Classic 2300 - Ash Clean-Out

[ka0eze]

Just started up a new CL 2300 in Northern Wisconsin.  What is the best procedure for cleaning out the ash?  DO you have to shut down or can you open the reaction chamber while the stove is running?  How often should I expect to clean out?

Thanks for any help!

Jim

[Highlander]

I just make sure my boiler is up to temp and the blowers are shut down. I check mine about every 2 weeks. There is never alot of ash but i figure what the hell, it only takes 5 min..

[stumper]

Definately want to clean it with the blower off.  I either do it when the temp is up or turn it off.  If you try it while running you will have very large blow torch to contend with.  Kind of cool to see but not what I would like to work around.

I clean my ash once a week during the heating season.  If you skip cleaning it you will fine that you could run into problems.  In fact if I find my temp below 180 or I seems to take longer then normal to recover to 185, the first thing I do is clean the ashes out.  Most likely the problem is ashes blocking the reaction chamber.

If you are new to the boiler I would suggest cleaning the tubes every two weeks, the damper door area every day and the wood chamber once a month.  The tubes and the by-pass door are both easier to clean more ofetn then to let anything build up. 

[JJ]

I agree,
Clean reaction chamber every week when furnace is running hard.
I clean the tubes every week at same time.
I just started cleaning the bypass door (yikes).   Is it better to clean from back, through the chimney thimble?

A long handle square spade is my tool of choice.

usually I only remove fine ash dust from reaction chamber.

[spacedog]

I clean mine every two weeks or so.  I  wait till there are just a couple small logs left in the fire box and then scoop them out with whatever goals I can get.  Store them in a one of those cheap metal standing fire pits.  This leaves the unit cool enough to clean out the reaction chamber, tubes and damper.  Then I dump the hot coals back in the fire box.  Saves from having to start the fire from scratch.  Load up over the hot coals and I'm back with a good fire in no time.  Only draw back is the standing fire pit tends to make the work area a little smokey.