the nasty, cleaning seton heat exhanger/vessel

Wow! what a difference! it looks like you fiqured out how to burn, or what to burn, to keep them clean. Now please be nice, and tell the rest of us what the hell we are doing wrong?

Looks familiar..I don't get as much creosote though. Notice the lid and insulation sagging.
I think the key the caking is return temp.
I finally cut the lid to clean the hx'ers. Came out mint. Pics soon.

Didn't take any pics prior to cleaning, your pics could almost double for mine.
My lid unsulation is not in the greatest shape either, from the brush. My lid does
sag some though. Insulation is almost resting on top of hx'ers. Notice the
corrosion also......Next year's project. Bought Kaowool blanket, 25' roll, almost
enough for a complete rebuild. Used it to replace insul at new access.
"Taped" the seam. Found a roll of metal tape, ok for now. Will weld a strut
to secure the panel egdes. Since the tape works well, I'll remove the panel screws
and tape all the seams, replace screws. I'm thinking this will work like a charm.

good job, what did you use to clean those tubes?

Pat

Standard boiler brush 3.5 feet long. Flexible.

No, I take the whole side off. Once a year, burning hardwood only.
Not as much ash deposit.
I will end up making the side access though.
Clean it easily from the exhaust too.