Reloading an orlan 40 eko 40

[woodsmaster]

I have 1000 gallons of storage. I'm still not sure how long that will last with our crazy weather. It could be mid twenties for a week then 65 for a couple days. I remember one year running the air conditioning on Christmas and worrying that the pipes would freeze by New Years. I'm at temperature now (set at 188) I just loaded her up with wood and cob corn. I don't know if that was a good idea or not I think I will have a creosote nightmare tonight. We shall see. Oh the joys of learning new things!

Is storage up to that temp top to bottom ? I've found i burn a lot less wood if i only heat things up hot enough to get me threw until next convenient loading time. Example heat storage to 170 F instead of 195 F

 

[maple1]

Is storage up to that temp top to bottom ? I've found i burn a lot less wood if i only heat things up hot enough to get me threw until next convenient loading time. Example heat storage to 170 F instead of 195 F

I have found the same thing, no question.

Last night I was about to put more wood in when my top of storage was 170, then thought wait a minute, it's only November, there's enough heat in there to get me to tomorrow. So I saved a half armload of wood.

No way would I put more wood in of my storage was 188, there's no place for the heat to go - mine doesn't really see much more than 180 mid-winter. Any time you send your boiler to idle, it's wasting wood. 1000 gallons that hot should easily get you a day, this time of the year. Maybe to the second. Depending on your heat load.

Trial & error, you'll get there.

 

[huffdawg]

I guess you could install a draft inducer fan that you can turn on when you open your primary chamber... Ive had an eko 40 now for about 5 yrs. I hate it but it works . Always have trouble with the door seals leaking . cant load it mid burn unless you want to be smoked like a fish.Fan seldom shuts off after burn finishes.Sure wish I spent the money on a higher quality boiler when I built my system. I think the Garn Junior might be a nice xmas present this year or next.