Oil combustion efficiency with DF520?

I measured about 82.5 percent when I first ran the DF520 with oil. What is typical efficiency expected with the DF520 burning oil? I have to switch to oil when I travel, and interested in knowing what people have measured with the DF520. I brush off the ashes in the boiler before I switch. Is there anything else I should do to optimize the oil burner combustion efficiency when I have to run on oil? Also, I noticed I can not reduce the smoke to zero when running on oil. Best I have been able to achieve is 1 on the smoke test. Is this due to the coal in the pot? Should I cover the pot with a blank of kaowool?

Thanks,

Dave

The 520 was designed to burn only coal. The oil kit was made as a convenience only. I would have guessed that the efficiency would be in the high 70s. The combustion chamber needs to be significantly reduced to achieve a decent efficiency if you would ever go to 100% oil.

The oil burner should be run for a few minutes, once a month, to flush the nozzle line with fresh oil.

"Should I cover the pot with a blank of kaowool?"



Done that it helps

One on the smoke test isn't bad at all, i wouldn't worry about it. I would definatly cover the burn pot with something to reduce any outside air infiltration if that's what you meant.

Stoker-man,

The oil burner works great. One of the reasons I bought the DF520 is so I can run on oil when I travel, and during the summer when oil prices are low. I'll measure the efficiency again after burning coal for the past few months. I have gone through 1.5 tons so far. Still interested in what other people are measuring for efficiency on oil.

Thanks,

Dave