Still thrashing along with this thing.. I cleaned all the ashes again today and had a couple of level wheel barrows full. Not too bad for 4+ months of running. I think the biggest problem is the wood being damp. I've looked and called all around my part of VA and nobody can guarantee the wood is dry. It seems it rains damn near every day!
I really went crazy and soaked the wood I loaded it with this time with some old #2 fuel oil and left it a while before trying to fire it.
It would light off just fine and things would be going good and I'd close the door and it would go out..did that twice! I finally had to nurse it along with the door cracked and finally got it hot.. kinda acts like too much combustion air almost!
One thing for certain as you stated it's gotta be above 140° or it's a quick death! Once the firebox is hot it will seem to burn fine so I'm leaning toward sorry wood at the moment unless someone has an idea that we've overlooked
Thanks very much for all the ideas and replies!