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maddawgg
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Post by maddawgg » Mon. Jun. 23, 2008 11:14 pm

Hello,

I'm new so I hope I am not breaking any forum rules by starting this thread. I have a Keystoker dual fuel boiler. I have been burning oil for fifteen years and I want to switch to coal. I have no expierience with coal. I have gathered some information about what size would be best but beyond that I am totally clueless. I live in central Pa so how many tons can I expect to burn in a season? Where is the best supplier in my area or if I have to travel to pick up bagged coal where and who is the best out of my area? These are just a few of the many questions I have. All replies will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 
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LsFarm
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Post by LsFarm » Mon. Jun. 23, 2008 11:23 pm

Do you still have the owners manual for the boiler?? It should help you some.. Is the coal stoker still installed in the boiler?? I wonder what condition it would be in after 15 years of not being used.. have you tried running it to see if the motors run??

Since you live in central Pa., and if you are not too far from the Keystoker factory in Pottsville, You may want to take the stoker unit out and take it to Keystoker and have them check it out and give you a quick 'tutorial' on running the boiler on coal..

Greg L.

 
maddawgg
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Post by maddawgg » Mon. Jun. 23, 2008 11:48 pm

I have part of the old operating manual and I bought a new one from Keystoker. This is what is stamped on the bottom of the fire door: K-52-3. I can't find that model designation anywhere in the manual. I already talked to a mechanic at Keystoker and he gave me instructions on testing and setting the stroke on the stoker. Everything seems to work OK. Can anyone give me an idea of how much coal I will need for the heating season?

Thanks


 
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Richard S.
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Post by Richard S. » Tue. Jun. 24, 2008 3:14 am

If you're burning oil now you'll need roughly 1 ton for every 180 gallons of fuel oil that you use. A typical 2000 sq. foot home needs about 5 tons. You're mileage will vary as there are other factors but thats a rough idea. I'd suggest finding a bulk dealer or getting it yourself in bulk, the bags are going to cost you double right off the bat.

 
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Lumberjack
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Post by Lumberjack » Tue. Jun. 24, 2008 9:14 am

you might want to get a couple of bags first and test it out with an actual coal fire...

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