Replacement Combustor/Catalyst for CI2600/HI400

[Simon Templar]

Hello,

Has anyone else with a ci2600/hi400 insert had to replace their combustor yet? My (second) insert was installed in late spring 2015 so I've used it for 2 seasons now. It's been great, but I realized this fall when the burn season started that my combustor seemed like it might be clogged or dirty so I removed the flame guard to clean the combustor and found that it was crumbling. I've reached out to my dealer and they're checking on a warranty claim, but either way I'll be getting a new one.

I've searched for replacements, and the only place that seems to sell them online is here: http://www.firecatcombustors.com/ACI-70C-p/wa-4152000944.htm

Does anyone know of a better place to get them with regard to price? Eventually all of our warranties will expire and these are consumable items so it would be nice to see some price competition.

Also, I'm curious about expected life. Our owner's manual indicates a 6 year warranty with it being prorated in years 4, 5, and 6, but poking around other combustor vendor sites I'm seeing 10k - 12k hour expected life, which translates to only about 2-3 years for those of us who burn more or less full time for 6-7 months each year. Warranties aside, should I reasonably set my expectations to be replacing the combustor every 2 or 3 years? I don't care what the right answer is, but I just don't want to have unreasonable expectations then be sad when they're not met

Thanks.

 

[Wolves1]

I had to replace my combustor, before I got the adapter to lessen the draft the draft was to strong and flames got to the cat. Direct flame will make the cat to crumble something about the wood on the east coast is worse for the cat if flames hit it. Make sure you have the adapter, and before you close the bypass lower the air 1/2 then close the bypass.

 

[vetrano]

Wolves what adaptorr are you talking about?

 

[Wolves1]

Some of the first stoves would over draft so there is an adapter that regency made that would make the air intake smaller. Your dealer can get it for you and it’s easy install. Just loosen the two bolts next to the air intake and slide it in.

 

[Simon Templar]

I'm now even more eager to find more options for the combustor.

It seems that there are multiple versions of our owner's manual. The version I got with my insert in mid-2015 has one page about the combustor warranty, and it does state on that page, "For Canadian Customers Only", though there is no other page for non-Canadian customers. Anyway, that one page states that the customer must work with their vendor where they bought the insert for combustor warranty issues. I called my vendor and they scheduled a tech to come out to take a look. The following week the tech came out, was super polite and awesome, and saw that the combustor had failed. He removed it and took it with him. A few days later I got a call from them saying that the owners manual on regency's website states that I have to work with Applied Ceramics directly. I checked that version of the owners manual on regency's site and saw that it was very different from my paper copy that came with my insert. According to the (presumably newer) manual I need to take photos and send applied ceramics, along with the failed combustor and a copy of my purchase receipt along with a check ($12?), then wait 2-4 weeks for a response.

I don't have my combustor (I can probably get it back from my vendor, but I'm awaiting a call back and apparently what was left is all crumbled away anyway) and applied ceramics isn't answering their phone. It goes to voicemail, the automated message says their voicemail is full and hangs up. At this point, if I get whats left of my combustor back, and if I'm lucky and the vendor took photos they can give me, I'll mail it early next week and hope to be able to use my insert by I'm guessing mid-January. Otherwise what, I mail a letter and hope they read it?

This seems a little silly to me. Is applied ceramics the only vendor to make these for our inserts? I'm of the mind to just buy another one (especially if it's not from applied ceramics) so I can use my insert while pursuing this warranty claim, then keep the new warrantied one on a shelf until I need it in a few years.

 

[vetrano]

I dont think I'm anywhere near needing a replacement but I wonder if you can find one with identical specs (same dimensions) instead of searching by model. Perhaps calling the various manufactures with specs in hand will find that another stove uses the same sized combustor.

Please let us know if you find anything and what applied ceramics does as we will all be in the same situation sooner or later.

 

[Simon Templar]

I spoke with Regency and their design and testing was all done with Applied Ceramics combustors so that's what they recommend and support. With that said the only place to buy them that I've found (online) is from firecatcombustors.com which is applied ceramics website. I didn't ask my local Regency vendor how much they sell the combustors for but I suspect I'll be asking in a few years when I need another.

I did speak with someone at applied ceramics and they were nice and helpful so I'm confident that my insert will be back up and heating my house soon. I suppose I'll just have to keep my ears open for where to buy replacements for next time around...

But if you're reading this thread, go to regency's website and download the latest copy of the user manual for your insert; I lost about a week and a half because my combustor warranty page is for Canadian customers, while the latest manual version has pages for both Canadian and US customers.

 

[locust9]

Hey ya'll...first off I've been reading the forum up and down lately (a little early yes) related to this unit as I had one installed last fall (CI2600). I want to say thanks to you guys for posting all the great info! That said, feel like I should pay it forward a little. There is another company that makes a replacement cat. Its listed on amazon from "Midwest Hearth." They list as 3.6 x 18" x 2" Ceramic, but the picture shows the same exact dimensions as the Firecat (Applied Ceramics) unit; description also lists CI2600/HI400 application. I've just ordered one myself for a spare ;-) in addition to a new one hopefully coming under warranty.

Here's the current link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0754PTQVJ/?tag=hearthamazon-20

Price seems good at $275 vs Firecat's $340

Side note....I also checked with Condar to see if they made replacement cats (I was especially interested in their SteelCat product, given its lack of crumbling (see pics of the one I just pulled from my insert and you'll see why) - Steelcat also has a 400 degree light off/bypass. Unfortunately, they don't make either a ceramic or this seemingly awesome steel version at this time (what a shame!) - maybe we can convince them to (call Natasha in sales and ask her also 828-436-2102 - I tried my best to convince her lol) - this unit has to be a big market I would guess.

I'm disappointed I only got one season out of my Applied cat (I did burn pretty much 24/7 though and from reading through many posts - props to Wolves! - I can say I have a MUCH better understanding as to why it failed so quickly). Season is almost upon us, look forward to postin more with you guys over the winter. Thanks!!

 

[locust9]

wow....$480 just quoted from my dealer for a replacement Cat retail. Confirmed also...Regency will only replace ONCE during warranty period of 6 yrs.

 

[webby3650]

Hey ya'll...first off I've been reading the forum up and down lately (a little early yes) related to this unit as I had one installed last fall (CI2600). I want to say thanks to you guys for posting all the great info! That said, feel like I should pay it forward a little. There is another company that makes a replacement cat. Its listed on amazon from "Midwest Hearth." They list as 3.6 x 18" x 2" Ceramic, but the picture shows the same exact dimensions as the Firecat (Applied Ceramics) unit; description also lists CI2600/HI400 application. I've just ordered one myself for a spare ;-) in addition to a new one hopefully coming under warranty.

Here's the current link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0754PTQVJ/?tag=hearthamazon-20

Price seems good at $275 vs Firecat's $340

Side note....I also checked with Condar to see if they made replacement cats (I was especially interested in their SteelCat product, given its lack of crumbling (see pics of the one I just pulled from my insert and you'll see why) - Steelcat also has a 400 degree light off/bypass. Unfortunately, they don't make either a ceramic or this seemingly awesome steel version at this time (what a shame!) - maybe we can convince them to (call Natasha in sales and ask her also 828-436-2102 - I tried my best to convince her lol) - this unit has to be a big market I would guess.

I'm disappointed I only got one season out of my Applied cat (I did burn pretty much 24/7 though and from reading through many posts - props to Wolves! - I can say I have a MUCH better understanding as to why it failed so quickly). Season is almost upon us, look forward to postin more with you guys over the winter. Thanks!!


View attachment 228901 View attachment 228902

I think this is going to be a common problem for these hybrids. Look at that secondary combustion tube right below the cat! My cape cod would pull flames from that tube right into the cat, nothing you can do to stop it!

 

[locust9]

I suppose I'll need to keep a closer watch on how high the flames are going in order to attempt preventing them from getting pulled up that high. After reading through some other posts I made a suggested adjustment to the intake restrictor plate (slid it up some); we'll see if that helps at all. Other than that, probably just have to limit the size of the wood pile.

 

[locust9]

I received this reply from Condar after asking if they'd consider making a Cat for the Regency/Hampton line:


Hi Brian,


Thanks for the information! I have forwarded your email to the president of the company as well as the vice president and our plant manager to look over. We’ll see what happens. You never know, they may decide to offer this one in the future.


Thanks again!

Natasha Morales

Condar Company

111 Kangaroo Drive

Columbus, North Carolina 28722


828-436-2102 x 2460

[email protected]


From: Brian Hall [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2018 6:51 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Replacement Woodstove Catalyst***request

Hi Natasha,

Thank you again for helping me check to see if Condar produces a replacement catalyst/combustor for Regency Pro-Series woodstoves/inserts. The Regency links below are the same model firebox/combustor spec. I hope in the future you all consider producing for this popular product line. For consideration, would you please forward the below information to manufacturing for investigating possible future production?

I sincerely appreciate your consideration.

Brian

SPECS:

18.5”L x 3”W x 2.5”H

OEM Cat/Combustor:

http://www.firecatcombustors.com/ACI-70C-p/wa-4152000944.htm

Aftermarket:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0754PTQVJ/?tag=hearthamazon-20

Application:

https://www.regency-fire.com/en/Products/Wood/Wood-Inserts/CI2600

https://www.regency-fire.com/en/Products/Wood/Wood-Inserts/HI400

From: Brian Hall [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, August 18, 2018 12:19 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: Replacement Woodstove Catalyst

Hi Natasha,

Do you all make a replacement catalyst for the Regency I2600 wood insert? If so, how much does it run for 1 unit?

I tried to look this up on the website, but it kept asking for login credentials.

Thank you!
Brian Hall

 

[locust9]

To pass along the correction/clarification I received: Combustor/Catalyst/Catalytic Converter claims have to be made directly through Applied Ceramics. Pages from the manual attached outlining the process.

email from Applied below:

From: Carlos Jimenez [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2018 11:28 AM
To: Brian Hall
Cc: Scott Plageman
Subject: RE: Versagrid Ceramic

Hello Brian,

I am also doing well.

Yes for this case, we need a 15$ check for shipment, the invoice, serial number and other paperwork associated with the invoice.

If you have any other questions let us know.
thanks

Best Regards,
Carlos Jimenez

Customer Service Representative

Applied Catalysts, 5555 Pleasantdale Road, Doraville, GA 30340

www.appliedcatalysts.com

www.firecatcombustors.com

Phone: 678-335-4937

Fax: 770-368-8261

 

[Pertzbro]

I think this is going to be a common problem for these hybrids. Look at that secondary combustion tube right below the cat! My cape cod would pull flames from that tube right into the cat, nothing you can do to stop it!

Is it possible to rotate the closets to the cat tube so the holes are straight down? Or plug the first tube? Anything to help keep flames from smacking the combustor directly?

 

[bholler]

Is it possible to rotate the closets to the cat tube so the holes are straight down? Or plug the first tube? Anything to help keep flames from smacking the combustor directly?

We have a fair number of hybrid regencies out and have been seeing normal lifespans of about 3 years for fulltime burners with reasonably dry wood. This is on par with most other cat stove so i dont see that there is an issue. If you have wet wood you will destroy it in a year easily.

 

[EOTR in Greenwater]

Hello from the PNW!
I am installing the CI2600 in about 2 weeks up in my mountain cabin after a lot of research, and am now very familiar in theory with the hybrid units. Excited to have it installed and heat up the cabin during the ski season.
According to all the Regency literature, the unit has secondary air tubes as well as the catalyst to burn up the smoke- producing more heat ( "Eco-Boost 3 Stage Burn Technology" ). My question is this - how would the unit run without the catalyst in it? I understand the efficiency and EPA issues, but would it act just as a non cat unit and still burn some of the smoke once bypass is closed due to the secondary air tubes?

Thanks all!

 

[begreen]

Page 29 of the manual:

DO NOT OPERATE THE APPLIANCE IF COMBUSTOR BECOMES INACTIVE - DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT COMBUSTOR.

 

[EOTR in Greenwater]

Thanks Begreen- I have seen that in the manual, but I guess I am wondering the reason. I can only think that it is because it is then not running at a high efficiency. Just as you could run the insert with the bypass open, I guess I don't see why you couldn't burn it without the cat in there. I am only thinking downstream if it were to crumble and break and you couldn't get a replacement quickly.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Thanks Begreen- I have seen that in the manual, but I guess I am wondering the reason. I can only think that it is because it is then not running at a high efficiency. Just as you could run the insert with the bypass open, I guess I don't see why you couldn't burn it without the cat in there. I am only thinking downstream if it were to crumble and break and you couldn't get a replacement quickly.

Just a thought, why dont you purchase a cat. Your going to need one anyway.. eventually. I made the mistake of not having a cat and oneday while cleaning the stove broke mine.. not totally. Would have been nice to have a spare on hand now I keep two on hand

 

[Woody Stover]

Thanks Begreen- I have seen that in the manual, but I guess I am wondering the reason.

Well, for one thing, it's illegal. For another, you'll be fouling the air I breathe. If you don't want to burn the stove correctly, perhaps you should get a different stove.

I think this is going to be a common problem for these hybrids. Look at that secondary combustion tube right below the cat! My cape cod would pull flames from that tube right into the cat, nothing you can do to stop it!

Has anyone got a pic of the flame shield on the stove? My Keystone has a screen, not a metal shield with holes in it. That said, it is also further back from the shield than the Lopis or Regencies appear to be..

 

[EOTR in Greenwater]

Well, for one thing, it's illegal. For another, you'll be fouling the air I breathe. If you don't want to burn the stove correctly, perhaps you should get a different stove...

Understood Woody - It's not that I'm not going to use the cat with the insert, just trying to understand the ramifications of not using a cat if the original ends up deteriorating. Anyway, still excited to have my insert installed in a couple weeks.

 

[Woody Stover]

not that I'm not going to use the cat with the insert, just trying to understand the ramifications of not using a cat if the original ends up deteriorating. I am only thinking downstream if it were to crumble and break and you couldn't get a replacement quickly.

OK, I see now that it's not your aim to run without the cat if it can be avoided.
I'll look in the other thread and see if anyone has come up with any mods that would protect the cat better. As I said, my stove has a stainless screen; The only flame I ever see near the cat is when smoke ignited off the back of the screen itself, which doesn't constitute "flame impingement" from what I understand. I have both a ceramic and steel cat for the stove and have never had a problem with the ceramic cat crumbling. My wood is dry and I always bypass the cat and wait a couple minutes if I need to open the door mid-burn, so I've avoided the "thermal shock" aspect of cat damage..

 

[weatherguy]

When you have a cat stove it's always good to have a spare on hand, I always have two, just in case.

 

[Brycope]

I was able to remove the combustor, but how does one get it back in? I have a ci2600/hi400 insert .

 

[tadmaz]

The manual describes the procedure. The trick is to get the bottom started first with the front face lower than the bottom. Then push the combustor towards the back of the stove, while also pushing the front face up.