Keystoker K6 Fire Door

Pacowy · Post by **Pacowy** » Fri. Oct. 30, 2015 8:34 am

I would agree that the hopper shouldn't be expected to completely empty itself, but the tunneling described sounds more extreme than that. Have you checked to make sure the opening on the bottom has been cut to the full width of the coal intake on the stoker (thanks to forum member oliver power for noting that issue in a past thread) ? Also, what size of coal are you using?

Mike

gaw · Post by **gaw** » Fri. Oct. 30, 2015 8:44 am

Pacowy wrote:I would agree that the hopper shouldn't be expected to completely empty itself, but the tunneling described sounds more extreme than that. Have you checked to make sure the opening on the bottom has been cut to the full width of the coal intake on the stoker (thanks to forum member oliver power for noting that issue in a past thread) ? Also, what size of coal are you using?

Mike

The main problem is the bottom of the hopper is flat for several inches before it slopes up and this creates a “dead corner” so to speak.

FriedRice · Post by **FriedRice** » Fri. Oct. 30, 2015 9:20 am

I believe you are absolutely correct and I could have avoided the issue if I was in the habit of keeping a full hopper. I've read where Keystoker recommends not letting the hopper get below half. That is probably the best way to run it. I tend to run it with less than a half hopper. I got in that habit because at one point there was an issue where I had to unload it and it was a real pain. If you run less in the hopper you have to compensate which is what I did.

FriedRice · Post by **FriedRice** » Fri. Oct. 30, 2015 9:26 am

I use rice. I think the opening is full bore but that is a good point to check and I will. If the unit had a little vibration I know it would jiggle itself down as it does in the coal bin.

Pacowy · Post by **Pacowy** » Fri. Oct. 30, 2015 9:41 am

I can't think of any upside that results from running with small amounts of coal in the hopper or artificial vertical sides that convert a 300 lb hopper to a 100 lb one. As designed, the hopper provides buffer capacity for times when the unit runs more than you expect, or you are unable to fill it on schedule. Especially for people using bagged coal, the buffer provides an opportunity for excess moisture to evaporate before it enters the stoker mechanism. Likewise, the aforementioned flat area allows fines to accumulate without being forced into the stoker.

With both this and the latch, the unit works best if it is used as designed. When you deviate from that IMO you are creating your own problems.

Mike