Primary air hot spot - Jotul f400 Castine

[Propane_Poor]

Good evening all,

do you know if it's typical for there to be a hot spot in the coals near the front, even with the primary air turned mostly down?

I'm able to get good secondary burn, but the front center or the log nearest the door always tends to keep flaming and the coals under it are often glowing yellow.

I've tried repositioning, brushing the ashes away from the grate, checking the ashnpan door, and haven't noticed a change. So I wanted to ask if it was normal prior to looking into it in more detail.

Thanks!

 

[firefighterjake]

If it's set up like its big brother, the Oslo, air should be coming in from the center base of the firebox . . . and even when the air control is all the way "shut" it still allows in a certain amount of air.

 

[begreen]

Yes, there is boost air coming from the front center in the Castine too.

 

[therealdbeau]

My VC Merrimack has the same thing. It's some kind of fixed air stream but I have no clue why. I'd like to Know more about its purpose.

 

[Propane_Poor]

I was thinking there were 2 air ports. Here is a picture with the fire died down and it shows only 1 spot. Does anyone recall how many ports there are?