Starting procedures for Harman Stove

debushau · By: **debushau** On: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:43 pm

I bought a house in NE PA which came with a Harman stove. It's a stoker model but does not appear to be a current prduction model from their website. From the plate on the back, the model seems to be ST8-VF8. The "verti-flow" control looks similar to some of the other models on their site.

I have never used a coal stove although my parents used to burn coal in the fireplace. Before seeing this site, I was going to pull the stove out and junk it but I think I will give it a go.

I tried to put in some rice coal and get it going but no luck. Is there a current Harman model that should be pretty similar so that I can follow the same maintenance and start up procedure?

The stove has not been used for a number of years but the blower works and the lights come on the controller. I am not so sure about the pusher (something in there seems to be working but the coal did not push up). There was coal in the hopper when I got it.

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated.

thanks,
Shane

wenchris · By: **wenchris** On: Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:07 pm

Shane, check out Hanman's website. You can download their manuals. If your gonna junk it, let me know I collect JUNK. Mines been burning since Oct 20 and heats this place just fine. Also my domestic hot water. Once you get hooked on burning coal you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Good luck, this forum is loaded with a wealth of knowledge, don't be afraid to ask. Follow the manual, give it a good cleaning and enjoy the best heat there is.
Stay warm, Jimmy

coalkirk · By: **coalkirk** On: Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:55 am

Leaving coal in the hopper was not a good thing. It may have caused your pusher block to rust. I recommend removing all of the coal and disassembling the pusher block and cleaning a lubricating it. Turn it on without coal in it and make sure the pusher block goes in and out.

debushau · By: **debushau** On: Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:21 pm

I called up the local Harman dealer and they could not identify the model. I might have scribbled it down incorrectly. However, in looking at the manuals on the Harman site, it seems to be very similar to the Magnum. In fact, it looks like a Magnafire with a hopper fitted to the back (except that the glass is in 3 pieces).

I did read in the manual (in bold letters, no less) that leaving coal in the hopper is bad. I will dig the old coal out and use the Magnum manual for guidance on how to fix the pusher.

I have read the various tips and tricks regarding kindling - I think I will try to get a wood or charcoal fire going.

thanks,
Shane