Davo_Willow Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 (edited) Hi Everyone, I recently arrived at my boat after a few weeks away and found an enormous crack across the stove top. Nothing could have dropped on it, and I assumed the cast iron was almost unbreakable. I dare not use it now and I have no alternative heating. Any thoughts - how did it happen - what to do - is this terminal - should I be looking for a new stove - can it be repaired - if so by whom? Thanks! Davo. Edited March 28, 2016 by Davo_Willow 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Any thoughts - how did it happen - what to do - is this terminal - should I be looking for a new stove - can it be repaired - if so by whom? Pic attached. No it isn't! Morso Squirrels are noted for their ability to do this. My advice is buy a new stove as replacing the top panel can turn into one helluva project as the bolts holding the stove together will snap off instead of undoing when you try to remove them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athy Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Probably unsafe to use and you may have to go shopping for a replacement But meanwhile, have a greeno for your brilliant thread title. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Can I have a greeno for my amazingly brilliant answer too, please Sir? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athy Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Pushy little sod, ain't you? Go on then, just this once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassplayer Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 When I got my last Morso I noticed that in the instructions they now stipulate it is just a wood burner. There was a bit about using Anthracite if you really want to burn a coal in it. Maybe they realise they have a problem. Also I wonder if expansion of a poorly fitted flue pipe could cause it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Pushy little sod, ain't you? Go on then, just this once. Yes Sir. Thank you Sir. (Phew, he didn't pick me up on my inappropriate use of the word 'can'...!) Greenie also awarded to the OP for the same reason as you gave Sir. (Sycophantic as well as pushy.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo_Willow Posted March 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 So if it is terminal - can anyone recommend a less costly replacement? I know Squirrel is meant to be the Rolls Royce of stoves, but I can't afford to simply 'bung on another thousand' right now. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian M Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 By the look of the crack,it seems to be very rusty inside and there is a faint line in the finish leading away from it, it could be a flaw in the original casting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 By the look of the crack,it seems to be very rusty inside and there is a faint line in the finish leading away from it, it could be a flaw in the original casting. If it's a flaw, they all have it! Mine cracked in an identical manner, and over about 6 months ran all along to the opposite end and the lip fell off. The gap suckes air in though. My CO detector was never triggered by it and I continued to use it until I ordered the Boatman stove. I wouldn't recomment a Boatman after having a Squirrel. Plenty on here like them but as a Squirrel owner you'll notice all the shortcomings! A new Squirrel can be had for about £650, not £thousands... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athy Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Yes Sir. Thank you Sir. (Phew, he didn't pick me up on my inappropriate use of the word 'can'...!) It was the word which most schoolboys would have used, and thus was totally appropriate to the context, if I may say so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob-M Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 I had this thread, http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=82907&hl=, running recently for advise on stoves. I've not bought a new one yet but I am intending on buying the Hobbit Stove. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoominPapa Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 What happens is this. There's a U-shaped slot on the bottom of the top-plate, which is filled by a corresponding tang on the top of the side casting. Rusting happens inside the slot on the side which is exposed to the fire. Rust occupies a much greater volume than the iron is comes from, so the rust packs the space between the tang and the side of the slot tightly, exerting a huge force pushing the sides of the slot apart, Eventually the force exceeds the strength of the iron and it cracks apart, allowing the slot to expand and relieve the pressure. Not a problem exclusive to Squirrels. I guess it could be avoided by dismantling the stove every few years, cleaning the rust out of all the joints, and rebuilding. MP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 What happens is this. There's a U-shaped slot on the bottom of the top-plate, which is filled by a corresponding tang on the top of the side casting. Rusting happens inside the slot on the side which is exposed to the fire. Rust occupies a much greater volume than the iron is comes from, so the rust packs the space between the tang and the side of the slot tightly, exerting a huge force pushing the sides of the slot apart, Eventually the force exceeds the strength of the iron and it cracks apart, allowing the slot to expand and relieve the pressure. Not a problem exclusive to Squirrels. I guess it could be avoided by dismantling the stove every few years, cleaning the rust out of all the joints, and rebuilding. MP. In addition, if you have installed your chimney so it is sitting on top of the stove, cemented in and firmly stuck into the roof collar, it expands and pushes down the top of the stove. Cast iron doesn't like this This is helpful: http://www.soliftec.com/Boat%20Stoves%201-page.pdf Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
system 4-50 Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 In addition, if you have installed your chimney so it is sitting on top of the stove, cemented in and firmly stuck into the roof collar, it expands and pushes down the top of the stove. Cast iron doesn't like this Or, when it cools down, it can lift your stove off the floor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Or, when it cools down, it can lift your stove off the floor! Not if it is bolted down to pass it's BSS it won't Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
system 4-50 Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Not if it is bolted down tightly to pass it's BSS it won't shouldn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bargemast Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 In addition, if you have installed your chimney so it is sitting on top of the stove, cemented in and firmly stuck into the roof collar, it expands and pushes down the top of the stove. Cast iron doesn't like this This is helpful: http://www.soliftec.com/Boat%20Stoves%201-page.pdf Richard That's very useful, some clear instructions about the safe installation of a stove on a boat. Peter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loafer Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 That crack doesn't look critical to me. You should see the number of air gaps around all parts of the 'Premier' boatman's cabin stove! They all suck air in once going, and as Mike pointed out, a CO alarm won't go off on account of that crack. You can always squash some 1200degC fire silicone in the crack if you're worried about it. I wouldn't be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter-Bullfinch Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 We have four stoves, two at home and one either end of the boat. A Carabo, an Effel,a Firefox and a Stovax Stockton 5.Perhaps the OP might look at the Stovax as a possible replacement. It's a multifuel at around £700 with a steel body and cast door. Very controllable and will take 13" logs. Heats up quickly but being steel cools quickly too. The dust pan is well designed with the back cut away so nails from pallets don't jam. The top airway adjuster isn't quite as good as the Morso wheel type but we soon got the measure of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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