Sheer pin question

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ben
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Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 350 with an S-20 pot (1966)
Coal Size/Type: Rice

Post by ben » Sat. Jul. 10, 2021 4:47 pm

I wondered if this topic came up much about changing out the sheer pin every year or so. Thankfully my pin hasn't broken for a while. A few years ago I had some wet coal and it snapped.
I cleaned my unit in the spring and only burnt a small amount since April so far. This site has been quiet for a while and I thought it was a good topic to post.
This is for an EFM.

 
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CoalHeat
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Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Sat. Jul. 10, 2021 10:25 pm

You mean changing the shear pin "just 'cause"? You shouldn't have to. I had the same pin in mine for years until a few weeks ago when a rouge piece of nut found it's way to the auger and jammed itself between the tube and the auger. Unfortunately it happened while I wasn't around so I did lose the fire.
The EFM started breaking pins a couple years ago, I found the section of pipe from the coupler into the bin had badly rusted away, replaced it...problem solved.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Sun. Jul. 11, 2021 6:17 am

I would just keep some spares on hand, no need to change them proactively. Mine has been using the same shear pin for 10 seasons.


 
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Richard S.
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Post by Richard S. » Sun. Jul. 11, 2021 6:31 am

I can probably count on one hand how many times they have been changed on the Van Wert. Quick tip, I have had two break starting a boiler after long down time. If the boiler has been idle for any length of time find a spot to put a wrench on to move the internal workings. It's pretty easy on the Van Wert because there is shaft with square end sticking straight out the back that runs the "fingers". It's all one drive train so turning that moves everything. Just give it 1/4 twist to insure everything is broke loose. Not sure where you might do this on EFM.

 
Dave 1234
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Post by Dave 1234 » Mon. Jul. 12, 2021 9:24 pm

Around here I tape an old cigar tube with pins inside to the fines lever, for the day that someone needs one.

 
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CoalHeat
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Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
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Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Mon. Jul. 12, 2021 9:43 pm

The circled part is turned by the ratchet, you can see the sheer pin sticking out. That drives the auger. The square end on the auger drive (arrow) can be used to manually turn the auger, but only with an official EFM wrench.
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Screen Shot 2021-07-12 at 9.35.53 PM.png
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