Screw removal on center brick of Quad Santa Fe

[Geezer]

Hi, giving my stove the yearly thorough cleaning, and the allen screw that holds the center brick in place seems to be frozen. First, is removal recommended, and if so any ideas on how to loosen it without stripping the head? Thanks, it's early, but gearing up.

 

[DAKSY]

I would try some PB Blaster or a similar type of penetrating oil. Spray it in aroung the head of the screw & let it sit overnight. Than I'd try to free it with a small, hammer type impact driver. Should loosen right up...

 

[SwineFlue]

I've never had mine off, and I doubt the prior owner of the house did either.

I used a flat piece of the old tadpole door gasket to 'floss' behind it. I figure it helps the exhaust blower to pull from behind the left rear brick.

 

[reallyte]

Never had that plate off either yet, let me know what you find

 

[Geezer]

Daksy, thanks it worked, all i had was wd40, but it did the trick. Thanks guys, what there is behind there is a small space with some screws which i guess secure the hopper, not sure. There was a small amount of ash in there. All set for the season! Heads up, there seems to be an increase in the price of pellets this year. I'm not going to repeat last year, in Sept there will be three tons delivered which will hold me.