What is this damaged part on my Dutchwest?

[Eric68]

We have a Dutchwest 2479 non-catalytic large woodstove that we have been using since 2005. We heat our whole home with it from Oct-May and clean it every year ourselves and never had any issues.

This year during the clean out we noticed some pieces crumbling apart in the back of the stove. Upon further investigation, it appears that this part is made of maybe clay? And has been probably damaged for years but we probably just never realized how bad it was until this year.

We think this may be the refractory or some type of insulation? Or maybe it is an air bracket? But aren't sure. And aren't sure how (or if) it is dangerous to keep using the stove with this part damaged. Obviously, we probably have been heating for a long time with this part being damaged, but definitely don't want to take a chance.

Lastly - can this be replaced? Or maybe we need of a new stove?

Attached is a photo showing with arrows on the damaged portions.

Thanks.

 

[bholler]

We have a Dutchwest 2479 non-catalytic large woodstove that we have been using since 2005. We heat our whole home with it from Oct-May and clean it every year ourselves and never had any issues.

This year during the clean out we noticed some pieces crumbling apart in the back of the stove. Upon further investigation, it appears that this part is made of maybe clay? And has been probably damaged for years but we probably just never realized how bad it was until this year.

We think this may be the refractory or some type of insulation? Or maybe it is an air bracket? But aren't sure. And aren't sure how (or if) it is dangerous to keep using the stove with this part damaged. Obviously, we probably have been heating for a long time with this part being damaged, but definitely don't want to take a chance.

Lastly - can this be replaced? Or maybe we need of a new stove?

Attached is a photo showing with arrows on the damaged portions.

Thanks.

That is the combustion chamber which you should have been cleaning out yearly. It probably hasn't been working correctly for years because it was clogged. I would have to see inside the stove to be able to tell you how to access it. You need to take off brackets that hold the interior panels in place and remove them to get access to the combustion chamber. If you have been using it since 05 without doing this those bolts may not come out. I think on most Dutch West's they were through bolted though so not a big deal.

 

[webby3650]

If you’ve gotten by since ‘05 without replacing the combustion box consider yourself lucky. This stove is a notoriously bad design. Each season you need to use a small shop vac hose and fish it down through the sides of the box very carefully. Every few seasons the fireback needs to pulled out for a thorough cleaning. Typically the box is already shot after only 2-3 seasons.