AA-130: Fire burning on ash grate

Why is my fire burning all the way down to the ash grate on my aa-130? I can open the cleanout door and see a red hot fire at the bottom of the burn pot. I think the anthrastat is working correctly. I can turn the dial and the anthrastat will open but it didnt want to open till over 220 degrees. The red hot coals arent dropping into the ash pan or anything like that but i do have a fire that stretches from the bottom of the burn pot or ash grate all the way to the top of the burn pot. I have the anthrastat set to 140 and three clicks.

I am really lost and confused. I need some help as this cannot be good or normal. This started after i resealed my ash cone a few days ago.

Anthrastats are slow, they don't open or close instantly. Put a block of wood under the ashing arm to stop it from ashing. I think you really need Matthus to go out there and take a look see what is going on. Also, you can only make 1 small adjustment at a time to an AA, then wait a day to see the changes. They run best when left alone, but you have to visit them once a day or they will start acting funny.

mozz wrote:Anthrastats are slow, they don't open or close instantly. Put a block of wood under the ashing arm to stop it from ashing. I think you really need Matthus to go out there and take a look see what is going on. Also, you can only make 1 small adjustment at a time to an AA, then wait a day to see the changes. They run best when left alone, but you have to visit them once a day or they will start acting funny.

I did just talk to matthaus. He claims i have nothing to worry about. He said as long as i dont have flames down at the bottom of the burn pot im okay. he also said that as long as im not getting much unburnt coal not to worry. He said im worried about nothing.

Did you fill the firepot with ash about half way before refiring the boiler? If not, that is probably why.

In case no one ever told you, you are suppose to turn the anthrastat knob ONLY with an allen wrench, and not by the knob itself. I believe the manual states this also, so I've done as instructed for 38 years, and have never had an anthrastat fail.

I would concur with Matt, the fire will reestablish at a normal burn rate in a day or two, but please do not play with the controls all the time. Small adjustments only. Be patient, relax.....keep the blood pressure under control.

You cannot outsmart the machine, so don't even attempt to. The guys who invented these things were waaaaaayyyyyy ahead of their time. As you stay affordably comfortable in your home, just remember how lucky you are. Bet you don't want the cost of natural gas or oil do you?

coaledsweat wrote:Did you fill the firepot with ash about half way before refiring the boiler? If not, that is probably why.

I only filled it a quarter of the way

whistlenut wrote:In case no one ever told you, you are suppose to turn the anthrastat knob ONLY with an allen wrench, and not by the knob itself. I believe the manual states this also, so I've done as instructed for 38 years, and have never had an anthrastat fail.

I only turn it with the allen wrench

whistlenut wrote:I would concur with Matt, the fire will reestablish at a normal burn rate in a day or two, but please do not play with the controls all the time. Small adjustments only. Be patient, relax.....keep the blood pressure under control.

I have no patience and find it hard to relax

whistlenut wrote:You cannot outsmart the machine, so don't even attempt to. The guys who invented these things were waaaaaayyyyyy ahead of their time. As you stay affordably comfortable in your home, just remember how lucky you are. Bet you don't want the cost of natural gas or oil do you?

I am saving about 55-60 percent this season so far by using coal. So no i dont want NG ever again