American Energy Systems O2 Catalytic - Manual (Page 62)

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3 Both the distilled water and white vinegar will be required to be heated so ensure that an old pot is available to
heat the solution.
4
A large metal wash pan will be required to soak the combustor in after the solution is heated. This wash pan must
be large enough to allow the combustor to be completely submerged in the distilled water/vinegar solution.
5
A plastic coated wire or heavy cord will be required.
6
A number of common hand tools will also be required, such as, soft bristle brush, screwdriver, pliers, and any
other tools required to remove the combustor from the stove.
7
A home vacuum cleaner with a standard size hose.
Using a clean unused paintbrush and the vacuum cleaner remove any fly ash and loose soot from the combustor. If any
combustor cells are totally blocked, use cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to open up the clogged cells. Be careful as too much
pressure can damage the wall thereby rendering that combustor cell useless.
Bring the solution to boil. Reduce the heat and slowly dip the combustor into the boiling solution using the cord or coated
wire as a handle. Be careful, as any splash can burn. There is no need to keep the solution boiling once the combustor is
in place. Do not bang the combustor against the walls or bottom of the pot. Now slowly raise and lower the combustor in
the solution to assist in the cleaning process. The combustor should be soaked in the hot cleaning solution for a minimum
of 45 minutes.
Once the hot wash is complete, dry the combustor with a soft cotton clean rag. Empty the pot of hot solution in an
appropriate drain. Now refill the pot with distilled water and bring it to boil in order to rinse the combustor. Once
boiling, use the cord or coated wire to lower the combustor into the hot clean rinse. Reduce heat to a simmer and soak the
combustor for about 20 minutes. This rinse cycle should be repeated two to three times with clean distilled water each
time.
Ensure that the combustor cells are void of water and ensure complete dryness. Once drying is complete, reinstall the
combustor back into the Country Flame stove by reversing the removal instructions. Ensure any warn parts are replaced
during this process.
The homeowner should be confident that the combustor is completely dry before reigniting the stove. Any steam that is
generated from the combustor will cause damage to the catalytic material. To ensure complete dryness of the combustor,
it can be placed in the family oven for one to two hours at 350ºF. Allow the combustor to cool before reinstalling it in the
wood stove.
REPLACING THE COMBUSTOR
Any time a firebox is worked on, the combustor should be inspected to determine if cleaning is required or damage
demands replacement. Inspect the combustor for deterioration. If damage is found, replace the entire combustor and any
worn parts used for installation. Common damage that might be encountered in a combustor is:
PEELING
Peeling occurs when the beige metal coating or catalyst material is peeling off the ceramic base. If large areas peel, this
can render the combustor useless, so be prepared to replace it if necessary.
CRACKING
If random lines of cracking are observed in the ceramic base, replace it, especially if large pieces are missing or falling
out.
CRUMBLING
This is different from cracking as crumbling is caused by thermal shock. Crumbling occurs if the stainless steel shield
deteriorates and the flames make direct contact the combustor. Overheating and then cooling the combustor too quickly
will also cause the substrate to crumble.