VC Intrepid II Damper Problem

[jbeemer]

Hi! Trying to find model-specific troubleshooting info for a stove is not easy, so I'm hoping for some feedback.

I have a Vermont Castings Intrepid II (catalytic), about 6 yrs old. Works great, but I am having a damper problem. I can close the damper with no problem, but the "d-plate" that the bar hits against to open and close keeps coming loose, so the bar misses the re-opening piece if I need to add wood. It gets pretty exciting as I open the doors an poke it open with the fireplace-poker so it vents! :bug:

Do I need a new damper? New plate? A call to VC?

Thanks!

 

[elkimmeg]

That d plate is held by a 7/`6 nut but also an allen set screw, Have you checked the set screw for tightness?

 

[jbeemer]

I had the unpleasant experience of pulling the stove out and taking out the damper/plate. What a pain to get it back in again!

The allen set-screw doesn't reach the D-plate even all the way screwed in. I tightened down the regular screw, which fixed the problem fine through about a dozen openings/closings, but now it's acting up again. I have checked to make sure it's loose again, but it's the same symptom, so I assume it is. The plate flops sideways so that the bar doesn't hit the bottom pin on the way down and the damper stays shut.

 

[elkimmeg]

Have you tried a lock washer behind the nut? Is the damper plate warped or connecting rod bent?

 

[jbeemer]

It doesn't seem as though anything is bent, the screw just keeps coming loose. A lock washer is probably a good thing to try next.

Thanks!