Stokermatic or Combustioneer Coal stove links?

Berlin wrote:yes, it is. with the same results. oil leaks, trashed seals, coal fines in the gear case and oil in the auger tube.

So how do us smart guys fix the design so I don't have to a) pull the gearbox off every year and clean out the auger tube or b) wreck the seal if I don't????

well, on my combustioneer with much closer tolerances between the female end of the auger and the auger tube, I welded beads at a steep pitch (much steeper than the pitch on the auger flights, and then ground them down to make a fairly tight fit. This will hopefully prevent fines from migrating back to the output shaft seal, at the least it will substantially reduce the amount of fines that make their way back there. I would suggest perhaps welding some steep pitched flights on that end of the auger so that they encourage fines to move forward not back, and perhaps (if you're good/patient) make them relatively tight to the auger tube; perhaps attach pieces of tire rubber so that you don't have to be so precise.

Great idea, Berlin. I like the rubber thought - something to sweep the fines forward away from the gearbox at a rate faster than the auger flighting pitch. Maybe fabricate something using some split shaft collars and just clamp it in place just ahead of the square drive end of the auger and use a fairly stiff, fabric reinforced rubber sheet for the sweeping "flaps"....

I take care of two Kiwani hot water boilers that use Will-Burt transmissions for coal delivery. I experienced the same problems you gentlemen are describing when fines take the seal out of transmission. Using 1/8 inch sheeting I cut a 4 inch washer out of the sheeting with a square hole in center that slides snugly over the drive shaft assembly on the transmission. Any fines that are pushed to the rear of the auger are stopped by the oversized washer which protects the seal behind it. Eventually you will have to build a new washer as the fines and moisture will ruin it but it will protect your seal and loss of oil into auger tube. I am considering building the next one out of 1/4 plating which should last longer. I have had no problem by placing this washer on the drive shaft and it has not affected any performance of auger or transmission.

Since the Stokermatic and Combustioneer stoves are Bituminous coal burners.. I'm moving this to the Bit coal forum..

Greg L

Hi I have been looking fo one of the units for years now, does anyone on here know of one for sale? I grew up with these units and now that I have moved to northeast PA (honesdale) i would love to have one for heat

Ernest, these stokermatics are meant for bitumiunous coal, it would be cheaper to find an anthracite burning coal appliance since you now are in the heart of Anthracite coal country,

Bit coal's price advantage will be negated by the cost of transportation to the NE pa area.

Greg L

After researching some other stuff I discovered the owner of Pease Coal in Wyoming (Micheal) http://peasefeedandcoal.com/Winterstar-Millennium.html has Stokermatic parts available because he was a large dealer (willburt transmisions, etc.) so im posting it here for future ref. to others.