Englander/Summers Heat Venting Problem, maybe?

[kdp7462]

I hope someone can help with somewhat of a problem I have been having. My Summers heat 55-shp22 has been working great for me, but I seem to be having "dirty" burns. I was reading somwehere that the ash should be greyish-white. I do not have any clinkers, but the ash is a dark brown to black color. I am somewhat concered that my venting might be the source of the problem. I have a 4inch vent pipe with a 3in adapter that was installed to a whitfield before I moved into the house. Thankfully everything fit nice when I upgraded to the Summers Heat/Englander. The vent runs vertical for I'd say 5-6 feet then ends with a 90 degree elbow. I was thinking that if I adjust one or all of the buttons of the bottom of my unit, it would help. Currently my stove is set to:
Low fuel feed-5
Low burn air-4
Air on temp-1

I am just not sure which way to go with them, or keep them all the same. Thank you for all your help! I saw a post on here sometime ago that detailed exactly what the settings dictate, but could not find it in my search today. Thanks to anyone who can help me out!

 

[pegdot]

Here's the thread I believe you're looking for....
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/11888/

If this doesn't help check back. I'm sure Mike or Corie can help you figure this one out.

 

[kdp7462]

Thanks Peg, I was looking for that post for about 25 minutes before I just posted. Checking that reply out from Mike makes me think I should increase the low burn air to see if I can get more of a combustion air going...what do you think? Should I try it out or just wait for Mike or Corie to come chime in?

 

[pegdot]

I had the same thoughts about mine but when I checked the low air burn was already factory set at 9. Certainly wouldn't hurt to check yours to see what it's currently set on and post it here but I think I'd wait about changing it until you've spoken to Mike unless your freezing, of course.