After some help from this excellent forum last year my k6 keystoker is working like a champ ! Just ad a re-cap, this boiler is in a out building and heats my house, our DHW and our 35 x 50 dog boarding kennel. After last winter I think the next size larger boiler would be better, but for a craigslist find, i'm happy.
Now to my question, I had a couple of times of no heat last year due to the fact that the "pusher" was getting bogged up in coal residue that had built up in the hoppet/feed area. A cleaning was needed and all was well again. So, is thete a way to prevent this build-up or if not is there a method of cleaning without killing the fire? Also, whats your schedule for clean outs? Pounds used? Once a month?
Thanks
Keystoker Clean Out
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sinistrafatboy
- Member
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Sat. Jan. 14, 2012 5:36 pm
- Location: Greene NY
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Keystoker K-6
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Rick 386
- Member
- Posts: 2508
- Joined: Mon. Jan. 28, 2008 4:26 pm
- Location: Royersford, Pa
- Stoker Coal Boiler: AA 260 heating both sides of twin farmhouse
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: LL Hyfire II w/ coaltrol in garage
- Coal Size/Type: Pea in AA 260, Rice in LL Hyfire II
- Other Heating: Gas fired infared at work
- Contact:
On some stoves, the build up is caused by overly wet coal. It makes the coal dust become a sort of slurry/paste. Then the heat from the burner mechanism can then dry our the slurry making it a stick to the pusher area.
I would use the "pounds used" method for a cleanout schedule. The heavier the use, the more coal was pushed through it, the more chance for build up. But some here do like to set a monthly schedule. Whatever works for you to get this clean. If you can sort of figure out how often it needs to be cleaned, set a schedule to clean it the week before. That way if something prevents the cleaning, you have a little wiggle room before it becomes necessary/imperative for it to be done.
Rick
I would use the "pounds used" method for a cleanout schedule. The heavier the use, the more coal was pushed through it, the more chance for build up. But some here do like to set a monthly schedule. Whatever works for you to get this clean. If you can sort of figure out how often it needs to be cleaned, set a schedule to clean it the week before. That way if something prevents the cleaning, you have a little wiggle room before it becomes necessary/imperative for it to be done.
Rick