Vermont Castings Encore 1450 - Air Leak Under Grate

[vbarry]

My ~2008 Vermont Castings Encore has run like a champ since I replaced the fountain >2 years ago. While burning earlier today, I noticed that the stove was running hotter than usual ~550F (we keep the stove temperature on the lower side, between 400-500F, because it is oversized for our living room). Upon further inspection, I noticed that the coal bed was white hot and being fed air from under the grate. By the way, I recently noticed that the grate is warped upwards in the center. I inspected the ash door seal and it looks fine. A few days ago, both my wife and I heard a loud, high pitched 'bang' from the stove. I didn't notice any unusual stove performance at the time, but that now has me really thinking that something let go. Maybe something with the bottom base (outer)?

I'm writing to see if anyone has suggestions on how to troubleshoot without a large teardown effort (although it may come to that).

Thanks.

 

[begreen]

Vacuum out the base grate very well, then wipe it down with a damp cloth and examine for any cracking.

 

[vbarry]

Vacuum out the base grate very well, then wipe it down with a damp cloth and examine for any cracking.

Thanks begreen! I did exactly what you said and didn't find any cracks or noticeable leaks. When I put the ash tray back in and closed the door, I noticed that the door wiggled a bit even when the latch was turned fully. I realized that the door latch was no longer pressing the ash door seal tight against the base. I re-adjusted the latch and the door is now very tight. I test fired the stove and the leak was solved, very tight! I still don't have a clue what the loud bang was, I'll check the flue to see if something dropped down.

Thanks for your suggestion, it inadvertently got me to the solution.

 

[begreen]

That's good news. Check the ashpan door gasket's seal as well. Air should not be getting to the fire from underneath the grate. That will warp it.