Woodstock Fireview cast iron "scoop" bracket failure. Retrofit stainless steel replacement now avai

[marcb]

Hi. New here. Love the site. Love the stove. Had it 5 years. Great service from Woodstock Soapstone. My "scoop" bracket recently failed. (The scoop is on the underside of the combustor) I noticed it because when I loaded wood I bumped the scoop and it moved and made a noise like it was loose - which it was - broken! The cast iron "scoop" apparently deformed and broke the support bracket. I spoke to Customer Service at Woodstock Soapstone and this apparently has been somewhat of a common failure - so much so that they have CHANGED it entirely. It is no longer made out of cast iron. There is now a STAINLESS STEEL scoop retrofit now available from them (- $45+shipping).

Has anyone else experienced this and if so how long have you had your stove?

Thanks,

 

[pinewoodburner]

I just ordered a replacement for mine. Made it 2.5 heating seasons and this stove on the external temps (stove top) have never been over 650. The stainless steel one does not seem to be very thick but they have changed the screens and openings that allow heat and smoke to the cat.

 

[Highbeam]

Good for them for improving their product and recognizing an engineering failure. Shame on them for charging you for the part and labor of replacement. That new piece should have been sent for free with a box of chocolates for your trouble.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

We heard it on this forum not too long ago about another failure. So far we are on our 4th winter with this stove and no problems. Hope that continues.

 

[Todd]

I replaced my first scoop after the first season, but it was burning too hot due to the air slide being off track. Only cost $14 so I didn't think it was a big deal. After 4 more seasons it started to sag again so I ordered the new s/s scoop and installed it yesterday. Pretty easy install, the hardest part was removing the old warped one. I had to loosen the bolts that hold the screen on, then it slid right out. We will see how it goes, Just fired up the stove an hour ago. Also ordered a new s/s cat just to have on hand when this 4 year old ceramic cat dies.

 

[webbie]

Stainless can withstand much higher temps than cast....and if a part doesn't need to be decorative, etc. is a good choice. Usually costs less also, because you don't have to make a pattern for it, etc.

Examples are kerosene heaters and those outdoor gas burners many restaurants use - the stainless grid around the burner glows red hot for hours on end - maybe up to 1200-1400 degrees in some cases. Cast iron really does not like to be much over 800-900 on a constant level, although you can add chromium to it for a bit more temp resistance.

That part probably suffers from heat from both ends...the fire underneath and maybe even some radiant heat cast down from the cat.....

 

[marcb]

I ordered a new scoop. To be delivered Monday. ~$57 w/delivery charges. I have to say it feels weird not using the woodstove. We really miss the gentle warm and glow of the stove. Luckily it's been warm the last couple of days here is CT. Using OIL and the baseboard heat - now that's odd. We've been here since '06 and really haven't ever used the baseboard heat like this.

Thanks for your responses. I hope it goes in OK on Monday!

marc

 

[fire_man]

I made it almost 4 full seasons, this year I noticed the scoop failed. Its flaking off in thick layers along the entire bottom surface. We are very careful not to over fire so it must just be from constant use. Thanks to this site I kept a watchful eye on it and will replace it at the end of the season.

 

[Woody Stover]

I got mine glowing the other night when I fell asleep at the wheel. Stove didn't overtemp, but I don't want that thing glowing if I can avoid it. Had to replace the scoop on my SIL's Fireview a couple years ago. It was warped, either from the previous owner or from an overdraft (or leaky seams on the stove?) that had her stove getting pretty hot. I put in a damper for her, and I'm gonna try to find the time this summer to rebuild her stove and stem the air leaks.

they have changed the screens and openings that allow heat and smoke to the cat.

Openings? Isn't there just one opening with the screen over it? What changes did they make in the screen?

There is now a STAINLESS STEEL scoop retrofit now available from them (- $45+shipping).

Welcome!
Is the original cast iron scoop still available, too?

 

[Todd]

Isn't there just one opening with the screen over it? What changes did they make in the screen?

The new screen is a finer mesh that wraps around the sides where the old on was just in front. That new screen should let less fly ash through to plug up the cat. I think they are working on a replacement for the Keystone as well.

 

[Woody Stover]

The new screen is a finer mesh that wraps around the sides where the old on was just in front.

Is it thinner, more like a screen as opposed to the original expanded metal, or is it expanded metal with a closer spacing? I'd think that a "screen" would not hold up to the heat as well. Maybe the stainless is more durable; I'm sure they've thought it out and tested it...

 

[leeave96]

Isn't there just one opening with the screen over it? What changes did they make in the screen?

The new screen is a finer mesh that wraps around the sides where the old on was just in front. That new screen should let less fly ash through to plug up the cat. I think they are working on a replacement for the Keystone as well.

Is this the same for the Keystone? Mine has a heavy piece of expanded metal in the front only.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[dazarooney]

Mine is failing too but I've ordered a replacement, hopefully I get it soon.