Coal Fire Did NOT Go Out!! Now What?

4Mainer · Post by **4Mainer** » Sun. Jan. 20, 2013 3:16 pm

Kudos to this forum, the coal fire in my NewYorker WC90 stayed lit all last night AND this am!! Progress! Moreover, after 2 showers & running the dishwasher the temp was up to 190F. House warm, plenty of DHW, life is good. So how do we keep this good thing going?

Yesterday I piled the coal as far as I could in the back of the firebox and sloped it towards the door. I never got it level with the door opening; I figured I would try that today. The pile has collapsed somewhat today but I still have a nice hot pile with blue flame on top.

So when do I add more coal? How much? When do I shake it down & how much? Today is warm, 40+ but temps are set to drop below 0 tonight & stay cold for next 3 days.

I adjusted my damper more closed so it pulls more draft & increased my combustion fan temp from 130F (for wood) to 165F. I still need to buy a manometer.

Post by **Richard S.** » Sun. Jan. 20, 2013 3:32 pm

Now you grab a beer and figure out what you're going to do with the money you're saving.

Post by **Lightning** » Sun. Jan. 20, 2013 3:34 pm

Many of us have our own technique but overall the basic procedure is the same..
Heres some good reading for you

Shaking Down/Reloading A Mature Fire