Stove pipe through clay thimble

[BlueRidgeRunner]

I am replacing my clay thimble due to the old one being cracked. I cannot seem to get the pipe to slide through the clay thimble. I placed a 2x4 and hit with a hammer then eventually tapped it with a sledge hammer. No luck.

On the other hand it is about 5 inches down the thimble. I was wondering if that is far enough? I replaced one a couple years ago and got to to slide so the way through and was able to but the stove pipe straight up to the chimney flue liner it's self. If so I was just going to cut the bent pipe off and attach it to the elbow going to the stove. There is also a small opening 1/2" or less between the chimmey liner and the block itself (shown in picture with scrrw driver). Should I fill the gap with some high temp chimney morter to stop the smoke from going up that way? It was like that the last time 2 years with no issues that I know of.


Thanks

 

[begreen]

Get some new stove pipe to start with. Then chip out the old mortar, clean it up and cement in the new tile so that it is flush on the inside of the chimney. Looks like it might be a good time to clean the chimney too.

 

[BlueRidgeRunner]

K, will do thanks for your advice. I'll call the local chimney sweeper tomorrow. Better safe than sorry.