Art, I try to keep some room in the very front for air passage, because otherwise too much coal when refilling will 'damp' the fire down for a long time or sometimes snuff it out. Hand feds are a challenge sometimes......OK, a lot of the time. It is a heat producing beast, and an effort to make it run correctly 24/7. It sure is a nice long burning boiler, and unlike a stoker needs a more 'personal touch' to keep it happy. When you are shut down sometime, please remove the small front panel above the feed door; and squirt some penetrating oil on the 4 nuts that hold the inner panel on. When freed up, remove them to access the burn tubes. Above the front portion you will see or feel a plug there. That plug is a place that acts like an anode for the boiler. It can and will unexpectedly fail if the boiler has been sitting unused for a long time. You will NOT be a happy camper when you come home and see water everywhere, fire drowned out and water still trying to replenish the level.
A heads-up to all Van Wert owners......don't panic, but don't be afraid of it either. Prevention is sure cheaper than the stress of finding a swamp in your basement.
Hows that for some morning cheer? I have to say it sure got my attention, so hopefully you can curb this before it occurs to you. I'll add a pic or two showing the device. A 1/2 brass plug will resolve the issue......get one and keep it on top of the boiler........
