Anyone Fixed Cracked Stoker Grate?

arcticcatmatt · Post by **arcticcatmatt** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 1:33 pm

I have a cracked stoker grate in an alaska stove. Its cast iron.

Has anyone fixed one of these before?

They are 100 bucks for a new one.

Just figured I would ask before I placed my order.

Post by **coaledsweat** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 1:54 pm

How about a picture of it?

Post by **Richard S.** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 1:59 pm

It can be welded but welding cast iron is not something your "backyard welder" is going to be able to do effectively. I know on my lift the guy was concerned about one part because he wasn't sure if it was stamped or cast and he was a union boilermaker. Any weld from anyone will most likely be temporary anyway, I'd suggest its best to just get a new one.

arcticcatmatt · Post by **arcticcatmatt** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 2:39 pm

coaledsweat wrote:How about a picture of it?

Just a crappy one. The crack goes up the middle and starts to hairline towards the side.

I don't know what caused it. I just bought it used.

New one is 1 hr away and 92 dollars.

WNY · Post by **WNY** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 2:55 pm

possible overfiring it, maybe they didn't have the draft or combustion blowers set correct and it ran hot or old age.

beatle78 · Post by **beatle78** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 3:57 pm

Is it bad for him to use furnace cement to fill the crack?

I personally would just replace it, but I'm trying to find options for you.

TGMC · Post by **TGMC** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 4:11 pm

how much did you pay for the stove, if the cost of the grate is less than a new stove I guess its worth it

Post by **Richard S.** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 4:21 pm

Is that crack even going to hinder the operation of the stove?

Get a new one for standby and use it if not.

Freddy · Post by **Freddy** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 4:36 pm

I agree that welding isn't the right answer here. I'd buy a new one.

Jerry & Karen · Post by **Jerry & Karen** » Thu. Sep. 11, 2008 8:54 pm

Most cracks come from wet coal. When pouring in wet coal, the water sometimes rushes to the feeder and onto the grate. It'll crack it every time. Put a hole into your bag coal with a screw driver and let it drain.
Jerry

traderfjp · Post by **traderfjp** » Sat. Sep. 13, 2008 12:04 am

Thanks Jer. That is a great tip.