Quadrafire blues

[scagger]

I spent some time today replacing the flue flange gasket on my Quad Castille insert along with the combustion blower gasket. I replaced the flue gasket because I could smell smoke, but it appears that a new gasket did not work. It smells so much that I get a headache instantly, but there’s no visible smoke and my CO detector is not going off. Honestly I am about ready to junk this thing and get a Harman Accentra. The Quad is really poor quality and I’ve been thinking about upgrading to a better stove for several years now. I don’t know whether to pull the trigger now on a new stove or try to fix this stupid thing for another year. Any suggestions or opinions are welcome!

 

[Former Farmer]

Is all of the venting clean? Is the flange for the exhaust securely seated on the flange from the stove? I know that I have problems aligning the flanges with each other after I pull my insert out for a thorough cleaning. I have to pay extra attention to make sure that the 2 alignment studs line up with the holes in the flange.

I have had my Castile Insert for about 10 years now and think that it is a quality built unit. I have had to replace the convection blower, gaskets, and a snap switch over the years. I think that is a pretty good track record.

 

[scagger]

Is all of the venting clean? Is the flange for the exhaust securely seated on the flange from the stove? I know that I have problems aligning the flanges with each other after I pull my insert out for a thorough cleaning. I have to pay extra attention to make sure that the 2 alignment studs line up with the holes in the flange.

I have had my Castile Insert for about 10 years now and think that it is a quality built unit. I have had to replace the convection blower, gaskets, and a snap switch over the years. I think that is a pretty good track record.

I cleaned all of the venting about 2 weeks ago, but I have to admit that it was the first time doing it myself. I will have to double check the alignment studs on the flange. I appreciate your advice...I'll post an update once I check it out again.

 

[scagger]

I cleaned all of the venting about 2 weeks ago, but I have to admit that it was the first time doing it myself. I will have to double check the alignment studs on the flange. I appreciate your advice...I'll post an update once I check it out again.

Reseated the flange again and made sure the studs were lined up. I started it up and could smell it again except this time I did see some smoke during ignition. It appears to be coming from where the pipe connected to the flange adapter.

 

[Former Farmer]

It sounds like you may need to caulk that connection. You must use high temperature rated caulk. I believe that it is RTV type that you want to use to withstand the high temperatures.

 

[scagger]

It sounds like you may need to caulk that connection. You must use high temperature rated caulk. I believe that it is RTV type that you want to use to withstand the high temperatures.

Last weekend I pulled the stove out and used Rutland high temp caulk around the flange that inserts into the flex pipe. That seemed to help alot, but I did notice a puff of smoke upon startup between the joint where the gasket is. I have some Ultra Copper RTV that I think I am going to apply to both sides of the gasket just to seal this off once and for all. To ease my mind about keeping this stove a little longer, I took the time to paint all external parts and used liquid nail on the caps that hold the glass panes in the side panels. Those things were always popping off.

 

[Former Farmer]

I've only had those caps pop off once. My wife had tipped it over while I had it off to clean the stove.

Sounds like things are going well for you. Hope you have a good heating season with your Quad.

 

[kappel15]

Best way to check for leaks is in the dark with a flashlight, right when starting stove. kap

 

[scagger]

Best way to check for leaks is in the dark with a flashlight, right when starting stove. kap

Thanks Kap. I applied a little RTV to the gasket last weekend and so far so good. I think the clasps that hold the flanges together don't clamp as tight as they used to. Now if I can just figure out how to quiet down that vibrating convection fan. I want to murder that thing.

 

[Former Farmer]

Now if I can just figure out how to quiet down that vibrating convection fan.

I used a piece of cardboard folded to the proper height as a shim under mine.