Progress Hybrid Owners - New Inconel Screen Install - HELP!

[HollowHill]

I'm trying to install the new retainer for the new inconel screen and, as suspected, have run into trouble. I'm hoping someone who's done this install can help. The directions say "It is important that the bolts are behind the edge of the stainless steel plate to hold securely. Do not over tighten the bolts." I'm not sure what they mean by "edge of the stainless steel plate". There is a shallow channel that is about a 1/2" behind the edge of the secondary assembly. I would think that the objective would be to get the #@$%$ screw edge down into that channel. Unfortunately, that seems to be very hard to do. I'm not at all sure that I'm getting the screw down into that channel. I tightened the screw down, it didn't go very far, certainly the top of the screw is not flush to the top of the retainer bar (is it supposed to be?) and tried to run a bent paper clip to see if the screw was down in the channel. It did not feel like it was... and then I lost the blasted paper clip God knows where in the bowels of the Progress! Not sure if it fell in the ashes or if it flew down the secondary assembly or ?????

So, I guess my questions are:
-are the screws supposed to go into that channel?
-if they are, how do you tell if you've been successful?
- are the screws supposed to screw all the way down to the top of the retainer?
-is a rogue paper clip a hazard to the stove and/or just waiting to emit toxic fumes? I have imagined a number of unsavory scenarios involving said paper clip...

Thanks from the DIY-challenged and massively frustrated.

 

[HollowHill]

Bump...

 

[Flamestead]

I'm trying to install the new retainer for the new inconel screen and, as suspected, have run into trouble. I'm hoping someone who's done this install can help. The directions say "It is important that the bolts are behind the edge of the stainless steel plate to hold securely. Do not over tighten the bolts." I'm not sure what they mean by "edge of the stainless steel plate". There is a shallow channel that is about a 1/2" behind the edge of the secondary assembly. I would think that the objective would be to get the #@$%$ screw edge down into that channel. Unfortunately, that seems to be very hard to do. I'm not at all sure that I'm getting the screw down into that channel. I tightened the screw down, it didn't go very far, certainly the top of the screw is not flush to the top of the retainer bar (is it supposed to be?) and tried to run a bent paper clip to see if the screw was down in the channel. It did not feel like it was... and then I lost the blasted paper clip God knows where in the bowels of the Progress! Not sure if it fell in the ashes or if it flew down the secondary assembly or ?????

So, I guess my questions are:
-are the screws supposed to go into that channel?
-if they are, how do you tell if you've been successful?
- are the screws supposed to screw all the way down to the top of the retainer?
-is a rogue paper clip a hazard to the stove and/or just waiting to emit toxic fumes? I have imagined a number of unsavory scenarios involving said paper clip...

Thanks from the DIY-challenged and massively frustrated.

Sounds like you have the right channel. Seems like it was a snug fit on mine. I did not put my screws all the way down. Think of it this way - if it doesn't stay there over time you will immediately know, and that assembly isn't going to go very far. Make sure the screws are into the bar, but not going through it until you have it in place. Line it up by looking down through the bypass opening.

Forget the paper clip. It will likely be in the ashes. If it went down into the airway leading to the cat (air moves to the back, above the secondaries with bypass closed), you might see it show up one day one you have the cat out and are looking down past where it came from.

The hairpin clips are easy to drop, too, so be ready - clean out ashes or lay a piece of newspaper in there (if, horrors, you let the stove go cold).

[edited with more detail]

 

[chipsoflyin]

I had to reach into the firebox and pull on the center retainer post while pushing on the retainer bracket through the bypass opening, It definitely made a thud when it seated and the screws almost go all the way in. Make sure you add,a little bit of curvature to the screen prior to install as it will sag over time.

 

[HollowHill]

Make sure you add,a little bit of curvature to the screen prior to install as it will sag over time.

How would I curve it - front to back or side to side?

 

[HollowHill]

OK, got hold of WS. While you should try to get those bolts as close to the channel as possible, as long as the retainer is in there firmly, all is well. And, paper clips will eventually melt and don't worry about it

I am up and running, so far, so good.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[fire_man]

I was just about to post but WS fixed you up first. You may have to reform the screen a couple times after the heat hits it.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

OK, got hold of WS. While you should try to get those bolts as close to the channel as possible, as long as the retainer is in there firmly, all is well. And, paper clips will eventually melt and don't worry about it

I am up and running, so far, so good.

Thanks everyone for your help.

I was about ready to email you HollowHill and ask why you weren't on the phone to Woodstock. Glad you got it fixed.

 

[HollowHill]

Yes, BS, WS was great as usual. Very calm and reasonable and thoughtful. Not sure who I spoke with, but he was great. VERY helpful. For me, the lesson learned is to NEVER attempt one of these DYI things when WS is not open.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Good girl. Bet that really makes you happy that they are willing to work with you.