MPD importance

Don't want to beat a dead horse on this but have been reading with interest previous threads on the use and setting of a MPD in the stove pipe prior to exit to the chimney. More to the point, the setting of same to nearly a closed positon to get the best "running" characteristics (spelled right?). I was allways afraid to set this that far closed for fear of carbon monoxide leaking back into the house. Long story short last night I closed the MPD to about a 75% position (90% being fully closed) which greatly imporved the desire for lower heat output and alonger burn time. No problems with setting off the carbon monoxide detector so I guess all is well . Thanks to all the have contributed to threads on this previously.

Regards, Kevin

kweis wrote:No problems with setting off the carbon monoxide detector so I guess all is well .

Regards, Kevin

All your words were spelled pretty close to correct so there must not be any CO causing issues in your brain!!

Each set up is a little different and reacts differently to changes so a manometer to monitor draft is a good idea and CO detectors (note the plural) are a must.

Remember Kevin, even with the MPD closed completly, there is still plenty of space between the loose fit plus the holes in the damper that allow for CO to get out the chimney. Good informative post my friend. Personally, I have a detector in the stove room plus the two adjoining rooms (3 total)--can't be to safe with the carbon monoxide. Just curious, where ya from--you could put that in your profile---I promise, nobody'll steal you

freetown, I live on the Frederick County side of Union Bridge, literaly on the line with Carroll. Actually will be going out to Summers to buy some bagged pea coal which I was told previously they stock there. I have just a small "day stove" (the Wittigsthal noted on a previous thread) that actually can run thru the night if treated right. Only use it on colder days & nights say below 20 or so. Main souce is wood stove (I get the wood for nearly free) and fuel oil for back up. Some would probably say the coal stove is a "hobby", maybe.

Regards, Kevin

Install a manometer between the stove and the MPD. This way you will always know that you are keeping negative pressure in the stove

Kevin, hobby is good, as long as you're enjoying the stove & it's performance. Once ya stop havin fun with something, it's time to move on

I am a MPD guy. Used it with the Warm Morning 523 and now using it with the Buck Model 24. Seems like you can fine tune the burn and keep the heat from going up the chimney. You have to get used to it and see how your stove reacts at the different settings. Keep in mind to be safe. There is a mixed review on the topic of a MPD but I am one that likes them. I tried different ways in the past 34 years burning coal and what works for me is a MPD and no Baro. You also have to keep in mind that set ups are different. What works for one set up may not be good for someone elses. Stay warm.

Your concern about shutting off the MPD completely, Kevin, is the same one I've had this season. but with the help of a few on this site, I installed a manometer to check my draft. I was home yesterday early, and had time to experiment, so I closed my MPD "all the way", and watched the readings. It never went lower than .02-.03. which like Fred mentioned, there are enuff holes and gaps to allow some type of flow. (And this discussion leads me into my next thread.)

dcrane wrote:HA! thats one more on our side for the manual damper a beautiful thing indeed (our forfathers were not fools )

here is another one on ur side

I can close my MPD to the point that the fire box goes positive! I don't recall it having any or not much passage way through the plate in the pipe. You guys keep on bashing the baro lol. Us guys that use them, understand their impeccable value But I'm not really interested in a debate, there is plenty of that on other threads lol... I use both when conditions outside dictate it and find they are better together...

Thanks for all the comments & opinions. Went out and bought a couple bags of pea today. Fired the Wittigsthal up a few hours ago. It did reduce the draft pulling thorough the stove. Need to keep the bottom stove damper open a tad more which is still a little less than 1/4 open. Hoping it burns longer than the nut did. We'll see.

Kevin

dcrane wrote:HA! thats one more on our side for the manual damper a beautiful thing indeed (our forfathers were not fools )

??? how many fathers ??

Well, I think pea is for me. Burn time increased to about 8 hours on 12 lbs (max that it will hold). Pipe tempature at chimney was probably about 130 ( could put my hand on it for at least 30 seconds). Combustion at bottom of fire seemed to be more complete . MPD was about %80 closed. Ash pan damper about 1/8 open. I paid a little over $5 a 40lb bag. Is this reasonable?

Kevin

Lightning wrote:... I use both when conditions outside dictate it and find they are better together...

This is the way I roll....
I don't think it's fair to be stedfast on a position, based on what
you read or hear.
I think it's best to try both, and all combinations.
Determine what is best for you.
Draw your own conclusions.

For brutal windy days like we had here last week, I use both.
When the air is normal, with moderate gusts
now and then, for me, there is no doubt.
The room is warmer with baro closed, and MPD closed from
45°-80°.

Dan