New to Coal,Suggestions on Maintenance and Use

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 8:43 am

Hi, I have a DS Kozy King 300 and am wanting to try coal over wood am looking for tips and hints on usage and maintenance.
Furnace is equipped with a rear exit into a 90 with approx. 18 " horizontal stove pipe into class A tee with 22 feet vertical class
A chimney most of it indoors.

titleist1 · Post by **titleist1** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 10:27 am

Welcome to the forum!

I don't have a Kozy King, but there are a few threads here on how to light a hand fed stove. Here is a good video by one of the members here, there are others also.

Quick Start Method Video

The very short version is get a good wood fire started and then add coal, a thin layer to start with and when that gets going fill the fire box to the top of the fire brick. You control the burn by limiting the combustion air coming in from under the bed of coals, not by the amount of coal in the box (unlike wood). Close off any air flow that will get in above the coal bed (unlike wood).

You may need to tweak the general instructions to exactly fit the personality of your stove/chimney install and performance, but this should get you started.

We need to see pictures too!!! Stop back and let us know how you are making out. We can probably offer some suggestions to maximize your stoves performance. There is a wealth of info here and the members aren't stingy with it or arrogant about it!

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 11:15 am

thx for the info, will try to upload some pics.

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 11:48 am

Here is a few pics hope they uploaded ok

Coalfire · Post by **Coalfire** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 12:01 pm

Where are you located, fill in your avatar. Will you be burning Bit or anthricite?

Eric

Coalfire · Post by **Coalfire** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 12:03 pm

Also you will need some sort of damper in the flu, be it baro or manual

unless its built into the stove

Eric

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 1:06 pm

Eric, Will be burning anthracite

titleist1 · Post by **titleist1** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 1:19 pm

Great Pic's....Nice install.....
That horizontal section of flue pipe will accumulate fly ash, it will need to be cleaned periodically to maintain your draft. I would recommend getting a manometer permanently installed so you can monitor the draft reading. Another suggestions is that if that is a full 90* fitting at the outlet of the stove you may want to replace it with a T, cap off one side and then it can be cleaned by removing the cap and inserting a vacuum wand into the T. Much easier than disconnecting the 90* every time it needs to be cleaned.

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 1:43 pm

thx titliest, I have read several posts about the T instead of a 90, makes lots of sense.Also, will be installing a baro and perma-
nent mano. Coal around here is quite pricey compared to my cord fuel, but I think I like the benefits of coal, creosoteless mainly,that has my attention. Don't know when I can get the baro and mano installed, have approx. 5 cords of wood to burn.

musikfan6 · Post by **musikfan6** » Mon. Dec. 19, 2011 10:41 pm

22nena wrote:Here is a few pics hope they uploaded ok

Hey 22nena,

Nice furnace ya got there! I'm kinda jealous. Do you think Santa would leave one of those under my Christmas tree for me this weekend??

I'm sure it will serve you well. I've talked many times of having a coal furnace, but for now I'll just be happy to settle for my FB on the hearth.

Best wishes to you as you stay warm this winter!

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Jan. 16, 2012 9:11 am

titleist1 wrote:Another suggestions is that if that is a full 90* fitting at the outlet of the stove you may want to replace it with a T, cap off one side and then it can be cleaned by removing the cap and inserting a vacuum wand into the

Question- Could I install a baro damper instead of a cap on the tee? Preparing to purchase required material and am compiling a list

Thx Jerry

titleist1 · Post by **titleist1** » Mon. Jan. 16, 2012 9:43 am

That might be too close to the stove for a baro. I think most recommend a certain distance, but I can't remember exactly what it is, something like 24" I think. You could put the baro further out the horizontal just before the vertical.

22nena · Post by **22nena** » Mon. Jan. 16, 2012 1:11 pm

titleist1 wrote:That might be too close to the stove for a baro. I think most recommend a certain distance, but I can't remember exactly what it is, something like 24" I think. You could put the baro further out the horizontal just before the vertical.

Well, I guess I should have done a little more reading and I could of answered my own ?. Thx for the reply titleist. Will install tee at 90 location for cleanout and baro on horizontal.

Chiefcamper · Post by **Chiefcamper** » Thu. Feb. 23, 2012 8:25 pm

Nice looking setup 22.

I'm sure I'm not alone thinking once you start burning 'rocks'

you will be very happy with it.

I've only started 3 coal fires in my life, and following the advice of some, used charcoal. Lit it with balls of newspaper and wood chips. It was always a positive light.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe

Beeman · Post by **Beeman** » Sat. Feb. 25, 2012 6:51 am

Welcome aboard! Make that switch to coal sooner than later. When I got my Hitzer insert, I had some beautiful hickory all seasoned, split, and stacked. Decided to list it on Craigslist and sold it the same day at list price. That helped me out and once switched to coal, I never looked back. Every day, I appreciate the steady warmth and relatively little work (compared to wood) of coal. Sell that wood before the weather gets too warm! Good luck!

New to Coal,Suggestions on Maintenance and Use

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