Stove seems to be not getting air

[Johnsonra2]

I have a VC encore model 2040. It was here in the house when I purchased it a year ago. It ran fine last year and up until a couple days ago it was running fine. It seems as though the fire is not getting air even with the airflow lever wide open. I can see the door in the back is opening and closing when I move the lever. It is very difficult to get a fire going now because it doesn't seem to be getting any air. It it does not get hot now. I have cleaned the ash tray out and back where the catalytic combustor is.
I am still not getting air into the stove or it appears that way anyway. Any suggestions?

 

[bholler]

I have a VC encore model 2040. It was here in the house when I purchased it a year ago. It ran fine last year and up until a couple days ago it was running fine. It seems as though the fire is not getting air even with the airflow lever wide open. I can see the door in the back is opening and closing when I move the lever. It is very difficult to get a fire going now because it doesn't seem to be getting any air. It it does not get hot now. I have cleaned the ash tray out and back where the catalytic combustor is.
I am still not getting air into the stove or it appears that way anyway. Any suggestions?

Did you check the chimney? What moisture content is your wood at?

 

[Johnsonra2]

The wood is several years old and very dry.
I have not checked the chimney. Are you thinking that if it's clogged somewhere it's not getting good airflow? The "chimney" is a straight steel pipe going up from the side of the house.

 

[Johnsonra2]

Would a couple of those creosote logs being burned in there help or do you think it's too late for that?

 

[Johnsonra2]

I guess I also should have mentioned that when I open the front doors a crack to let some air in, the flames go right up like it should as if it was getting air.

 

[begreen]

Is this with the bypass open? Is the bypass opening correctly?

 

[weatherguy]

Can you get on your roof and look at your cap and look down the liner? Use binoculars if you cant.

 

[EJL923]

I would guess its the warmer weather/heavier air. My stove is acting similar.

 

[blacktail]

Was this several year old wood split years ago? Or was it in log form for years? A $15 moisture meter will end all doubt in fuel quality.
Could be a dirty screen at the cap too.

 

[xman23]

More than likely it's not an issue with the air in. It's probably a draft, air out issue.

 

[Johnsonra2]

Yup, air going out. Here was the issue...

 

[begreen]

That's pretty bad. Clean more frequently and get dry wood for next season.

 

[rwhite]

By the looks of the pic this is inside the house. I'd be curious of the upper chimney looks like. That will definitely impact draft.