SF 2600 - Oil Operation as Backup -
The SF 2600 offers a unique option to the homeowner. The ability to have an efficient oil backup heat source built right into a wood/coal furnace.
The operation of the oil burner as a backup system is as simple as setting a thermostat. To use the oil portion of your furnace as a backup proceed as follows:
1.Set the wood/coal thermostat to the comfort level you desire.
2.Set the oil thermostat to a level 5 to 10 degrees but not less than 3 degrees lower than the wood/coal thermostat.
That’s all there is to it. The idea is that when the wood/ coal portion can no longer maintain the level set on that thermostat the oil portion will come on and maintain the temperature set on the oil thermostat.
SF 2600 - Oil Operation Only - In the oil only mode, simply turn the wood/coal thermostat to its lowest setting and select the comfort level you desire on the oil thermostat. The SF 2600 will now act as a standard oil burner and maintain your chosen temperature. NOTE: It is recommended that the wood/ coal fire in the lower portion of the furnace be out or nearly out before going to “oil only” operation.
Curing Paint - During the first few hours of burning, a blue smoke will be observed rising from the painted sur face of the furnace. It is advisable to increase the amount of fresh air in the room during this breaking-in period. This may be achieved by opening doors, windows, etc. Don’t be alarmed. This is normal.
Starting a Wood Fire - Open the bottom door to increase the draft. Take about eight sheets of newspaper, crumbled into balls and place on top of the grates. Next, lay some fine kindling on top of the paper. This kindling must be dry and no larger than 3/4” diameter, and should be layered in a criss-cross pattern to allow good air flow. Then, lay some slightly larger pieces (2” diameter) of wood on top of the kindling. Light the paper at the bottom just inside the door. Now close loading door and allow kindling and wood to catch fire. After about five minutes, close the bottom door and open the loading door an inch or two for a few seconds before opening completely. This method will allow the smoke to clear away from the door opening. Now the fire should be well established and ready for some larger wood. Add four or five pieces of 3” to 4” diameter wood. Close loading door and open bottom door again. Let burn for about 5 minutes. Now open loading door using the same method as before, always closing the bottom door before opening the top door. Now load the firebox with wood to the desired fullness. All Harman furnaces may be loaded with wood as full as possible for high output and long burn time. Then close the door and
allow all the wood to catch fire. The bottom door may again be opened to speed the process. The object is to get the wood burning well enough so it will not go out when the automatic draft shuts back to the idle setting. NOTE: When the bottom door is open, the automatic draft cannot function to reduce the amount of air to the firebox. For this reason, the furnace could overheat.
WARNING: NEVER LEAVE THE BOTTOM DOOR OPEN WHILE FURNACE IS UNATTENDED!
After the wood is burning well, close the bottom door. The automatic draft control will now regulate the fire. The idle control (as shown on Fig. 6) on the flapper door must be adjusted so the fire does not go out or overheat. Experience will dictate the best setting. Normally the two manual draft controls on the loading door are kept closed to burn wood.
Starting A Coal Fire • Use the same procedure as for wood except do not go to large diameter wood. Use wood about 2” in diameter maximum. This size will form very hot wood coals in less time. Here again, the bottom door may be opened to speed the process. When a substantial bed of red wood coals are developed, start adding a thin layer of coal. Pea or nut sized coal is better for starting a fire than stove coal. When the first layer is burning with some blue flame, continue to add thin layers of coal until there is a solid bed of burning coal. Let each layer burn a blue flame before adding another layer. Layers can be added until the bed is approximately ten inches deep. This is about at the top of the firebrick. Most users find that if they keep the two manual draft controls open about one quarter turn, it helps keep the gasses burned off.
NOTE; Close the bottom door as soon as the desired coal bed is made.
Loading - Coal should never be added unless there is a reasonably hot fire. The coal bed should be bright and vigorous. If the fire is burning hot and there is a deep bed of coals, full loads of coal can be added at any time. However, if there is not a deep bed of coals, it is best to add small amounts of coal at first.
Shaking - Shaking should be done only when there is a well-established fire. The frequency of shaking will depend on the degree of burning. Shaking should be done whenever the furnace is refueled. Best results for shaking Harman grates will occur when short choppy strokes are used rather than long even strokes.
