Harman Mark 3, Can't Seem to Shake It Right..

 
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CoalHeat
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Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 11:12 am

I guess I wasn't paying attention when I was shaking the Mark 1 this morning, moved the shaker lever a bit too far and jammed the back grate open. Stupid Amateurish beginner mistake!!!!! I fished around trying to dislodge the stuck piece of coal, ended up dumping the whole fire into the ash pan. Smitty knows all about this. :D
So even us "seasoned veterans" mess up.
Short choppy back and forth strokes are the way to shake these stoves, I'll have to remember that. :bang:

 
Storm
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Location: Juneau county, Wisconsin
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Mark 1
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Other Heating: Vermont Resolute wood stove for the shoulder months

Post by Storm » Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 9:32 am

. I two have a Mark 111 two year old top vent. Also have shake down problems. This rod poker idea sounds good. What material should I use. Rebar? How to make. Suggestions appreciated thanx, George

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SMITTY
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Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520 Highboy
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Post by SMITTY » Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 9:43 am

Any hard metal will work. I still use my Yamaha TW200 rear brake rod for poking the clinkered-up ash in the ash pan of my stoker. I used that rod for years in the Mark III. The once threaded end has now worn smooth and to a taper .. :D

 
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CoalHeat
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Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 9:49 am

You will need to poke up through the openings in the grates from underneath to break up the clinkers and ash buildup. Rebar is too thick. A thin rigid wire about coat hanger size will do, bent at a 45 degree angle at the end. I use a piece I cut off of one of those baskets that are placed around tomato plants. I would avoid poking into the fire from above, I don't think you are going to accomplish anything.

I have not had to poke the fire with the Kimmel's coal I have been burning. In the past with other brands I have had issues with dead spots.


 
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SMITTY
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Posts: 12520
Joined: Sun. Dec. 11, 2005 12:43 pm
Location: West-Central Mass
Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520 Highboy
Coal Size/Type: Rice / Blaschak anthracite
Other Heating: Oil fired Burnham boiler

Post by SMITTY » Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 9:55 am

Ahh yes you definitely want a small diameter for poking from the bottom. I always just poked from above (easier), so I could've used an exhaust pipe if I wanted ... :lol:

 
Storm
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Posts: 92
Joined: Sun. Nov. 25, 2012 4:11 pm
Location: Juneau county, Wisconsin
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Mark 1
Coal Size/Type: Nut & stove
Other Heating: Vermont Resolute wood stove for the shoulder months

Post by Storm » Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 10:08 am

Thanks, this has gave some ideals. I will be shutting down the Mark 111 soon. Will fire up the VC Virgilant with coal conversion 1979. When the grates are cleared, I will fabercate a rod to see how it fits from underneath. Don't want to poke desturb the fuel bed. G

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User avatar
CoalHeat
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Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 10:25 am

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Below grate glow after shaking.

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Kimmel's lighting up.

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