Hearth model...gasket on grate?

Should my Hearth have a gasket on the back/bottom of the grate (or anywhere on the bottom of the grate for that matter)? I think it's called a strongback gasket on some stoves. Mine came without one and has worked like this since new (3 years).

Their should be a gasket at the rear of the grate . It gets sandwiched between the steel feeder and back edge of the cast iron grate . It should be a snug fit making sure it is below the pusher plate / carpet . It is probably on yours otherwise you would have noticed by now . It is the same gasket as used for the hopper and the feeder .It has been know to get sucked up by a vacuum cleaner during cleaning . Its just fiberglass gasketing nothing special . Dave

Hmmm..mine has never had one there. I completely disassemble the stove each fall and would have noticed this. What is it's purpose?

av8r wrote:Hmmm..mine has never had one there. I completely disassemble the stove each fall and would have noticed this. What is it's purpose?

It is to create a seal between the cast iron grate and the steel feeder .A lot of times they are pretty beat up and once removed they blend in nicely with the ash and get sucked up without even realizing it . The glue is only there to aid in installation, once the heat hits it most times its is gone. It is necessary,give me a call tomorrow 570-752-1811 or email me leisurelinestoves@gmail.com Thanks Dave

Here's 2 more pics . Making sure the gasket below the top of the grate . Also very important to make sure the grate is seated all the way . Dave

Funny thing...

I shut the stove down, let it cool, cleared the ash and coal and removed the grate. Sure enough...no gasket. I run out and buy some and install it on the grate. I'm getting ready to reinstall the grate and what do I see? The gasket I installed on the blower housing instead of on the grate when I assembled the stove. I guess I figured it made more sense to install it there as it may actually stay there...sure enough..it did.

LOL !!