850+ degree temps in Jotul 550

[newcomtd]

This is my third season burning and I've finally got truly seasoned wood. However, I'm starting to think maybe it would be better if my wood wasn't so dry... For my third load today, I put in 5 medium sized splits, which isn't even a full load. Within 10 minutes of reloading, I had the air control turned all the way down as the secondaries were very fierce. About 30 minutes later, the temp and is up around 850 degrees, measured just in front of the flue collar! It kind of looked like the front edge of the baffle was glowing very faintly, but hard to tell when the fire is raging. I turned the fan on max speed and twenty minutes later the temp is still above 800...Also, it is 53 degrees outside, so the draft isn't even super strong tonight. Any tips to keep this thing under control, or maybe it is normal to cruise at 800? Someone convince me this is alright, before I start putting my wood out to soak in the rain.

 

[jatoxico]

The 550 is willing to run hot. Can't say 850 isn't pushing though. Did you load on a hot coal bed? That can lead to a hot stove. I felt I had to modify mine to get full control over the primary air by grinding the stop on the slider. Not sure if it was just the casting or intentional but I now have full control of the primary air since I can slide it all the way left. Others have cut down on the dog house air. Have not done that yet.

 

[begreen]

Let the coals burn down more before reloading and stick with larger splits on the reload.

 

[jophysx]

And do the dollar bill test on you door gasket to make sure you don't have an uncontrolled source of air.

 

[PWash]

in addition to other advice you can pull all of the coals to the front of the stove and stack new splits in the back, horizontally. try to stack wood with minimal air gaps.

 

[Avalonolympic]

Yeah sounds like to much wood on a mild day. Nice your burning wood! Nice

 

[Bagelboy]

You don't say what temps you reloaded at, but after 3 years, I'm sure you know not to reload a hot stove, especially with "dry" wood. It sounds like you got your first taste of dry wood, so try loading up with a less amount.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I have had the front of the baffle appear to glow faintly, so you are not alone there. With wood that is primo, I can imagine the scenario you are talking about. The advice others have given makes sense. The 550 manual says on reload you may not have to have the primary air set fully open to ignite the wood, if in fact you have a deep bed of coals. I would use the visual of how hot the stove is getting balanced with how much smoke you get out of the chimney on reload as your guide. If both factors are in control, you are good. I have had had the experience of using wood of various moisture content and clearly, you are in a better position than if you had wet wood. If you still problems after trying everything, might be time to get a certified sweep over to troubleshoot.