Van Wert Anthratherm VA-600

i have a 20 year old van wert anthratherm VA-600 .it ran like a clock untill 1 month ago.i now am burning at about 10% instead of 80%.i checked the burning pot and found some minor distortion. is this critical ? i have the air gate set at max. can this get blocked ? if so how do i clean it ? need help i'm cold . Thomas

I have 1200 Thomas but fortunately for me i have never had to take it apart so I really don't know exactly how the internal workings work. I'd imagine if the burn pot is damaged considering its size and thickness you may have damaged other parts as well such as the worm. I'd suggest immediately shutting it down to prevent further damage and inspecting it, you will probably have to disassemble it. This of course is no easy task but it sounds to me like you don't have any choice. Very tough to give any advice without knowing exactly what the problem is. I also fear if you have damaged the pot you may have damaged it or other parts beyond repair.

Assuming you don't have backup heat as a backup heat source you may want to see if you can find a Franco Belge quickly, you can burn buckwheat in them. It won't heat your house but it will provide enough heat to keep the pipes in the basement from freezing and if it's only a one story you should be able to keep the first floor above freezing too. I'm only suggesting this because its probably the cheapest way to get some heat in the house, you already have the coal...

Once you get it apart you can post some pictures here, you may want to consult a professional plumber but just make sure they have knowledge of Stokers.

Thomas, I was just given a VanWert VA-600 by a friend. My friend wasn't sure how old the unit was and I see no markings that would give me a clue. I just spent the weekend taking the boiler apart and cleaning it out so I can move it to my house. I know very little about the boiler but I would greatly appreciate any information that you could give me about the stove.

Thanks,
Eric

i found a distributor of van wert parts. he knows his stuff, Anczarski Enterprises is Shenadoaha Pa.
570-462-0748.