Sealing leaky pellet vent

[Ctwoodtick]

Have had my basement pellet stove for about 7 years. Works well. I do get some smoke in room on start up. It dissipates pretty quickly. I had put some high heat silicone tape wrapped around the venting last year. At first there was a smell from it but then it was good for rest of season with slight improvement to smoke. I started up the stove for first time this evening and the silicone smell seems to be back. I also know I could be burning some settled dust off with first burn this season. Wondering if there is a better way to seal up the joints of the venting without taking it all apart. Would applying some high temp silicone liberally to the joints, as assembled, be effective. Not worried about how it looks bc venting is mostly hidden away.