Harman sf-260 with draft inducer

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metallica21156
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Post by metallica21156 » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 6:08 am

So i recently replaced my Buderus coal boiler with a harman. The boiler is located in a outside building. Chimney is 10'. I never had any issues running that boiler on coal even is ambient got to 50. Im having issues with keeping this harman lit. I know draft is probably low when in idle mode. Im going to be adding a draft inducer to help. Question i have is what should my draft be when in idle? I know harman calls for .06 minimum but im not sure if that will be too much when in idle and overheat. Anyone run a draft inducer with a harman?

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 6:49 am

Before you spend money on a draft inducer, can you tweak the controls so the fire gets a bit more air at idle?

Are you completely filling the firebox with coal?

 
metallica21156
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Post by metallica21156 » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 7:10 am

Currently the controls are set as the door knobs shut and idle air closed. I tried half way the other day and it wouldn't idle the fire down. The other night 100% shut it was happy though the night. Im keeping the boiler at 150 right now. The other boiler maintained 140 no issues. I know I've read other posts about draft being important with this harman. I thinking my other boiler was more forgiving due to the design.
As for the coal bed, its filled up to the top of the brick.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 8:29 am

You will have to go through a trial and error approach with the idle air adjustment. 1/16" open, 1/8", etc.


 
metallica21156
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Post by metallica21156 » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 9:52 am

True. Im thinking the variable temperature around the stove is going to cause issues that otherwise wouldn't be. Thats why i was hoping to set a draft setting and let it go since the draft would always be the same with the inducer.

 
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Lightning
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 11:16 am

The inducer will only add to the chimney draft.. I would suggest a barometric damper for a steady draft. Get the Field Controls type RC

 
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Post by metallica21156 » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 2:01 pm

I already have a barometric.

 
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Lightning
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 2:17 pm

metallica21156 wrote:
Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 2:01 pm
I already have a barometric.
Oh good.. what's it set at?


 
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Post by metallica21156 » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 2:29 pm

.06 with manometer

 
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Lightning
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 2:50 pm

metallica21156 wrote:
Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 2:29 pm
.06 with manometer
Cool... set it to .04 and do this --
Rob R. wrote:
Wed. Dec. 01, 2021 8:29 am
You will have to go through a trial and error approach with the idle air adjustment. 1/16" open, 1/8", etc.
I've used a draft inducer in the past because I had draft failure issues. I found a better way to deal with the failures and got rid of the inducer. It was a PITA.. :lol: I'd suggest trying to make it work without one by reducing your draft strength and giving it more idle air.

 
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Sylvesterd101
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Post by Sylvesterd101 » Thu. Oct. 20, 2022 11:11 am

My first introduction to coal was with my harman sf260. it was an entire season of trial and error to get it down. its literally an art form. a labor of love if you will. im sure youll get it without the draft inducer

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