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[RSI]

I think you will burn less wood once you get the auto damper installed. Right now you are not getting a very hot fire because you have to keep the air closed way down to keep it from overheating between cycles. The air getting in when the blower is off is probably a big part of the black goo that you are getting.

[JBG]

Lugnut...What you should do is upgrade to the Ranco aquastat.  This will eliminate the use
of the cheap thermostat on the back of the furnace.  I don't know why the Ranco is not
standard on these furnaces.   This will allow you to control the water temp at
the touch of a button...
Try turning the thermostat up on the back of the furnace between 150 and 180.  This should
help with the creosote.  You might have to adjust it a little higher.
That is the problem with those thermostats you just have trial and error.
JBG

Here is one link for a Ranco.
http://www.pexsupply.com/Ranco-ETC-111000-Single-Stage-ETC-Temperature-Control-w-Sensor-120-240V-Input-11627000-p

[lugnut]

JBG,

Thank you for your response.  I've been looking at these Rancos and reading about them.  I even read through ALL of the postings on the Shaver page of this website with the thread titled "I HATE MY SHAVER!"

I think I'm going to byte the bullet and buy one of these as I'm really getting tired of dialing up and down every other day to find the "sweet" spot with this store bought tstat.  I know why those of us bought Shavers, and the money we stick into them in the end isn't all that much really....it's still costing me way less than a Central Boiler or Royal American...and no, I am NOT bashing these companies.  I bought the Shaver because it is in my price range and I will be able to recoup my money in 5-6 years as oppsed to 50 years.  :-)

So I will order up this Ranco as soon as I get off this website, which might be next year because there's just so much useful information on here.  And I mean this in a GOOD way.  Thank JGB!!

[Bull]

The Ranco that he posted is the same one that I bought to go on my Hardy H2, it works great.

[JBG]

lugnut... I agree totally.  I did a few upgrades on my furnace and have been very pleased
with it.   I have been up and running for almost a year.  I can get a good 12hr burn before refilling which works great with my schedule.  Keep us posted!

[lugnut]

Okay guys...I've been off here since Friday evening.  The weather has been  nice and I took advantage of it to finish up some outside work.  Nice the next two days as well.

Friday I received the "auto damper" via UPS from Shaver.  What a piece of junk!  I have no clue how they can get $125.00 for this.  The door over the opening does NOT fit flush with the opening, there is a 1/16" gap around the entire opening...air leak!   The hinge is raised up and does NOT allow the cover to lie flat.  I've seen the solenoid and cover on Alternative heating for under $50.00.  Thinking seriously about calling Shaver and telling them to just send me a check for $125.00 and they can keep their "auto damper" junk.  Don't these people have anyone who looks over the stuff before it leaves the shop?  Apparently not.

The Ranco 111000 will be ordered up today.  I HAVE to do something about the door though.  I was at first getting whiffs of sm oke , then it went away and now it's back.  I've cleaned the creosote crud off the door/gasket and it's not doing the trick.  I'm trying to eliminate all the air leaks.

So guys, tell me what else I can use for gasket material on the door?  What's this fire rope?  I don't really have the opportunity to let the fire run out and then leave the door open to let it cool down...we have a few cats roaming around the area and the last thing I need is cat on the hot furnace.   

As before, i thank you in advance for information.  Still trying to post photos....computer slwed down on Friday and I became frustrated trying to upload them.  Will try again in a moment.

Lugnut