Serdiac Gotha 713 Fire in the Hopper? Could Use Some Help

Vermonster · Post by **Vermonster** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:22 pm

Im new to coal this serdiac is my first coal stove. I just swapped from rice coal to the pea coal I am supposed to use. I just checked the hopper that is half full and I can see some coal is glowing red? Is this normal? Is it safe to go ahead and fill hopper? I just shaked the grates about an hour ago. What should I do I could use a little help. Thanks for some quick replies to ease my rookie coal mind.

Vermonster · Post by **Vermonster** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:27 pm

Anybody?

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:29 pm

If it were my HITZER w/hopper--I'd fill it--are all your gaskets good--why did you not fill the hopper right after shake down? Again--do the $ bill test on any door gaskets

Vermonster · Post by **Vermonster** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:35 pm

Im real new at this fred. Should I go down and shake it again and add some more coal?

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:37 pm

NO--just totally fill the hopper& make sure all doors are closed tight -- I wish you'd post a pix of the stove!

Vermonster · Post by **Vermonster** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:42 pm

I'm not too good posting pics will have to learn. So just go fill he up an no sahke right?

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:43 pm

YES--FILL the hopper every shake down

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:51 pm

Did you close the slots where you shake through???

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:53 pm

go to top of page & hit new messages

Vermonster · Post by **Vermonster** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 6:58 pm

Yes the slots are closed. Come to find out the hopper was lower than I thought. I put in half a 50 lb bag. So when the coal is this low I will see some hot coal?

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 7:03 pm

Yes--BUT--did you fill the hopper completely--that is VERY important every time you shake down--what is your schedule on that??How many shakes--is the stove working well for what your needs are?

Vermonster · Post by **Vermonster** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 7:14 pm

Sounds like I should shake the grates first then fill the hopper. I am trying to get in the routine of shaking then filling in the evening then doing the same when I get up in the morning. I am just learning this stove and I switched to pea coal this morning. I was burning rice I didnt know the difference.

Post by **franco b** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 7:22 pm

Vermonster wrote:Sounds like I should shake the grates first then fill the hopper. I am trying to get in the routine of shaking then filling in the evening then doing the same when I get up in the morning. I am just learning this stove and I switched to pea coal this morning. I was burning rice I didnt know the difference.

I believe the hopper has a lower and higher setting. You should have it high.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 7:24 pm

Yep, I was following that topic--I shake mine down & top off every 12 hrs--around 8 at night & at 8 in the morning--I empty the ash pan first--then shake & top off----so the ash pan has ashes from the morning & evening & has cooled down mostly for my morning emptying

joeq · Post by **joeq** » Mon. Dec. 23, 2013 7:54 pm

Hey Munster, welcome to the club! And yet we have another Surdiac owner.

Curiuos to hear about all fellow participants with this stove. Mine is the next step down, (513), and what Fred and the gang are telling you is (of course) spot on. If you keep your hopper full, it'll last longer than if you don't. the heat eats away at the bottom of these things, and not only are they "expensive", they're hard to find. It makes more sense to fill it "after" you scrape the grates cause you'll get more coal in it, but as long as you don't let it get too low, you'll be fine. Check out my thread, (especially if you want a laugh) on "Diary of a Surdiac". People here have been invaluable in helping with my stove. Mine is a love/hate relationship, but hoping to rectumfy it.

P.S.Please learn the picture posting, cause as you know, "everyone loves pictures."