Wood burning stove problems

[cleveland]

I need some help. I have a 2478 Dutch West Non-Catalytic "medium" wood burning stove. We use it as our main source of heating. We purchase it end of 2008. It is cast iron and soap stone. We are heating a 2100 square ft house. I have just notice that the inside top has warp "falling towards the middle of the stove" which prevents me loading the stove only 1/2 full. I'm beginning to think I purchased the wrong stove. I have tried to contact Vermont and it's said to say... They aren't really helping me.

I down loaded the model blue prints which is very hard to find what I'm looking for to replace parts. What needs to be replace is the soap stone on both ends. The gasket on the front door around the glass and the gasket in the back of stove near the top. Which I've never notice that there was one there until it fell and also the "top" in the inside of stove with the damper is a warp. And since my husband isn't a fixer and i "wife" is the one who fixes or gets someone to fix it. So my questions are... Should I replace these parts and try to dismantle this stove or should I buy a new one. If a new one... I don't know what really is a good wood burning stove. Could someone please help me? I have attached a picture of how the heater sits in our den. Please note... I'm not a wizard on photo shop. Picture is side ways. Sorry.

 

[begreen]

I'm sorry to say I have to agree with your conclusion. This was not Dutchwest's best effort.

 

[Woody Stover]

I believe that VC parts are fairly expensive, and from your description it sounds like you would need several parts. You might be better off getting another stove. Now is not the best time to be buying, but you might find a deal on a used stove. I don't know if you bought your stove used but you should inspect any used stove closely for signs of over-firing. Buying new is easier if you can swing it, as you can select a stove that will work from many offerings instead of trying to find a used one that will fit the bill.
What stoves would work for you will depend on the square footage to be heated, layout (open, or broken up by several walls, hallways, multiple levels, high ceilings etc,) and the level of insulation and air sealing that your home has. This will determine the size of stove needed, and weather a convective or a radiant type of stove would be better suited.

 

[hobbes105]

I have the same stove. I got it from a friend for free, but it needed a re-built. I replaced all the parts you mentioned plus a lot more. The parts your are calling soap stones are called refractories and they are very expensive for what they are. This stove also has a fountain assembly in the rear that is behind the lower and upper refractories. This part is extremely fragile and tends to disintegrate. It feels like a dried up sponge and is about as sturdy as one. This part alone was $250 from ibuyfireplaceparts.com most others had it at close to $450. The refractories ranged from $50 for the end ones to $200 for the rear lower one.

I'll never rebuild this stove again. It wasn't worth the money I spent on it, especially considering that it's one of the "neverburn" VC stoves and needs to be babysat to keep it burning well. I'll be looking for another stove in the future.

I would highly recommend looking for another stove. If your still interested in replacing the parts, I was able to get almost everything I needed from woodmanspartsplus.com, ibuyfireplaceparts.com, and I also got a few parts from ebay.

 

[branchburner]

Even if you replace parts, you may incur further problems/expenses down the road or poor performance if the stove has been overfired (= burned too hot, which is not uncommon for this type of stove). I would agree with the advice to consider trading up.

There is plenty of info on this site with regards to choosing a new stove.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/read-before-posting-or-answering-which-new-stove-to-buy.115094/

Do a little research and then come back with a new thread if you have questions and/or seek advice and input on choosing.

 

[cleveland]

I appreciate all of your comments. And yes it was purchase brand new from the manufacture. My next questions is... do you think it is safe for me to use? I will be researching for a new heater for next year. Again THANKYOU!

 

[fossil]

Welcome to Hearth.com, cleveland. Sorry about the troubles with the stove, but it sounds like more trouble/money than it's worth to keep struggling with it long term. You have a beautiful location/hearth setup there, and it looks as though the clearances all around open up a whole world of possibilities for woodstoves. The only thing I would question is the r-value of the hearth. Some stoves require a non-trivial amount of thermal resistance beneath, while others are built so as to require only ember protection. In any case, there's a fantastic variety of woodstove choices on the market...different construction types, different styles, different sizes, different capabilities. Bad luck/performance with the Dutch West affords you an opportunity to take your time, look all around the myriad possibilities, and find a heater that suits you needs, your taste, your decor...everything. Get familiar with the whole market. When you see something that piques your interest, bring the idea here, because in all probability we'll find that one of our members has experience with the unit you're looking into. I know the thought of shelling out the $$$ might sting a bit, but the search/adventure could be a real fun thing. Good luck, and keep in touch here. Rick

 

[fossil]

Here ya go:

 

[fire_man]

Cleveland:

I agree with Fossil - the stove is more trouble than it's worth. You will be sinking $$$$ into it on a regular basis because unfortunately it was not built to last.
There are a bunch of stoves out there that just seem to be indestructible.

I'm really happy I went with a Woodstock stove. I owned a WS Fireview which I burned hard for 5 years and had no problems. I switched for more heat to a WS Progress (early model) and there were some fixes done to the early stoves, but Woodstock is absolutely amazing about making sure every single customer is happy. They take pride in making a stove that should last for generations and its made in America!

Good luck with your decision - but I would be excited to look for a new stove if I were you.

 

[cleveland]

Welcome to Hearth.com, cleveland. Sorry about the troubles with the stove, but it sounds like more trouble/money than it's worth to keep struggling with it long term. You have a beautiful location/hearth setup there, and it looks as though the clearances all around open up a whole world of possibilities for woodstoves. The only thing I would question is the r-value of the hearth. Some stoves require a non-trivial amount of thermal resistance beneath, while others are built so as to require only ember protection. In any case, there's a fantastic variety of woodstove choices on the market...different construction types, different styles, different sizes, different capabilities. Bad luck/performance with the Dutch West affords you an opportunity to take your time, look all around the myriad possibilities, and find a heater that suits you needs, your taste, your decor...everything. Get familiar with the whole market. When you see something that piques your interest, bring the idea here, because in all probability we'll find that one of our members has experience with the unit you're looking into. I know the thought of shelling out the $$$ might sting a bit, but the search/adventure could be a real fun thing. Good luck, and keep in touch here. Rick

I have a question... what do you mean about the r-valve of the hearth. The hearth is solid granite. We have a heat shield under the heater. Will this hearth be a limited factor in finding a good heater with a heat shield under neath . Thanks. C

 

[begreen]

There are many stoves that only require ember protection hearths, but with a deep granite hearth this may not be a concern.

 

[cleveland]

Here ya go:

View attachment 123608

Thank you

 

[cleveland]

There are many stoves that only require ember protection hearths, but with a deep granite hearth this may not be a concern.

Okay... Thank you