Having some strange color smoke. Pictures

[freeflow90]

So I have been burning through this chimney for about 3 years. 2 Years with my Efel Stove. I have been noticing the smoke everytime I stoke it with fresh wood. I have noticed this smoke before but this year it seems to be worst. I sweep the chimney almost every month because I burn a lot and have a pretty long chimney.



I have noticed this pipe is turning white?

 

[Grisu]

I just see a lot of black smoke which could be due to wet wood and/or closing the air too much and thereby smoldering the fire. Your need for cleaning the chimney once a month would suggest the same. How long has the wood been split and stacked with lots of sun and wind exposure? Did you split a few pieces and check the fresh surface with a moisture meter? What species are you burning predominantly? How do you adjust the air?

The pipe discoloration could be from getting it too hot. Did you have a chimney fire at some point? What's the max temp you have seen on that flue thermometer?

 

[tarzan]

That black smoke looks bad. In my opinion, based on what I can gather from the pics and your description, there is a chance you have had a chimney fire. The black smoke on start up could be coming from some of the crumbly creosite left over falling into a place where it can burn as the pipe cools from the fire before.

 

[KindredSpiritzz]

they usually smoke for awhile when you add a new load. Mine looks like a train on a new load for awhile. Yours looks like an older type smoke dragon to begin with so i'd think it'd be normal. Unless i miss my guess that pipe thru the window doesnt look like it'd be up to code, but i could be wrong as im no expert.

 

[TheRambler]

That cap looks almost completely clogged too

 

[Jags]

Could you please describe the fuel you are using. When was it cut/split/stacked. What varieties are in your stack? From everything you have posted I am a bit concerned for your burning habits and stove. First - the white pipe indicates an over fire (or multiple). The pipe going through the basement window is also questionable. The amount of black on the insides of your stove and the stuff coming out of your pipe (smoke) is surely acrid unburnt fuel. Smoke from a reload is common but should dissipate as the operating temp of the stove comes up.

Do you sweep regularly and if so what are you getting from the sweeping.

 

[Highbeam]

Those photos, in the twilight, with no background color for comparison could be white smoke. It's hard to see what color. Is it black like diesel soot? Grey, white, blue,?

 

[tarzan]

Those photos, in the twilight, with no background color for comparison could be white smoke. It's hard to see what color. Is it black like diesel soot? Grey, white, blue,?

Good point but the title to the thread is "having some strange color smoke"

I would hope that after 3 years of burning wood the op doesn't consider white to be a strange color smoke

 

[Highbeam]

Good point but the title to the thread is "having some strange color smoke"

I would hope that after 3 years of burning wood the op doesn't consider white to be a strange color smoke

Hard to say. Would be nice if the OP could at least describe the color. It might be yellow.