Quadrafire Thermocouple Cover - Breaking Down?

[ultrapellet]

Hi, is it a problem when the Thermocouple Cover looks like this? It has stuff flaking off, and bright white underneath.

I thought I remembered the stove guy saying you don't want this to break down and damage the part inside (mine is a CB 1200 insert with a very tight fit, and moving it around is not easy).

If it's going bad, any guess on how long it'll still work? Could I use it for 4 hours every night for the next week or two?

Thank you!

(EDITED to add more photos.)

 

[VintageGal]

I clean my quad every other day. I use a soft toothbrush to gently brush off the ash off the thermal coupler. It might be easier to see what's going on if you clean it up a little

 

[ultrapellet]

I clean my quad every other day. I use a soft toothbrush to gently brush off the ash off the thermal coupler. It might be easier to see what's going on if you clean it up a little

Thank you, and I just added more photos to the original post. The stuff is caked on pretty hard, and I used a green scrubbie pad to try and get a little more off. It didn't really budge (one flake came off, and you can see the new exposed area farther down) and I'm nervous about going after it too hard.

I don't use the stove for primary heat throughout the house (and I don't clean it often enough, probably). It's usually just a few hours at night for extra heat.

It seems like the white surface underneath is bumpy/uneven, which makes me wonder if it's breaking down.

 

[Mt Bob]

Get a new one, it is a wear item. At this point, you may bust it trying to clean it. And, yes, it can affect how the stove runs.

 

[VintageGal]

Do like Bob told you and get another one. I have not replaced mine yet but I cannot imagine they cost very much ....

 

[Former Farmer]

There we go spending someone else's money again.

I agree, replace the cover. Go ahead and use the stove with the old cover until your new one arrives.

UltraPellet, you also need to scrap out the carbon buildup better in your burn pot. It also looks like you are getting a buildup on the gate in the bottom of the burn pot.

As is mentioned on this forum multiple times, a clean stove is a happy stove.

 

[kappel15]

That is a ceramic cover. Soak the end in some water, and you should be able to clean it up. kap

 

[VintageGal]

These quad burn pots can be real pain in the butt (for me) to clean! I'm using a tall flat head screwdriver and really working on it every other day to get a smooth surface. It takes a strong hand and my muscles are getting stronger every day lol

 

[ultrapellet]

Thanks, all, very much appreciated. Yes, the covers are not too expensive and I've got one on the way now. I'll also give scraping and more frequent cleaning a try!