Vermont Castings WinterWarm 2100

[WoodNotOil]

I just picked up a used Vermont Castings WinterWarm 2100 for next to nothing and I’m chipping away at getting it ready to use this winter. Luckily it has been kept in relatively working order and used all the way through last season by the previous owner. However, it will come as no shock to those here that the refractory assembly is shot and needs replacing.

I got a replacement from plumbersstock(dot)com for $150 (about $70 less than anywhere else I found). Now that I’ve got it I’m trying to take this thing apart enough to get the new refractory assembly in.

So far I’ve got everything easy out that you would normally remove to check the condition of the cat. I think I have to remove the upper back piece that has the damper in it as well, but I could be mistaken. I removed the two bolts I could see that appear to hold it in place but it doesn’t want to go anywhere even with those out. I can’t find instructions on how to do this replacement anywhere (all the links to them in older threads are broken).

Hoping the collective here can help guide me through as you always have in the past

- WNO

 

[webby3650]

You also have to remove the airwash chamber that runs along the front of the stove. Between the door and the damper frame. The bolts are located outside of the firebox on the right hand side as you are looking at it from the front. The left side has no bolts, it just nests in place.

 

[WoodNotOil]

Thanks webby3650! I'll give it a shot.

 

[webby3650]

Well, did it work?

 

[WoodNotOil]

Got mighty delayed in completing this project, but I'm finally back on it. webby3650 - you were exactly right. There was a single bolt that needed taking out and then everything came right out after that.

Now though there is a sensor or something that sticks straight through the back wall into where I need to place the new refractory. There isn't room at the bottom of the opening to slide the refractory straight back as it seems to want to be inserted by putting it against the back wall and then sliding it straight down from there to fit snuggly.



Anyone know how I can remove the sensor and then put it back in?

Also, I've read elsewhere to stove cement everything back into place during reassembly. If anyone has experience with reassembling all this, I'd appreciate as much guidance as far as what to watch out for etc. Thanks!

 

[webby3650]

That's the secondary air probe. The insert needs to be pulled forward so you can get to the back of it. There should be an access panel on the back of the stove. Install your combustion box, then using a drill bit make a hole for the probe to be reinserted.
If it's worn looking, I'd go ahead and replace that part too.

Or make a well measured out hole and a slit in the box and skip all that.
And I wouldn't bother cementing anything together. All the parts are gasketed.