Hi everyone, I need expert eyes on my Ravelli RV100 Classic. As shown in the photos, my igniter tube holder/bracket is completely rusted out, creating a dangerous air gap in the firebox.
I’ve spent over $1,500 on repairs, and I'm realizing the install was likely the root cause:
Installation Day: It was a 97-degree day, and the RDS (Ravelli Dynamic System) was never calibrated.
Flow Meter Issue: I later found the flow meter wire was never connected from day one, meaning the stove has been burning "blind" without any air-flow regulation.
Frequent Failures: We’ve already had to replace the gaskets, firepot, and middle vermiculite due to what looks like excessive heat damage.
I have a new firepot and thinking about getting Meeco's Furnace Cement, but is this unit even salvageable given the structural rust where the igniter meets the firebox? Is this a known defect or a result of the failed RDS? Any advice for my Maine AG complaint would be appreciated.
![[Hearth.com] Ravelli RV100 Classic Severe Firebox Decay & Negligent Install (RDS Never Run)](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_2497-webp.345543/ "[Hearth.com] Ravelli RV100 Classic Severe Firebox Decay & Negligent Install (RDS Never Run)")
I’ve spent over $1,500 on repairs, and I'm realizing the install was likely the root cause:
Installation Day: It was a 97-degree day, and the RDS (Ravelli Dynamic System) was never calibrated.
Flow Meter Issue: I later found the flow meter wire was never connected from day one, meaning the stove has been burning "blind" without any air-flow regulation.
Frequent Failures: We’ve already had to replace the gaskets, firepot, and middle vermiculite due to what looks like excessive heat damage.
I have a new firepot and thinking about getting Meeco's Furnace Cement, but is this unit even salvageable given the structural rust where the igniter meets the firebox? Is this a known defect or a result of the failed RDS? Any advice for my Maine AG complaint would be appreciated.
![[Hearth.com] Ravelli RV100 Classic Severe Firebox Decay & Negligent Install (RDS Never Run)](/talk/data/attachments/345/345571-06e74392930f76fb9052dfd354d28707.jpg?hash=rypwwWT9zh)
![[Hearth.com] Ravelli RV100 Classic Severe Firebox Decay & Negligent Install (RDS Never Run)](/talk/data/attachments/345/345572-f913d6b157615c31053fcc17d9e9c539.jpg?hash=l9pnF9N_MS)
![[Hearth.com] Ravelli RV100 Classic Severe Firebox Decay & Negligent Install (RDS Never Run)](/talk/data/attachments/345/345573-1c7a7511e73b2a83f4e44b74c0774ffa.jpg?hash=NfMMcwTT6t)