working with says he has seen this more than once, & he was not soliciting business.

I suspect that the difference with the tree example is that cutting down a tree is an episodic thing, and within the range of what an "average" homeowner might attempt, & then find himself in trouble. By that calculation, installing a stove or modifying the house wiring is a fundamental change to the house as a system or entity that has ongoing repercussions and should be left to the "professionals".

Of course, where that breaks down is, there was a time (and I certainly grew up in this environment) when you did everything yourself. My dad rewired half our house, and a home-owner's permit was easy to obtain, and was even collaborative--the inspector helped you get it right.

But now we've lost our faith that the average person of good will and intelligence can do stuff--and we should leave it all to "professionals."

Well, I've had to clean up after some of them, and just because you paid a lot of money does not mean the job has been done correctly or is safer.

And as far as insurance companies go, a lawyer friend who has some recent dealings with one, came to the realization mid-trial, that really, their business model is predicated on not paying claims and using that money to invest, and pay themselves handsomely...

My $ .02...