Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?

Username: Password:

Author Topic: Used Johnson Little John  (Read 2702 times)

Malachi73

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • OWF Brand: Johnson
  • OWF Model: Little John
    • View Profile
Used Johnson Little John
« on: June 15, 2017, 06:44:56 PM »

I found a used Johnson Little John OWB on Craigslist for $500.

The man selling it says that there were no leaks when he drained it 2 years ago. So, it has sat for 2 years. He says that he is selling it for a friend who just is gettting too old and wants to get out of wood burning. He said it's about 11 years old.

I know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. But, not always, so it's worth taking a look at I think.

Anyways, I understand the basic operation of an OWB (I was planning to try building my own this weekend, but decided it was gonna costs way more than $500) and as far as I can figure, as long as the thing is structurley sound, there ain't that much more can go wrong with it.

So, am I right? What should I be looking at and for when I go see it?

Logged

aarmga

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 423
  • OWF Brand: Nature's Comfort
  • OWF Model: NCB-250
  • Central Wisconsin
    • View Profile
Re: Used Johnson Little John
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2017, 10:30:43 PM »

Fill it with water.  If it leaks then it's not worth buying.  If it doesn't leak and you do buy it then get water treatment and water in it asap
Logged
Stihl 211 - 16"
Remington Rodeo Pro - 20"
Stihl 661r magnum - 36"
SpeeCo 22 Ton Honda splitter
JD 1025r with FEL
Natures Comfort NCB 250 custom added overhead air injection

E Yoder

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1296
  • OWF Brand: HeatMaster
  • OWF Model: GS 100
    • View Profile
    • www.heatmasterfurnace.com
Re: Used Johnson Little John
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2017, 10:50:55 AM »

I haven't seen that particular model. Heard of it...

If it's mild steel check for thin spots wherever moisture might collect. Scrape and tap with a hammer.  Chimney, door jambs, etc. Was the chimney capped when setting idle? Wet ash could be a killer.
Run water through and see how much sludge comes out the drain. Fill with water and let set for a couple days to check for leaks.

For $500 if you can get 1 year out of it it would pay off.
Logged
HeatMaster dealer serving southwest VA.
www.heatmasterfurnace.com

Malachi73

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • OWF Brand: Johnson
  • OWF Model: Little John
    • View Profile
Re: Used Johnson Little John
« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2017, 01:47:17 PM »

OK, I fired it up today.

I got the water temperature up to 190°. And there are no leaks anywhere that I can see. Everything works just as it should.

I call Johnson today and they said that, based upon the serial number, this thing is about 17 years old. They must make these things really solid.



Logged

E Yoder

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1296
  • OWF Brand: HeatMaster
  • OWF Model: GS 100
    • View Profile
    • www.heatmasterfurnace.com
Re: Used Johnson Little John
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2017, 06:30:10 PM »

 :thumbup:
Logged
HeatMaster dealer serving southwest VA.
www.heatmasterfurnace.com

aarmga

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 423
  • OWF Brand: Nature's Comfort
  • OWF Model: NCB-250
  • Central Wisconsin
    • View Profile
Re: Used Johnson Little John
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2017, 09:04:52 PM »

Pretty awesome to hear they are still in business
Logged
Stihl 211 - 16"
Remington Rodeo Pro - 20"
Stihl 661r magnum - 36"
SpeeCo 22 Ton Honda splitter
JD 1025r with FEL
Natures Comfort NCB 250 custom added overhead air injection