Escape 36DV--melting control

[johnt2_2002]

Working on a Escape 36dv Heat n Glo fireplace.

This has been an ongoing issue. Found the large control module to be defective since it was melted.

Put a new control in, 2 weeks later, its melted again.

Heat n Glo says there is an "upgrade kit" to prevent this from happening.

Does anyone have a picture or some sort of manual for this upgrade kit? Has anyone experienced the same issue and have resolved it using this kit.

Any information for this unit will be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance!

[jtp10181]

We have installed 100's of upgrade kits on that model. It works very well.

It involves the following:
- Insulation panels on left outer side of firebox to limit heat transfer into valve / control area.
- Relocation / protection of plastic components
- Drilling holes in bottom shell to allow air flow to valve cavity.
- New refractories that allow more air flow to valve cavity.

Make sure you follow the instructions 100% to the letter and it will fix it every single time. I have found a few where one step was done wrong or missed and then the MLT melts again. Allow 2-3 hours to install the kit. You need TWO parts, the upgrade kit, and a new refractory panel set. They should give you warranty credit for both of them.

Let me know how it goes, good luck.

[johnt2_2002]

Thanks for the response. Sounds like a fairly big job. My boss is still working it out with the manufacturer and the customer.

At first Heat n Glo would not supply the kit as we are not a dealer. Than, they said they would under warranty BUT it turns out there was a restrictor plate installed and now warranty could be voided??

The unit is a direct vent with horizontal termination. Vent runs vertical approx. 2ft, than horizontal approx.2 ft to termination. There is a restrictor plate just past the elbow on the left side.

We don't install fireplaces, just do minor service and repairs to them. This is a new customer and he is impressed with our service-so he really does not want to go elsewhere. I don't blame him, but I need to know more about this unit..

Like I said, its an ongoing situation that we would like to fix, provided we have solid information and co-operation from the manufacturer....

[jtp10181]

The only place there would be a restrictor that is manually inserted would be right at the top of the unit where the vent connects to it. I think what you are seeing is the built in restrictor that is part of a DVP90ST. This would be ONLY in the outer wall (intake) of the pipe, and no restriction in the exhaust potion of the pipe.

[johnt2_2002]

U wouldn't happen to have an installation manual for this kit do ya? It's on order and would like to read it over before I go there thanks

[johnt2_2002]

well, after 7months, tomorrow I will be installing the upgrade kit. It looks like we may have to pull the entire fireplace out to get this kit installed properly as there is no room to work. I haven't seen the instructions yet so I'm going in blind.

Any tips when installing it or does someone have the installation instructions for this kit?

Thanks

[hearthman]

John, I don't have personal experience with this kit as this problem arose after I left HHT. I cannot get a hold of JTP and he hasn't posted since Aug. but he worked for their Madison, Wi location and had a LOT of experience with this unit and kit.

I would contact HG tech and ask them to email the instructions to you. Ask for Larry or Rick if they still work there.
HTH,

[johnt2_2002]

John, I don't have personal experience with this kit as this problem arose after I left HHT. I cannot get a hold of JTP and he hasn't posted since Aug. but he worked for their Madison, Wi location and had a LOT of experience with this unit and kit.

I would contact HG tech and ask them to email the instructions to you. Ask for Larry or Rick if they still work there.
HTH,

Thanks for the reply Hearth! I'll see what I can find tonight, if not, I'll have to deal with it tomorrow at the job.
Thanks again!

[johnt2_2002]

just occurred to me that I didn't give an update on this.

We installed the kit, took about 2.5hrs. Didn't rush through it and did it step by step. Didn't have to remove the fireplace, managed to fit the insulated pieces inside--even though it was very snug. Pretty straight forward installation, not bad for the first one. Haven`t been back since for any issues.


Thanks for everyone's input!