Thermostat stuck??? Dying fires need help.

[vallieweck]

Hi all. I’ve been noticing that after a cold start when I shut the door (after initially getting kindling and wood BLAZING) on my Sorocco 20.2 the fire dies down. Like it’s getting choked out, not enough air. Wood is seasoned Doug fir and around 14% moisture content. Open door, rips again. I’m noticing I’m not hearing the flapper clank when I turn the thermostat dial, I don’t think it ever has in the three years I’ve owned the stove. Is it stuck??? Not opening fully? Reloads are not so bad…fresh wood takes off right away.

Contacted my dealer and they can’t get anyone here until December 7……………………
So! Have read some other posts about removing the cover so I can for myself see what’s going on. I’ve added two pictures, just want to make sure I’m removing the correct cover and screws, seems like there’s one you don’t want to take out!

Also, is it necessary (if I find what’s wrong and can fix) to have some sort of caulk on hand to put back together?

Appreciate any feedback, this group has been awesome to me in the past

 

[Tron]

Yes, only remove the screws on that "box" in the center, leave the other ones alone. That will allow you to take off the lid and see the flapper.
BTW, you should shut the door (and have the bypass open) the moment you've lighted the fire, don't let it start up with the door open. It'll start sluggish at first if the flue is cold, that's only natural. The fact that the fire starts burning more vigorously when you open the door says nothing, that lets in way more air than the intake ever can.

But yes, it's certainly possible the flapper is stuck, on a cold stove with the "swoosh" fully open the flapper should be open, too. But it can easily be made going again with a light cleaning (q-tip maybe) and some lubricant.

Edit: only remove the Robertson (square drive) screws. There should be a torx-and-post security screw as well, leave that alone. That reaches into the assembly and limits how far the flapper opens. No need to touch that to remove the cover.

See here: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/bone-headed-move-with-the-thermostat-knob.210183