Second, a cheap $10.00 thermo disc for an aquastat is almost criminal. They will inadvertently stick, causing extreme temperatures and severe water loss.
The only way this stove works, is if you run your pump 24/7 to keep the water circulated and in turn waste wood.
Hmmmm, the cheap "criminal" therm-o-disc on my 165 has been doing OK for almost 3 years non-stop..the 2 spares I got just in case are only collecting dust on the shelf so far.And I don't run the pump 24/7 and the stove works fine, so that is an inaccurate statement...This farmers 4500 sq. ft. shack has been kept nice and warm and had plenty of hot water year round with a 165 shaver whose only modification was to thread the overflow nipple and attach a 1/2" tee with a thermometer in the run of it...and since it paid for itself this summer in heating oil savings I like my shaver alot...Basic design is what I would build myself if I had the time..and it is a very basic design that works as is... But I did pick up a solenoid at Grainger today and i'm gonna do a powerflap on the blower,think it is a good improvement worth doing.My 2cents..............