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New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 7:53 am
by DKBakerPA
I bought a house and it’s prinary heat is a Baker Fireside Coal Insert. Having a problem getting a long burn that doesn’t overheat. Had temps on the door overnight just above 200, but did a shack down and reloaded it this morning and within an hour the door temp was pushing 600. This is the second day since firing up the stove and had this problem on three reloads. I didn’t make any changes from the overnight settings, the fire draft from one full turn and the secondary air
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600 door temp

three turns. Outside temp 40. Any advise appreciated.

Re: New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 8:30 am
by Rob R.
Welcome.

Looks like you need more coal and less air. Make sure the firebox is FULL of coal, and close the secondary air until it is barely cracked open.

Is there any kind of damper in the flue pipe?

Re: New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 8:34 am
by DKBakerPA
So, add more coal and cut back on secondary air? I barely have any fire air draft, only 1/4 turn right now. Is that alright?

Re: New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 9:09 am
by McGiever
Dollar Bill test those door gaskets. With air leaks you lose finer fire control. Good Ash door seal is real important.

Air control is only way to thottle back a fire.
With anthracite it is the "under fire air" that counts the most for ultimate control. But, don't ignore those other air leaks.

Re: New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 9:39 am
by Lightning
Rob asked if you have any sort of dampers on the stove pipe. A yo-yoing of heat output is usually indicative of fluctuating draft pressure. Does this stove have any sort of thermostat control on it? Look for a dial with a chain that moves a flap open and closed for regulating under fire air (primary combustion air).

Re: New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 9:48 am
by DKBakerPA
Being it’s an insert, I have no flue control in the chimney or thermostat control. I will check the door seals again. Currently loaded with more coal, cut secondary air knobs to two turns and bottom air to 1/4 turn each. I have a hot bed of coals but no flames and the door temp is 300.

Re: New to site and also burning coal!

Posted: Wed. Oct. 17, 2018 10:11 am
by Lightning
You could have conditions ripe for a puff back right now if there is no hot coals exposed. Open the secondary air controls wide open until the blue flames appear over the coal bed. You may also wanna have the ash door cracked open until that happens.