Tarm Solo MKII 30

[damon_sisk]

I'm trying to decide if a Tarm Solo MKII 30 from 1998 for $4000 is a good buy or not.

What should I look for to determine the condition of the stove? What should I test (pressurize heat exchanger, etc.?)
The outside of the stove looks decent from the photos, but it came with a foreclosed home so the current owner is not familiar with it.
What accessories should be included? I know about the special valve that prevents premature boiler failure, but I don't know what its called or how to test it.
I believe there is a pump included as well, but what else should I look for?

Is there another brand that uses gasification and is high quality in this price range (new or used?) The effeciency of the gasification technology attracts me so that I can minimize the amount of wood used and therefore my effort in obtaining the wood ;^)

I have already determined that the stove would meet my heating needs, and I have 1000 gallons of water storage that will be separated from the boiler by a water to water heat exchanger.

Thanks for any help!

 

[flyingcow]

I'll be corrected, and this is just a thought. A new tarm 30 costs, what...6500. Doesn't have the DHW coil.
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This unit is 11 yrs old. Offer 1500. Do you have to move it, or is it easily accesible?

 

[damon_sisk]

I would have to pay to ship it from California to Indiana. I need to find out if it has the DHW coil or not.
I called Tarm, and they recommended I check erosion of the nozzle (the gap between the refractory where the super heated air is injected) and make sure that it is around 1" to 1.5", not 3".
Replacing the refractory costs about $900 if ordered from Tarm. I think I could make the mold and pour it myself, but I don't want to pay a lot for the unit, then put a lot of time and money into it to make it work.
I think I will offer less especially since I could get an EKO brand new for about $5000.

 

[flyingcow]

Well keep talking to tarm, but the $4000 price in my opinion is waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy out the door. Stay here and keep learning and getting info. It's time well spent. I've heard some wives have problem with the hubbies getting into bad porn sites. Mine complains about hearth.com and tractor sites. If this is all they have to complain about......................