Vermont Castings Winterwarm 1280 Damper Adjustment?

[WinterwarmBob]

I just finished repairing/rebuilding several parts on my Winterwarm 1280 after 23 years of (mostly) faithful service. All went well (new catalytic converter, new left and right throats, bar grate, front glass etc) but I am still unable to get the damper to fully/firmly close. It swings free and well but just doesn't get all the way closed. Anyone been in that part of this stove insert and figured out how it works or gets hung up? Thanks.

 

[WinterwarmBob]

I just finished repairing/rebuilding several parts on my Winterwarm 1280 after 23 years of (mostly) faithful service. All went well (new catalytic converter, new left and right throats, bar grate, front glass etc) but I am still unable to get the damper to fully/firmly close. It swings free and well but just doesn't get all the way closed. Anyone been in that part of this stove insert and figured out how it works or gets hung up? Thanks.

Ha! I just figured out my problem and will reply here. Thanks to an old unrelated thread that mentioned getting a mirror and flashlight out to see what's going on. (Duh!) Turns out the damper door had slid to left or right (it was in the mirror and I got it wrong the first time) a fraction of an inch and was binding when it came near the closed position. A quick adjustment the other way and we're back in business.