Hitzer Model 82 FA Optimal Fill Level?

onekama_mi · Post by **onekama_mi** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 2:19 pm

I have a hitzer model 82 furnace that I had installed last summer. I'm trying to determine optimal fill level after using it this weekend for first time. I have a large amount of coal burning successfully and now in process of gradually adjusting draft controls for best burn. Temps have leveled out at 280 degrees on furnace itself and 180 degrees on stack. Took the picture below today to help with fill level question. My burning instruction manual says load to top of firebrick but I'm concerned about blocking the flue opening on the right hand side. Does anyone know if this is a valid concern? or is that flue opening supposed to be covered with coal? thanks for the help.

casino_boy · Post by **casino_boy** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 2:49 pm

Cover it all to the top of the firebrick.
Your stove is a downdraft stove when you pull the stove damper across the load door it will vent through the coal to burn off the coal gasses.
You will get over 100 lbs of coal in it when you are done loading it..
You will want to add mybe like 25 lbs of coal at a time and let it get going before you add more and keep one end of it flaming or it will puff at you.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 3:33 pm

What he said

Post by **Rob R.** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 3:36 pm

It should look more like this:

Edit: That picture was taken after a 10-12 hour burn, when you load the firebox it should even with the top of the bricks.

Post by **Rob R.** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 3:40 pm

One other thing I would like to add...as you have noticed, these stoves have a very large firebox. You should leave some burning coal exposed when you reload the stove to avoid puff-backs. If you just fill the entire firebox and close everything up, you won't have to worry about cleaning your chimney.

casino_boy · Post by **casino_boy** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 4:07 pm

Once you have a establisd coal fire and you go to reload it open the ash door for 5 or 10 min to rev up the fire and shake it.
Make sure there is a orange glow before you quit skaking it.
Depending on your coal size bank it if at all possible it will go a long way to help in not puffing.
pushing to the bake or front and then fill the void leaving some flame on the end that you pushed or pulled back.
Leaving the ash door open for 10 more minuts after you refill it to give the new coal some time to start.
shut the ash door then and wait for 15 more min before you shut the stove damper that goes across the load door.
This works for me but then am using sub-bit pea coal.

onekama_mi · Post by **onekama_mi** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 5:25 pm

I'll fill it up 20-25lbs at a time till full. advice much appreciated! pic of a full firebox was an extra special touch.

Post by **Rob R.** » Sat. Dec. 10, 2011 5:28 pm

Glad you liked the picture, I had to look in the archives.

Hitzer Model 82 FA Optimal Fill Level?

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